Another month has flown by!
WEBSITE:
Our website has been completely revamped by Andrew Harvie. If you are having trouble accessing our website, previously ‘bookmarked\favorited’, please visit and favorite it at: www.hantscountyartscouncil.com
If you experience any difficulties, see any errors or anything missing with our new website please let me or Andrew Harvie know.
4th annual FESTIVAL OF ART
We are now less than three weeks from the 4th annual Festival of Art; May 28-30. To sure up numbers so that we know how much work we need to accommodate, we will be calling members and past members to confirm whether or not they intend to participate this year.
If you will be participating in this year’s show (regardless of whether or not you have already sent in your application form) would you please reply to this e-mail and let me know. It would be greatly appreciated.
We ran a quarter page ad (Call to Artist) in the Hants Journal a few weeks ago. This will be followed up by a quarter page ad and feature article (in the Hants Journal) in the two weeks prior to the show. Additionally, Nadine surprised us with two free promotional articles in recent Hants Journals.
Special event
The presentation given by sculptors Joseph Landry and Brian Gazeley was well attended and
made for an informative, interesting and colourful evening. Free brochures on Art Marketing were given out. Thanks again to Sandra MacDonald who donated one of her pieces to their foundation so that we could be given this presentation.
What happened at our AGM?
Nomination of Directors
The following were nominated as Directors:
Sandra MacDonald
David Howells
John Webb
Kristie Sheehy
Andrew Harvie
Tacha Reed
Election of Officers
The following were nominated as Officers:
Sandra MacDonald - President
David Howells - VP
Karen Harvie - Secretary & Treasurer
New Gallery
Jeff Redden (Home Hardware - Windsor) attended our AGM to talk about the partnering between Home Hardware and the HCAC regarding the gallery space at Home Hardware. Here are some of the details.
- the name will be Fort Edward Art Gallery
- the grand opening will be September 23 (this is for the gallery and the new expansion)
- it will open with a solo exhibition of Guenter Burr’s work
- the gallery will have its own sign
- as you know, an e-mail (‘logo competition‘) was sent out to all members inviting them to submit up to three designs for the new logo for this sign
- the plan is to have all artists that participated in the logo design competition on hand at the grand opening, to acknowledge their participation, publicly announce the winner and have the grand unveiling of the new sign
- the plan is to hold solo exhibitions throughout the year, with group exhibitions every six months
- the group shows would be for emerging artists
- solo shows would be for more established artists
- each show will be for four weeks
- Jeff will make the final call regarding the caliber of the work and suitability for a solo exhibition
- Jeff will be having a monthly flyer distribution of 20,000 to promote each show (these flyers will cover Hants County and other areas including; Chester, Wolfville, Canning, Port Williams, Mount Uniacke, Sackville)
- as previously mentioned, there will be a 30% commission (5% will go to the HCAC, Jeff’s 25% will be taken in artwork…and will be put on permanent display in the hallways and offices at Home Hardware)
- the Gallery Committee (dealing with Jeff) is: Tacha Reed, Kristie Sheehy, Jaki Durocher and David
Culture Days
At our AGM it was unanimous that the arts council participate in Culture Days (a national governmental initiative), September 24-26. The Hants County Arts Council (HCAC) has registered Guenter Burr’s solo exhibition (to be held at the Fort Edward Art Gallery, Windsor - opening September 23rd), as the HCAC’s participation in this event.
Event Registration heading is: Fort Edward Art Gallery grand opening - solo exhibition of Guenter Burr.
For more information about this event please visit: http://www.culturedays.ca/
Members Kelly Mitchelmore and Gerald Jank staged a very nice joint exhibition of their work at Phoenix Hollow B&B. Congratulations on a show well done!
OUR HOME...the new and improved look:
www.hantscountyartscouncil.com
For past Newsletters, please visit: http://www.hantscountyartscouncil.blogspot.com/
Suggestions regarding our current Newsletters are always welcome. If you would like to suggest a topic for discussion, write something or have an article that you think others should know about, please send them to me.
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful spring weather.
David
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Here’s some food for thought!
Practicing Quiet Confidence
by Lori Woodward
I am not a confident person by nature, and I suspect that it's human nature to worry about our actions, words and abilities from time to time. However, over the years, I have learned the art of displaying an attitude of quiet confidence - especially while showing my artwork to collectors.
In order to attain quiet confidence, I must first understand how "confidence" differs from "arrogance" or "false humility". Ultimately, the quality of my work is what will lead me to sales, but I must also avoid negative body language and phrases -- so that I don't unconsciously talk someone out of buying a painting they love.
Years ago, I took a collector friend to another artist's studio. This collector, let's call her Elizabeth, already loved the artist's work - I'll call the artist Robert. When we entered Robert's studio, Elizabeth was immediately taken by a painting of an interior with a woman sitting at a table. This collector had the means to buy practically any painting in the studio - so she inquired about the painting saying that it was lovely. However, Robert responded with, "I'm not really very happy with that painting". Needless to say, he lost the sale, and at the same time insulted Elizabeth's taste.
Avoiding False Humility and Arrogance
Many of us artists ruin our chances for a sale because we hold extreme attitudes - either being arrogant or else downplaying our work with false humility. Most of the time, we know when our painting has hit the mark, and we also are aware when we've missed that mark. As we become more experienced technically, our standards rise, and we begin to think some our paintings are less than worthy - when in reality, they are still very good. If someone obviously responds to a painting, who are we to deny them the joy of that experience just because we don't think it's that great? When a collector decides to lay money out for a work of art, the worst thing the artist can do is tell the potential client what's wrong with the painting.
Alternately, some artists cover up their insecurities with arrogance. This attitude can be just as destructive to sales. No one likes to buy from an artist who belittles other artists or boasts continually in order to build him or herself up. Never, and I say again, NEVER put down another artist's work in a sales setting. Let the collectors decide for themselves.
Displaying Quiet Confidence at Your Opening Reception
Whether you're showing at an outdoor show or at a gallery opening, it's your turn to shine. Your main objective here is to start conversations - just as Clint has recommended in his posts. When an art lover stops in her tracks in front of your painting, it's time to find out what it is that she responded to. When she responds, I agree with her - and I avoid blurting out what the painting means to me, because it may have an entirely different meaning for the viewer.
When someone compliments your work, the best response is a hardy "Thank You" backed up with a confident smile. Avoid using words like, "I tried" or "my attempt". The piece has obviously touched the viewer, and it would be a grave mistake to downplay their enthusiasm with any negative indication. If you feel highly insecure about the work, you probably shouldn't be showing it in the first place. Always show your very best work, because folks will likely judge your overall ability by your least successful piece. But, if the work proves to be worthy of positive attention, who are you to inform the viewer otherwise? If you must, pretend that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Don't rob your potential collectors from joy. If they love it, it is worthy of love.
Confident Body Language
Body language communicates more accurately than words do. If your stance and words don't align, people will believe your body language before they'll believe your words. This is a proven fact. So be sure that you learn to take on a look of confidence. Dress the part, I like to wear something a little special. I find that I sell more artwork when I wear a long skirt and nice jacket. I remind myself to stand up straight and keep a pleasant look on my face - smiling easily at anyone who approaches me.
I immediately take interest in the lives of anyone who takes interest in my art. I don't talk about myself constantly - I leave room for a two-way conversation. It's easy to get the conversation rolling if you ask open ended questions that cannot be answered with a yes or no. I like to ask where people are from as an ice-breaker. I introduce myself to them - and don't judge whether they are potential buyers or not. Sometimes the folks who look the least like they have any money, are avid collectors. Besides it's rude to ignore anyone who takes interest in your work - whether they can afford to buy or not. Furthermore, giving preference to some while ignoring others is unethical. You never know who they know or whether they'll save up for a purchase later.
Avoid Being Long Winded
If you talk a lot when you get nervous, try to curtail your long-windedness. This is one I have trouble with. I become a motor mouth. Nobody wants to stand there and hear me endlessly go on and on about my credentials. If I were amazingly famous... maybe they would, but I am not. My bio and accomplishments are posted next to my guest book. Learn to read the body language of others, and see whether they are wanting to escape. Yes, I always tell them a bit about my work, but I deliver information in short spurts and then see what their response is.
While they look at my paintings, I leave them alone to be at peace with the work. But the important thing is that I practice the demeanor that silently says I expect my work to sell and am not surprised when someone wants to buy it. Collectors need to know that they are making a good decision. Assist them by conveying that you know your artwork is worthy of their attention. Be available to answer questions and ask for the sale if you sense they are sitting on the fence. You must learn when and how to politely ask for the sale. It will make a huge difference in your income.
Last night, at the B&B where I stay in Tucson, one of the guests was chatting with me about my work, and said her sister - whom she was visiting with, was interested in one of my desert watercolors. Then next morning at breakfast, I walked over and mentioned that her sister had said she was interested and then I quietly stated the price. Then I left her alone for a few minutes after which she announced that she wanted to buy the painting. By quietly and personally letting her know the price, I essentially was asking for the sale. We discussed the payment terms, and I asked for her mailing info and if I might add her to my e-newsletter. She said yes with excitement in her eyes. Not only have I sold a painting, but now I have set up occasions for future conversations, and perhaps, a lifelong collector of my work.
Express confidence in yourself and your work, and those who love it will feel secure in their purchase.
