Applying to an Art Gallery

I am interested in having my series "Prairie Whispers" tour across Canada, so I am seeking gallery exhibitions. The gallery that I have sent a proposal to is booking shows for 2017 - 2018.

I like to have a professional gallery exhibition once a year. Usually the gallery has a deadline for submissions. Make sure to get your proposal in on time.

First I research the gallery to see if my paintings would be a good match. I need to know the size of the gallery space and how many paintings I would require for a proper showing.

If it is a public gallery, then they usually have a budget to help the artist with expenses. Some will help pay for shipping (one way or both), plus give the artist an honorarium or CARFAC fee. These are important elements to clear up beforehand, so you know what costs are involved.

Now back to the proposal. I include a cover letter describing my intent for the exhibition. Next I send an updated bio or CV, which I usually have on hand, but sometimes needs updating. I make a list of the artwork that I would be showing, with dimensions and pricing. These documents all get printed to paper. Then I save them as a pdf and along with the images are burned onto a DVD.

I design and print a label for the DVD cover, using my artwork. Then I assemble the hard copy package. Using a clean folder, I include all of the above, plus a business card and copies of any newspaper clippings that are relevant.

The whole package is mailed to the gallery. I then send them an email to let them know that it is on it's way. I also will give the gallery a follow-up call in a couple weeks just to make sure the package arrived safely.

Sounds like a lot of work? It is, but well worth it in the end.
How do you prepare for a gallery show?


Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Working from Photographs

On my trip to New Mexico last year I took two cameras with me. I didn't want to risk having one camera conk out. I took hundreds of photos, not wanting to miss anything. When I am in the mood to 'paint New Mexico', the hardest problem is deciding what image to use. I can spend hours going through the photos, happily drifting back into time.

Although I usually work from photos as a reference, at some point the painterly muse takes over. Below are samples of my paintings, with the reference image on the left and the finished piece on the right.

 

 "Colours of Santa Fe", 8 x 8"

The photo was taken on Canyon Road, known for its hundreds of galleries. The streets are lined with warm colours, turquoise painted windows and doors and mucho big potted flowers.

 

"Taos Pueblo Traditions", 8 x 8"

A tour of the Taos Pueblos was, for me, one of the highlights of the trip. I was drawn to the simplicity of the lines of this design. In the end, I felt it needed a bit more colour, thus I added some strokes of grass in the foreground plus a design in the window curtain.

 

"Santa Fe Gallery", 8 x 8"

The curves and colours of the adobe buildings was so inviting, and what I would call the real New Mexico. One could imagine walking through the door and finding a lovely garden studio gallery.

Dreaming of New Mexico ....

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

A New Gallery in Town

This past weekend the Island Arts Magazine was invited to an opening at Ginger Nine Studio & Gallery in Courtenay. First we received an email from them, then we received a personal invitation in the mail. We had to attend!

Walking into the gallery we were very quickly impressed! The front space houses merchandise such as pottery, masks, jewellery ... even bath products (with their logo on them - a smart marketing move.)

The other rooms are gallery space. A unique "Artist's Emporium" divided into little rooms, houses some of the college student's work.

The owner, Tonya, quickly introduced herself to us and began telling us about her vision for the gallery. Her very impressive business plan, not only offers a gallery space, but also print services and a "Paint your own" ceramic room, used for kids parties, special events. etc. Future plans include a kilm for firing pottery and a drop in studio space for members.

Next time you are in Courtenay, make sure to drop by Ginger Nine Studio & Gallery. You'll be glad you did.The address is 130 - 211 Centennial Drive.
 

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

DeCosmos Show on Now

We went to the opening of the DeCosmos Fine Art Society's Summer Show last night. With over 100 paintings on display, it is one of the largest shows that the group has ever had. The place was packed as art lovers were taking their time and enjoying all the lovely work.

Just to spice things up a bit, I decided to enter my "Red Hot Peppers", as shown below.

The show is on until the end of July at the MacMillan Art Gallery in Parksville. If you get a chance in the next couple of weeks, make sure to drop by ... you'll be glad you did!










Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

We do Whatever it Takes

Because of the Island Arts Magazine I get out and about quite a bit. I talk to many artists, I go to a many art shows and art venues and visit artists studios. What I am finding is that most artists have a strong spirit and will do what it takes to make a living doing what they love.

Some are opening art galleries while others have opened coffee shops with art for sale. Some are making DVDs and marketing their work that way and giving up the conventional gallery exhibitions. Others are organizing workshops - while some are getting out of organizing workshops and spending more time painting and marketing their own art.

Whatever it takes. Try different tactics and see what works. Somethings may only work for a short time. That's O.K. You have to know when it is time to move on and try another avenue.

Some artists are marketing their works out of province and others even go out of country with great success.

I find it very interesting and I love hearing about the new directions. One things remains true - that is the love of art and the creative process.

We do whatever it takes in order to keep our passion alive!

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Pearl Ellis Gallery

Another gallery exhibition comes to an end. As some of you already know fellow artist Nanci Cook and I had a joint exhibition of work at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox. The show came down yesterday.

I would like to thank Sheila and Bob Pollock plus all their wonderful volunteers for their help with the exhibition. The Pearl Ellis Gallery is a volunteer run gallery. Without their help there would not be a gallery.

When you have an exhibition at the Pearl Ellis Gallery their promotional package is top-notch. It started with our bios displayed on the Pearl Ellis Gallery's Website. Next along came Shaw Cable to interview both Nanci and myself. Posters were made and distributed throughout the Comox / Courtenay area. On top of that, three local publications carried the biography and show information. Of course we also did our own promotion and mailings. (see blog "Getting Ready for a Show", Feb. 16)

On the opening day I had folks coming up to me and said "I saw that painting in the newspaper", which was really neat to hear. Some had seen the announcement on Shaw Cable as well.

It was a Great Show. BIG thanx to Nanci for sharing the space and the work. Not to mention I sold a couple of pieces plus more folks now know about us in the Comox / Courtenay area. That my friends, is priceless!

Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan

Getting Ready for a Show

Little did I know that when I was accepted for a gallery exhibition 6 months ago, that the time would come so quickly, and here it is only a few weeks away.

Getting ready for a show is, without a doubt is MUCHO WORK.

First is the task of selecting your artwork. What would you like to show? Are you showing a series, working on a theme, newer work, medium, etc. This usually involves taking everything off your walls, collecting your work from other locations, sorting through boxes of art that has been shoved under the bed and in the closets, and selecting the pieces. Selection usually takes me a full day. I find a rainy Sunday works well for this.

Now that the house and studio are totally ripped apart, the task of examining each piece comes next. Are the backs of each piece clearly marked? Are they framed property; no loose wires, no scratches etc. Have you signed the backs of each piece? I started doing this a couple of years ago and quite like this practice. I even put the title and a copyrite on the back as well for authenticity.

Once that is done, then the never ending paperwork begins. I start by making a list of the pieces for the show, the sizes and the price. Make sure all your records are the same. Does the price on your gallery/store coincide with your final price for the show?

Next comes the making of a press release which is to be emailed out to the newspapers. Some galleries will ask for this so they can send out a press release in their own area. Even though you SHOULD already have one on hand, there is always last minute updates to be made.

Now what about advertising? Are you running any ads in the local papers, making posters, etc. There are many free listings available on art related website. All this takes time and effort.

But don't despair, we are almost there!

Once that is done, then you should think about invitations. Are you mailing individual invitations, are you doing an email blast ... how are you letting your patrons and friends know that there even is a show?

Are you totally exhausted yet but still plan on finishing a couple of pieces for the show?

At some point you will have everything in place and under control and at this point you ... simply let it all go and stop worrying, as you know you have done your very best!

I actually LOVE having gallery exhibitions and try to have a couple a year. They are a Heck of a Lot of Fun! They are important to do as it gets your name out there and often into a whole different area then you are use to.

There is always some good things come from a show, whether it is new contacts, an opportunity down the road ... and possibly new sales or commissions.

That being said ... please join me with fellow artist Nanci Cook on March 20th at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox for our "Meet and Greet".

Hmmm ... that reminds me, was I suppose to bring the coffee?

Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan