Blog

Preparing Your Own Installation

Posted by Melody on June 4, 2011 at 8:54 PM

Following are some tips for preparing for a show where you are responsible for creating and executing your own display. Consistency in Theme and Technique Collectors want to see work that is consistent. They don't want to see all the work you've ever created while experimenting with different methods and styles.

When preparing to present your work to a gallery or for a show where you are responsible for installing your own work, keep in mind that the body of work you present is what the gallery curator or collector is going to identify you as being expert at. If your work is all over the place in terms of style you will be labeled a "hobbyist".
It is best to select several pieces of the same style and/or method, preferably in the same color scheme or in color schemes that can be easily transitioned within the scope of your display space.

Handling Your Work

It's not only important that you can speak to the value or importance of your work; you must also "show" that you value your work.

According to Jason Horejs at Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ, the reason curators wear white gloves is not just to preserve the art they're handling but also to convey to onlookers that they value the work they are handling.
If a gallery owner or collector were to notice you tossing a painting into the back of your car they would not value that painting as much as if they had seen you carefully and thoughtfully prepare a space for the work and then kindly and gingerly place it into that space.

Presentation - Gallery Style

The way you display your work is very important if you want to be valued as a professional artist. The most important thing I can share with you on this topic is this:

Displays that are cluttered with every piece of work you've ever done scream "Craft Fair!" Unless you are showing at a craft fair, that is not the message you want to send. In this case the "less is more" strategy is your best bet.
Determine a focal point for your display. This should be a prized piece of art that you feel will draw collectors to your display. From there, add a few pieces that will complement that focal piece. If you really want more of your art to be seen, have a portfolio of images with you. This can be on display on a side table or tucked away in a place where it is easily retrievable.

Presentation - Art Festivals & Other Events

Additional Tips if you are presenting at an Arts Festival or other event where you are charged with setting up your own display:

The "less is more" strategy is your best bet.
Coordinate styles and colors in a way that will be pleasing to your audience. If the work you're planning to show is diverse in terms of style, method or color you'll want to find a way to display it so that it flows nicely from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Another idea is to create separate vignettes for each type.

Remember, you want visitors to your display to be drawn in, not scared away!

Working With Event Management

Posted by Melody on May 15, 2011 at 6:56 PM

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If you want to be considered a professional artist, be professional in the way you present your art and in the way you conduct yourself in the art community. That seems like a "no brainer", but trust me when I tell you...it apparently is not to everyone.

Working With Event Management

Part of presenting yourself in a professional manner has to do with following through with commitments. Here are some pointers:

When you apply for a show, be considerate. It's not about you. It's about the show. There are lots of other artists and other things to be coordinated.
Get your application in on time.
Pay your entry fee on time.
Show up on time to appointments.
Arrive on time for events.
Have your display set up by the published deadline time.
Do not tear your display down before the published tear down time.
Do not try to dictate to the event management where your space should be situated because after all, you are a professional artist and have a large number of followers.
If you have to pull out of the event, provide as much notice as possible to the event management. Do not just not show up. When you do not communicate your change of plans to the event manager you do not allow them the opportunity to fill your space or rearrange the space in order to provide a better visitor experience. This reflects badly on you, and you probably will not be invited back.
No Excuses! The quickest way to damage your reputation in any field of work is to practice poor follow through and hide behind excuses. If you've made a mistake, take ownership. You can lose credibility fast in this industry. Be a man or woman of your word and you will become respected by both event management and your peers!

Bringing It Home:

While it is true that some event managers are not as organized, prepared and professional as you might like them to be, it will reflect badly on you if you do not present yourself in the most professional manner. Headaches caused by poor planning on the side of event management should not be related back to your visitors. When the event is over, the visitors will have opinions about the event as a whole, but they will also have opinions about the participating artists with whom they visited. You'll want that opinion to be a good one!

Retune Nashville Online Auction Benefits Uninsured Musicians

Posted by Melody on November 25, 2010 at 9:32 PM

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Retune Nashville is helping uninsured Nashville musicians who lost instruments and other tools of their trade in the May 2010 flood.

Musicians donated their damaged instruments, which were then distributed to local visual artists, who turned them into works of art! I was given part of a banjo body and a mandolin case and created three pieces for the auction.

My art, along with the work of at least 60 other artists will be auctioned off online from now through the end of April 2011. Proceeds from the auction will go back to uninsured musicians to help them get back on their feet.

Click here to visit the auction site and place your bid! Below are pictures of my finished items:

September Art Party! (2010)

Posted by Melody on September 12, 2010 at 5:13 PM

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My artist organization, Artists In Nashville celebrated the first anniversary of Art Party last night! Several of our regular guests were there, as well as many new faces! It was a great time and I'm very fortunate to have the support of several good friends who have been instrumental to the success of our group!

I sold several jewelry items at this show. It's interesting to me how slight variations in placement of items can change what grabs the attention of our guests. Last month my paintings and photos were the hot spot and I ended up selling several photo items. This month the hot items were my jewelry and leather pieces.

Whatever the focus of our guests, I'm always excited to hear what they have to say about my work. It is encouraging to hear good feedback, but it's also interesting to hear about what draws someone to a piece. That's what keeps me going, I guess!

East Nashville Arts Fest 2010

Posted by Melody on June 1, 2010 at 6:34 PM

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I participated in the inaugural East Nashville Arts Fest on May 22 & 23. I haven't done many festivals, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a great experience!

While it wasn't as organized as I'd hoped going in, it came together pretty well. I felt there were a good number of people both days, and I did pretty well in terms of sales in spite of the apparent lack of advertising. (Several people who lived in the area commented that they didn't know the event was happening - they just saw it as they were moving about in the neighborhood!)

It was also extraordinarily hot! As one participant said on Sunday, "It was hot yesterday. Today it's crazy hot!" Yes, it was! And two ten hour days is a lot of time to spend in that kind of heat. My old body wasn't prepared for it, which it let me know round about Tuesday! (You don't want to know the details.) So I'm not sure I'll do another multiple day event that's held out in the weather, but if you're able to take that heat, East Nashville is a great venue!

Here are some pictures of my booth: