Artist Trust auction: the anticipation builds
My artwork is delivered for the Artist Trust auction...
... and now, the anticipation. I can't wait to see everyone's amazing work in person!
Artist Trust auction 2014. Credit: Robert Wade/Artist Trust
Online ticket sales are done, but there will still be a few at the door. You can either bid on the mindblowing selection of art works on display, or you can purchase an art experience. Like lunch with an author...
or a private tour of an artist's island studio. You lucky thing, you.
Credit: Robert Wade/ Artist Trust
Besides all the fabulousness, every ticket-holder is buying a little more time for artists to do what they do -- make art. Artist Trust is one of the few organizations that gives grant money directly to artists, as well as providing other invaluable resources and connections.
Credit: Robert Wade/Artist Trust
Gotta go make sure I have a Little Black Dress for the occasion. I should probably scrub the paint off my nails too, so I might be a while...
But what if my art doesn't sell?
First rule of being an artist who sells their work: get into the studio.
I wish I could say my collage portraits flew out the door of Alki Arts so fast that my head is still spinning.
Talking to O. David Jackson at Alki Arts' celebration of Black History Month. Credit: Alki Arts
But no, not true. Lots of lovely compliments, but apparently people don't really know what to do with it. Recently art business consultant Alyson Stanfield blogged on what to do about fangirls/fanboys who love your work, but not enough to buy it. Not surprisingly, my artist friends had some intense discussions on Facebook about it.
Of course, selling art and making it are two different things. And perhaps galleries aren't the way I should go right now: perhaps I would be better off setting up trunk shows at friends' houses, or pursuing museum exhibitions, or making one type of work for festivals while exhibiting work like this elsewhere.
When things aren't going right... go left. Speaking of which, can you give me an example of what you've done when things aren't going the way you want? Leave a comment or tell me on Facebook.
Alki Arts reception: so much love in the room
Can I just tell you how much looooove there was at Alki Arts Gallery last night? Maybe it was because there were so many PEOPLE at the opening reception.
I talked myself hoarse about my work with interested visitors, which is a lovely problem to have.
Talking the ear off of O. David Jackson, co-creator of the annual show. Credit: Alki Arts
Like most art walks, it's a little more "walk (and see gorgeous work)" than "(buying) art (on the spot)." But My Wall, as I like to call it, will be up for another 23 days. So we'll see if someone comes back to collect a piece they've fallen in love with.
My fellow EDGE program grad Mary Lamery and me.
Special thanks to the following:
- my artist peeps who came out to show support, including Jennifer Chin, Mary Lamery, Mary Freiburger, Esther Ervin, Al Doggett and Earnest Thomas
- my new friends, including O. David Jackson and fellow artists Robin Weiss and Carol Braden
- and the enthusiastic people who've Liked my art Page.
These are the connections that support artists emotionally. And don't forget financial support: Rembrandt doesn't have bills to pay, but living artists like me do!