Anatomy of an Art Show
It's one bloody little achievement after the other. (Joseph P. Blodgett)
Well, you can't have a show without a body of work and for the last three years that has been my focus. Although, I have sold quite a few pieces, I have continued to replace with more paintings. I am currently showing my work at the Cultural Community Center, which is my fourth venue so far this year, with a fifth to follow in November at Fast Frame. I am very pleased with the outcome.
Most of the places I showed this year were planned between a year and six months ahead of time. Some shows were very focused on selling work and others were to get exposure. The Cultural Community Center has up to 4,000 people visitors a month.
I thought I would give you an idea how this show evolved from beginning to end, perhaps giving you some ideas for your future shows. Not all venues are the same so you have to plan accordingly.
First, I visit the venue prior to the show and take measurements as well as get a general idea of where I will put my art. This gives me an idea of how big the pieces can be and the groupings that will create the most impact. It's important to know exactly what you will need and the requirements that are set up by the venue coordinator; always important to contact them and confirm any last minute details, plus the specific time that they want you to set up. I was lucky enough they had hangers for the paintings, a ladder and a platform cart for loading and unloading.
At home prior to the show, I pulled all the pieces that I thought would give me the most dramatic show. By sorting the paintings by size, it not only helped me figure the amount of paintings to bring, but was much easier to load in the car.
Taking account of how many pieces that are needed for the show should be done way ahead of time, especially if you need to paint more paintings. Luckily, I had a body of work.
I then make labels for all my paintings, including the details of each piece: the title, the size, medium, my name, email and website address.
I also printed out a one page Biography to be put on display with my business cards.
I have a bag that I bring that is always on hand and ready, that include hangers, my business cards, a tape measure, calculator and blue tape. The blue painters tape is great for adhering the labels below each painting, without taking any paint off the walls. I also make a list of all my paintings that I bring. Sometimes I don't use every painting brought to the venue. After I complete the hanging, I use my list to account for each piece used. The ones not used I just cross out. I give a copy to the coordinator and keep one for myself, as well as keep a copy of any contract signed.
I chose to use fairly large paintings at the Community Center because they had so many large walls. Small paintings would have disappeared and showed little impact.
Also very important, bring some help. Two hands are always better than one.
Lastly, notify your customers about the particulars of your show, by sending an invitation, an email, a personal phone call or a newsletter.
Here are the details and location of the show. I would love for you to contact me if you are in the area. I can meet you there and also take you out to lunch.
CCC Art Exhibit Date:
August 26, 2014-September 25, 2014
Time:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Time Details:
Art Exhibit Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location:
Community and Cultural Center
Address:
17000 Monterey Road
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Contact:
(408) 782-0008
Cost:
FREE
If you would like to contact me, either email me at jvander51@msn.com or call (408) 460-7237 Thank you!
An Idea Comes to Fruition
I have been envisioning this show since last year. Taking workshops from Alyson B. Stanfield made me realize I needed to start focusing on showing my work. So, I had an idea last year to combine wine with art. Since I love both, it seemed like a perfect match.
I pitched my idea to the food and beverage manager at CordeValle. She was working on bringing high quality wine tasting to the club. It was a perfect time to introduce my idea. The idea evolved and soon she gave me a few wineries to choose from. I chose Buoncristiani .
It was a beautiful day and day turned into night. Decorated with wonderful lights and a spectacular backdrop of Lion’s Gate Valley, the show was off to a great start. Nate Buoncristiani, was a lovely man and we worked so well together, he pouring beautiful wine and my art encircling the Oak Terrace, caught the attention of the private members of CordeValle. It turned out to be a sensational event. The stars were out, the air was warm, the people stayed and enjoyed the moment.
I have to say that it was a wonderful idea that came to fruition. It turned out to be their best wine tasting event ever, lasting well through the night. It was a success for CordeValle and also for me; nothing like a win-win situation.
*Painting above "View From Il Vignio"-30" x 40" Acrylic and oil on canvas, $3000 SOLD
2K14 CURRENT FOOTAGE 8980 SQ. INCHES
*ALL ART FROM JANET VANDERHOOF’S FINE ART GALLERY, MAYBE SEEN IN JANET’S STUDIO AT MORGAN HILL, CA. YOU MAY PURCHASE THROUGH CONTACTING MY EMAIL JVANDER51@MSN.COM OR PHONE (408) 460-7237. THANK YOU!
2K14 Challenge
2K14 is my third consecutive art challenge. In 2012 my challenge was called Paint 52, of which I painted 52 paintings in one year. Challenge Art20k for 2013 was successfully completed painting over 20,000 square inches for that year. Year 2014 will be different; it won’t just be about painting. It’s time to market my work. In fact, my word for this year is “exhibit”.
I have built a body of work for the past two years. Many pieces have not been seen in person, but only on social media, Twitter and Facebook. I plan on having three or more Art shows this year.
I still continue to paint numerous paintings this year. My goal is to paint 15,000 to 20,000 square inches. Because of your requests for smaller affordable paintings, I will be painting a variety of sizes. Don’t forget to contact me for commissions as well.
I’m currently showing at Gilroy Arts Alliance. The show will continue until January 12, hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 2:00-5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please subscribe to my newsletter for further information on showings.
Thank you so much and hope 2014 brings you much success!
PS Look for posts of my paintings on Twitter @JanetVanderhoof #2K14 and also on Facebook.
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
The Pitch
What is a Pitch?
Just like baseball, a great media pitch is an opportunity to catch the attention of the recipient. The best pitches come from an angle not necessarily expected, which forces the receiver to take notice.
Luckily, I had Alyson B Stanfield’s wonderful book, “I’d Rather Be in the Studio”, a must have for every artist. Following her “how to”, I emailed it to my local newspaper and within 2 hours I not only got a response, but they also wanted to do a feature story on me.
Here is the pitch.
Dear Mr. Mark Derry,
An unexpected thing happened to me on my way to the door after Christmas dinner in 2011. Just like “Field of Dreams” I heard a voice, say I will paint 100 paintings in one year.
I have been an artist for the last 20 years, inspired to follow my dreams as a painter after my son with Down syndrome was born.
After much discernment I decided to challenge myself to paint a painting a week. I completed the challenge to paint 52 paintings on December 31, 2012 and now I have a challenge to paint 20,000 square inches for the year 2013.
“If you Paint They Will come”, has been my motto throughout this challenge. Great things have been happening as a result of this challenge one being an invitation to share 17 pieces of my work at Odeum Restaurant in Morgan Hill from May 30th to July 4th 2013, through the Art Around Town project of Valle de Sur Art Organization.
I hope this may interest you,
Janet Vanderhoof
(408) 460-7237
The newspaper article ended up being on the front page and a two page article with colored photos. Above photo by Morgan Hill Times, Chief Photographer Laura Schraft, article by Scott Forstner, staff writer.
Through Art We Can Change the World
“Fundraising is an extreme sport!” ~Marc A. Pitman
Twitter Art Exhibit the brainchild of Swedish Artist David Sandum, is a nonprofit organization, now in full force with their third exhibit in process. Past exhibits in 2010, at the Moss Library in Norway provided books for children and 2012 also in Moss, Norway provided funds to the Women’s Crisis Center.
The next Twitter Art Exhibit, January 2013, will be held in Los Angeles at the Exhale Unlimited Gallery, proceeds will support underserved youth in L.A.'s Rampart District (ages 18 – 25) in preparation for careers in the visual arts. The goal to surpass their last event of 360 artists from 32 countries. Participate by submitting a 4” x 6” postcard size art piece, which will be sold for $35.00 ea. Please check out http://twitterartexhibit.org/callforartists for further information on participation. Deadline for Submission is Friday, January 4, 2013, so hurry Twitter aritists and create your piece. I will be submitting “Powel Street Cable Car 25”.
Painting 4” X 6” cards can be extremely fun. The following 3 paintings resulted, in desire to capture the right painting for the Twitter Art Exhibit event.
I hope Twitter Artists you can participate in the event it is such a great cause and a wonderful way for artists to have an impact on the world.
“Through art we can change the world” David Sundum