Art Matters is an art show and fundraiser organized by the San Marino Art League at the Huntington Gardens . Last night I attended it and showed my artwork. It was the first time I was juried in . I wasn't sure what to expect so I was a bit surprised when I found out it was quite the swanky affair. Very good artists and art and lots of collectors.
Which brings me to the point of this post. It is hard sometimes to gauge what kind of art to present to different shows. Shows have "personalities"so to speak.
Naturally you always want to sell whatever you hang in a show and be proud of what you present no matter what the venue is. However, when I don't have all the facts, it is hard for me to decide on subject matter, size, even framing and price. For example, I was surprised to discover during Telluride Plein Air that most paintings sold at that event were not of the mountains or birches but of the actual town.
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| Art Matters. Cocktails. |
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| Art Matters. Dinner at the Huntington gardens. |
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| Art Matters. Gallery. |
So now that I actually entered Art Matters! I have much better idea of what kind of art to enter next time. Below two examples of pieces perfectly suited for this show -and many others- that Michael Obermeyer piece is splendid. This was a classy affair for a discerning moneyed public slanted to the conservative. It was a knowledgeable crowd that likes images of recognizable subject matter. The gallery itself was visually challenging with the lattice and the hanging by volunteers. So you are better off with bigger sizes and simplicity of design. Detail can be lost or crowded out. What I would not recommend is "paint for a show" but when you have several options, it really helps to know your venue.
Ok, so even if you don't sell anything the first time, it is invaluable to attend and have fun -after all, you were juried in- and pay attention to what flies off the walls. Crossing my fingers for tomorrows open-to-the-public showing.
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| Art Matters. Michael Obermeyer piece. Now. That's a "little gem". |
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| Debra Holaday expertly showing her pieces. |
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