Miss the Party?
Friday, February 3, 2023 Did you miss the party? We recently had an artist reception for the "African American Voices and Visions" art show at Open Space Arts at Stonebridge. If you missed it, you missed a great one! Art receptions have a good many benefits - from promoting art to the whole community, a bit of networking, getting to know the artists, to just plain fun! The benefits to the artists, especially newer artists, can be invaluable as well.
Meet Artists at the Show
I'm going to take the opportunity to share the benefits of being at the art reception here along with pictures of this party of Friday, February 2023.
The Artists with Their Art
For the Guests: You don't have to know the artists, but you can meet them. If you see artwork you like, see if the artist is there and tell them! Understand that they may get called off to meet others though, as often happens, so their time needs to be spread around the gallery.
It
would be nice if a piece of art had a button you could press and the
storyteller (the artist) would tell you about what you are looking at.
Alas, you are more often left to interpret the meaning of the piece on
your own unless the artist happens to be nearby. Which can happen at an artist reception!
For the Artist: Art receptions can help build confidence for the artist, not only in speaking about their art and getting in all the picture taking (thus promotional materials), but the hobnobbing with the art community in attendance at large. It is good practice for an artist (especially shy ones) to get out there and learn how to talk about their art.
Now, on with the Show...
Celebrating "African American Voices and Visions" this February, Open Space Arts is featuring 24 artists this month, in a variety of mediums and styles.
Enjoy all of the Artistic Entertainments
Go to an art reception, whether as a visitor or if you are an artist! You will often experience live music, food and beverage, poetry or a literary reading and/or more.
- Unless otherwise stated, when the art reception says "open to the public", that means everyone is welcome to attend.
- There is not an art gallery "dress code". We have visitors strolling in that just went out to eat and stop in. Or they are shopping and stopping. You can dress nicely and comfortably but there isn't any requirement on dress, other than that you are.
- Date night? Why not walk the gallery?
- You can stay as long as you like - enjoy the food, drink available - but don't do the too much route (especially if there is alcohol!).
- You are NOT obligated to buy art or art prints. Of course, the artist(s) are happy if you do, but the Open Space Art artist receptions are free (as most art receptions are).
Other Artist and Gallery Note Ideas:
- Have a guest book - for guests to sign (think email list too)
- Have name tags - especially for the artists
- Introduce the artists! Find a way to have your artists stand out.
- Welcome visitors at the door and hand out brochures, name tags, or artist/gallery/upcoming events, promo materials at the door. Gift bag them!
- Artists: Have your business cards on you - just in case
- Have noticeable gallery "help" persons so that guests know who to go to if they are interested in art purchasing or more info.
- Have less expensive art and art prints available for 'cash and carry' pieces, so that anyone can support the artists!
- Got easels? Of course you do! Strategically place and promote - anything. Even if its the next art reception/show.
- Children's art table - something to keep the youngsters busy during the event.
- Be
Photo ready - remember that although typically taking photos of the art
itself is often discouraged, at an art reception, there are
photographers taking photos of everyone for publicity and social media
and of course, Artistry Spin. YOU, the artist are on display, from all angles as well!
The beauty of an art show reception is that the space is already decorated with great art in the background! Picture what other events could use a space like Open Space Arts.
A BIG thank you to all that did ALL of the work in having such an AWESOME artist reception! Great job!
And if you 'Missed the Party', we'll see you at the next one!
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The
Prince William Art Society is a 50-year-old non-profit art group in PWC
for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern
Virginia.
Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an
artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member
of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's
emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.
Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership
