Open Space Arts Training with Penny Shaw
Many galleries, art shows and art groups are run by the volunteer members and other art lovers that just want to share not only their art, but the art created by others. The gallery Open Space Arts is peopled by such volunteers. And quite often ARE the artists that have art up at the current art show.
Art Gallery Training
How does a volunteer learn the nuances of running a gallery?
How do they ring up a sale?
What do they say to the visitors?
How do you open, close?
There are those questions and so many more, that the volunteer, docent or helper will need to know to answer questions from the visitors and to properly credit an art sale when a visitor wants to purchase art.
Tony Muller videoed the last training session given by Penny Shaw on November 12. Here is that video:
The agenda items include introductions, history of OSA and PWAS, work
procedures, shifts, where to find information, script to use when
greeting visitors, opening and closing procedures.
Questions Often Asked
1. When did OSA start?
Quick History of Open Space Arts - OSA was first opened as an art gallery on Friday, November 26, 2021 through Sunday, November 28, 2021. The community loved it so much, the Prince William Art Society (PWAS), that had their art on display, was asked to stretch the show until mid December 2021.
Then in early 2022, PWCAC - the Prince William County Arts Council approached PWAS again and asked if we would manage the gallery with the idea of promoting the art of ALL Prince William County artists. The idea would include all artists, over the age of 18. All of the art would be juried in to show. The artists needed to be a resident of PWC OR they could be a member of a PWC art group.
Thus, Open Space Arts began showing the art of local artists in April 2022.
2. Do I Need to Take the Training Session?
We encourage all volunteers to take the training in person as there are some "on the job" lessons that can only be asked, answered, addressed while at the gallery, in person. It is also understood that the timing may be off when a person joins or needs to start at the gallery, hence the need for this video. We also encourage any newer folks to volunteer when a more veteran volunteer is on a shift to learn even more.
*Please note that this post and video are available to anyone online, but no information is posted that is security or private to PWCAC, PWAS or OSA.
Workshop Author: Penny Shaw
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA
Photography/Video Credits:
Tony Muller
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
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