Wednesday, November 22, 2006

The Elverhoj Show

Well, just finished up with the Artist Reception at the Elverhoj Museum in Solvang. It went really well despite a low number of people showing up. I was happy that of the 30 or so I invited we had at least 13 or so show up.

I am learning that where I live a lot of the artists seem to not really go out of their way to support each other. That's a shame. I'm surprised at how few invitations we receive to go to other artists shows. In this last show it became very apparent how many artists submit work for a show, get juried in but then fail to do anything to promote the show at all. Despite being asked to be at the show between 4-7pm many of the artists left by 6pm. They don't really seem to be that interested in promoting their art or the particular show at all. I don't really understand that mentality. Seems a shame to work so hard creating art and get it into shows but when it comes time to show and promote it they really have no interest.

We invited people who all live within an hours drive. I had a friend I've known since 2nd grade show up who drove 2 1/2 hours to get here....and then drove home! I had a neighbor who was busy with her friends and family out of town hurry all the way back to show up only to get here as the show closed and we were walking out.....but we went back in to show her the work. Very cool people made the attempt and showed up. Of my fellow artists, only 1 showed up from Lompoc. Even my framers showed up!! It's nice when people show up and I'm grateful.

I guess I should understand. Art isn't everyones bag. I suppose it would be easier to sell tickets to a Little League pancake breakfast. Still, we had a great time and lots of laughs at the show. The Museum curator, Esther, did an all out job preparing the show including installing new lights to light each piece individually.....and providing the wine!. Kudos for Esther. Here are some pics........




2 comments:

Ryan Evans said...

Hi Ron

Glad the show went well. Its a shame that others haven't put in much effort to promote the event. I've been trying to find events here that I can get involved in without much success. I would love the opportunity to show work and meet like-minded art enthusiasts.

Ryan

Ron Guthrie said...

Hi Ryan,
Despite the low attendance there was plenty of enthusiasm from all who did come to the show.

I started getting involved by joining my local artist guild. Lots of events are put on by these organizations. If you don't have a local guild Ryan try joining another guild as close to home as possible. I'm in 3 guilds now and the farthest is about 80 miles away. Also, if you can get together with other local artists you could form your own guild.
Good luck with it.
Ron