To put on a succesful art show there are many things to consider and steps that could easily go overlooked. First is the concept. One which must be specific enough to be cohesive in theme while yet broad enough to include a variety of artists, styles and perspectives. After an idea has formed it is required to created a formulated prospective for the show including timelines, fees, locations and forms. Clearly it must be coherent, stark and concise. It's a tediously technical side many don't think of because along with it's creation is the distribution. Endless time of posting and sharing because what good is a show if you have no entries. Living in a big city is great. More people to spread the word to but oh what a double edge sword as you must cleverly find ways to reach all these individuals through various resources and social media. The come the entries. Sometime a trickle one by one and then what else to expect but then a flood all at once. Though I will never be one to complain about ample entries. More options is never a negative. Spend some time and sift, sift, sift. Decidedly choices are made and notifications are sent out to the chosen ones. Of course these notifications are drafted, reviewed, critiqued and revised into sublime perfection... and then sent. The gallery types gather all the critical information such as titles, prices, dimensions, medium and that ever so important artist statement. All of this is to be made into tags and kept for records. A time consuming and yet vitally important task. The work must of course arrive to the gallery. In some cases you can ship work in but in most you must drop it off. If an individual can make the original drop off time we are incredibly grateful of your commitment and flexibility. For those who schedule with us another time, we are equally as grateful since you went out of your way for the show. Others.... well lets move on. We of course put up the work ourselves. It may be grunt work but it is some of the most valuable knowledge you will ever gain. So break out your level, hammer, nails and measuring tape and get things in order. A show must have a natural flow and balance. A mix between style and matter so as to keep movement through the space. It is a talent of it's own to logistically put a show together like Tetris while not compromising the aesthetic integrity. Show is hung and labels are placed but lets not forget the wine and food. We provide that from the gallery's pocket for you and your enjoyment. The music you love listening to in the background; it's our job to find these musicians and set them up appropriately in the space. The final step is promotion which may in fact be the hardest because everyone uses social media but it seems like no one is on the same one and no one wants to commit or they simply forget. It takes repetition and constant exposure and even then it's a challenge. The people behind the scene in an art gallery takes a lot of work that lasts long hours but it's the most incredible job in the world when it's all complete and yo can look at it in one fluid track.Along with the note of promotion let me say a word for a great little gallery on Coronado Island. The Undiscovered Gallery works incredibly hard and even though it does not appear to be a conventional gallery it has just as much credit and spirit. They are hosting a show titled "Not The Only Dreamer". It lasts until the end of January but the opening night is tomorrow night, November 30th from 5pm-8pm. It is on the 3rd floor of Coronado Plaza(1330 Orange Ave Coronado CA)-just take the elevator. I urge you to show your support and stop by if you're in the area.
