2010 - TUXEDO - 40 x 30 - mixed media
So there I was, beginning to send out folders and disks and printed whoopee stuff to galleries around the region, trying to get someone's attention. Needed to off-load some of these paintings that were starting to talk back to me since a few of my galleries had closed or cut back. It's not a pretty pass time as most of you know and my lack of enthusiasm for this cold calling process was not helping. It's very humiliating to not even get a return email most of the time and hurts almost as much to get the note that indicates they thought long and hard about your work but it just wasn't what they were looking for at that time. Sure, I have several good galleries but seems I'm painting more than they can handle, for reasons which we are all too familiar.
So... somewhere along the networking line, my name and website are mentioned by a friend at the right time and place... and voila! wheels begin to turn. A few email discussions later, I load the Prius and we make tracks for Asheville, NC. I take a dozen paintings, they decide on eight keepers... and I'm delighted to be represented in this lovely city once again.
Gallery Minerva is right in the middle of town on Biltmore Ave, near the museum and other major galleries.
Here's to a long and profitable relationship! And another toast to networking!
>>CLINK<<
7 comments:
I'm so happy for you, Karen. I hate cold calling and I really hate rejection- I just got another one last week! I try to keep plugging along... But it is VERY discouraging out there! Glad to read some good news!
Fabulous news, Karen.
I cut just cut and paste this in my blog... except for finding a new gallery. Guess we all feel the same way about all this cold calling thing.
I've about decided galleries like to think they found you on their own or through their current artists/patrons, etc. Only thing is..sometimes this is just not going to work for the average artist trying to find another gallery.
It's not so great to not go to your studio as usual due to lack of space for all the paintings accumulating.
The whole thing boils down to 'timing, timing, timing'.
I'm trying to think back to a gallery connection (and I've had a bunch over the years) which was the result of sending out this stuff! They've either found me on their own or through a connection. If I had it in me to do newsletters, I think that might be a way to go... just photo updates to people who showed a bit of interest, not chatty stuff. But I'm over the brim with technology in my life...
well its good to know and yet not so good to know that even someone with your history and presence STILL has to keep hustling up some action on occasion.
glad to hear this is a new show and space for you. clink back!
Cheers! Here's to your making a big splash in Asheville, I know you will do well there!
love love love this piece!
I like the abstract.
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