Anyone with kids probably watches PBS as much as I do. There is a snippet they play over and over again in between programs that has kids sticking there hands into a big bowl of spaghetti and saying, "I think it's eyeballs." Then the camera flashes to another tot playing "drums" on pots and pans.
Last night I hosted a "failed" art show. Had it not been for 4 of my friends/family that showed up, it would have been a complete bust. However I did learn something and will make these notes to remember.
How not to host an art show 101:
1. Do not try to throw together your art show in a few weeks. It's not enough time, period.
2. Do not market your art show like a yard sale. Goofy neon signs with catchy little sayings is not enough.
3. When you do not receive any RSVP's, do not order food for the people you hope, "surely just forgot to RSVP and will be there in spite of missing said date to RSVP."
4. NEVER use 3M Command stripes to hang your glass framed art in an Africa hot studio-they will fall, they will break.
5. When marketing children's art, don't invite the entire population, they'll just come in, eat your food, complain about your wine choices and leave.
6. When marketing to the correct people, know that choices are good, no inventory is bad.
7. Always have cash available for those who want to pay with it and need change.
8. Bring trash bags.
9. Don't host it on a hot summer night, the week after 7/4 and from 7-9pm. Mom's/dad's with kids are putting kids to bed.
10. Know that buyers who are buying gifts will buy the less expensive art, buyers who are buying for themselves want the expensive stuff.
11. Don't call your mom crying after the show, she'll just worry and you'll break her heart along with yours. It's your mistake to learn from. Don't dump it on her.
12. Do go home and cry to your hubby...especially if he's your best friend too. He'll give you invaluable advice, feed you peach pie, and point out all the things you should keep in perspective...because as he reminded me, it really is "all in how you look at it."
