Bad Host, Good Host
In my previous post, "If you don't want me there...don't invite me", I discussed the importance of being a good host when having an exhibition. Well the time has come to start exposing bad hosts and complimenting good hosts. I guess the thing that surprises me is how easy it is to be a good host and why more artists don't exhibit those qualities.
My last venture out to one of the art districts brought me to Spark Gallery. There are two artists showing work and the gallery was empty. If you don't know, Spark Gallery is in the same building as Core New Art Space, a movable wall separates the two galleries. On that evening, CORE was packed. They had a new show that had lots of artists and I believe they all showed up. Spark on the other hand was empty.
I began looking at the work by Angela Larson. I was intrigued by the work, especially at the backwards writing on her pieces. She nodded with a quiet Hello and disappeared. I hung out in the gallery for a while examining the work. I kept looking at the pieces, moving from one to another. Every so often Angela would come out and see me looking at the work and then retreat to their staff room. I looked at the art from all angles, the only thing I didn't do was take the art of the walls and still she never approached me, asked me a question, or cared if I was interested or not. I believe that showing your work comes with responsibility. If you're not up to the responsibility of being a good host, save us all a lot of trouble and don't show the work.
On the other hand, I had a completely different experience at Translations Gallery. I was looking at the exhibition by Deborah Kruger. The next thing I knew Deborah was standing next to me, extending her hand in greeting and introducing herself. She shared some of her inspiration with me and hung out with me as I explored the body of work. She was gracious and proud. Deborah is the definition of a good host.
The outcome is that I'm more inclined to buy art from someone I like than someone I don't like. That's the way of the world. Think about big purchases, a car, furniture, art; we buy things from people we know and people we like. That's the way of the world. Don't get caught with your pants down. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Learn to be a good host.
Grateful for the hospitality...
Greg
helping artists create successful and sustainable art businesses
My last venture out to one of the art districts brought me to Spark Gallery. There are two artists showing work and the gallery was empty. If you don't know, Spark Gallery is in the same building as Core New Art Space, a movable wall separates the two galleries. On that evening, CORE was packed. They had a new show that had lots of artists and I believe they all showed up. Spark on the other hand was empty.
I began looking at the work by Angela Larson. I was intrigued by the work, especially at the backwards writing on her pieces. She nodded with a quiet Hello and disappeared. I hung out in the gallery for a while examining the work. I kept looking at the pieces, moving from one to another. Every so often Angela would come out and see me looking at the work and then retreat to their staff room. I looked at the art from all angles, the only thing I didn't do was take the art of the walls and still she never approached me, asked me a question, or cared if I was interested or not. I believe that showing your work comes with responsibility. If you're not up to the responsibility of being a good host, save us all a lot of trouble and don't show the work.
On the other hand, I had a completely different experience at Translations Gallery. I was looking at the exhibition by Deborah Kruger. The next thing I knew Deborah was standing next to me, extending her hand in greeting and introducing herself. She shared some of her inspiration with me and hung out with me as I explored the body of work. She was gracious and proud. Deborah is the definition of a good host.
The outcome is that I'm more inclined to buy art from someone I like than someone I don't like. That's the way of the world. Think about big purchases, a car, furniture, art; we buy things from people we know and people we like. That's the way of the world. Don't get caught with your pants down. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Learn to be a good host.
Grateful for the hospitality...
Greg
helping artists create successful and sustainable art businesses
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