The recent post about Gallery Reception No Nos inspired me to whip up a top 5 list of gallery reception yesses for young artists… I hope it’s helpful!
- Show up. Everyone – the gallery, the artist(s), other attendees – appreciates a lively, well-attended reception. That only happens when people actually show up! Support your friends and your community by attending events as regularly as you can. And once you’re there, be a good guest. Being a friendly, appropriate, regular attendee at your favorite galleries and shows is one of the best ways to build community and good will.
- Be kind. You are a guest at someone else’s event. If you genuinely like the show, compliment the gallery and/or artist(s). Even if the show is obviously a hit, it’s still really great to hear. It doesn’t have to be a big exchange and don’t bother if it isn’t sincere. But if the show moves you and you have the opportunity, a simple “nice show” is always appreciated. On the other hand, if you don’t like it, keep your mouth shut. You can talk about how much you hate the work with your friends once you’ve left the gallery. But talking about it while you’re there is just plain rude.
- Be respectful of the evening’s purpose. Yes, a reception is absolutely the moment when an artist or artists gets to celebrate their hard work and share their vision. It’s a bit of a party. But even more so, it’s a work event for the artist and gallery – a key opportunity for them to chat with collectors, cultivate new business relationships, and hopefully get the rent paid that month. So just keep that in mind. If someone approaches the gallerist or artist while you’re chatting, politely step aside. It may be a potential collector. If the gallery is uncomfortably crowded, consider moving on so others have a chance to view the work. And of course don’t engage in any behavior more appropriate at a frat house party, or in your living room, than at someone else’s business event.
- Be aware of your environment. This one can be tough, particularly on a cold night when you have a big coat, or if you’ve come straight from someplace else and have a bag with you. But try to keep your personal space contained. Keep a safe and respectful distance from artwork and other attendees at all times. Never rub or lean on walls. Don’t set anything down on the floor or desk. If there’s a coat check, use it. If you’re having a long conversation, step aside so people can get around you and/or view the work. Be mindful of your beverage. And if you really want to be a hero, if you do see or cause a spill or problem, alert the gallery staff immediately so they can take care of it and keep the evening safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Network appropriately. There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling people you are an artist. You should be incredibly proud of that fact and shout it from the rooftops every chance you get. However, there are appropriate, and inappropriate times, places and ways to network. A gallery reception is someone else’s moment. You are a guest. If you have a sincere conversation with someone who expresses an interest in what you do, by all means give them a business card so they can look up your website, join your email list, connect with you on social media, etc. But anything more than that is unacceptable. Don’t pass out or leave your materials, co-opt their computer, counter space, or guests to push your agenda. That kind of aggressive, insensitive self-promotion will piss people off and ultimately work against you.
So there’s a theme here, right? Do unto others… Put yourself in their shoes… All that good stuff. The bottom line is, as with most things in life, the art world is built on relationships. Some form slowly. Others more quickly. Some nurture your creative soul. Others may break your well-meaning art heart. But if you go into every reception, situation and relationship with good intentions and some sensitivity to other peoples’ perspectives, you set yourself up to have a the best possible experience, present yourself well, and build lasting, fruitful relationships.