Why Host an Art Show?

Art on the Prairie

In my last blog, I wrote about the upcoming "Art on the Prairie" Show happening November 10-11 in Perry, Iowa. This event showcases the artists of many mediums from visual arts to musicians and poets too. Artists will be set up in six locations around the town square including the historic and restored Hotel Pattee.

But who's behind this show and why? Shows are often organized by professional organizations as income producers and/or to promote their members and of course their organization. Some art shows, festivals or fairs are put together by a small group to promote themselves. Or an individual may do an exhibition hosted by a gallery and some artists are doing such on their own. Now in Perry, Iowa, four women, all involved in art, wanted to host a show for Iowa artists and use the format of that show to promote and educate about art. Making big bucks was not the motivation. 

The four women of the initial "brainstorming and creating group" - Mary Nichols, Jen Heins, Jenny Ecklund, Carolyn Guay- each had some artists in mind and were committed to giving more talented Iowa artists an opportunity to show their work. The also wanted to reach across the spectrum of art to include not only visual arts, but also music, poetry and writing. Then they had this wild idea of interactive art, especially targeted at children. The show didn't come to reality overnight, but was planned carefully and certainly with dedication to the concept. 

The initial committee went to a variety of art shows and venues and approached artists they admired and asked if they'd be interested in showing at their Perry show. They talked with artists they individually knew who had talent and had produced exceptional work, but had never shown! Some they had to really coax. When ready they put out the word through their own networks. And finally, about a year later, with a plan in place, a grant secured, community sponsorship committed the show came into being.

Art on the Prairie is now in its third year and is a huge success. The show is quite festive taking place in six locations all around Perry's historic town square.  Artisans of all art mediums are on hand to show and talk with attendees about their work. Everywhere there is music, you can relax, sit a spell and hear a poem or enjoy an author reading. Art on the Prairie is truly unique and certainly worth a trip to Perry, Iowa on November 10-11th. What you will notice, too, is that the atmosphere, the ambiance you feel at this show reflects the intent and dream of the women behind it. Well done!

Art on the Prairie Show

Art on the Prairie is a fabulous show that happens November 10 - 11th in Perry, Iowa. The event celebrates the works of artists in many mediums from visual arts to musicians and poets too. Artists will be set up in six locations around the town square including the historic and restored Hotel Pattee.

Now in it's third year, Art on the Prairie is organized by a group of artisans in the area who endeavor, and succeed, in bringing a selection of over one hundred, top rate artists to show their work in a festive and well run show. There are interactive projects too for a children's learning experience in a variety of art forms. Listen to the music, hear a lovely poem and browse the booths of printers, painters, metal and woodworkers, weavers, potters, sculptors and stained glass.  

I am very pleased to have been selected this year as one of the artists for Art on the Prairie. You'll find me in the "Canistea Room" at Hotel Pattee. Please stop by and say hello! I will be showing my hand-pulled prints in linocuts, woodcuts and white line woodblock technique, as well as monotypes. 

Visit my gallery here to see my printmaking art. Thanks! 

Donating Art - Maybe You'll Get Discovered!!

"Pinks," Monotype

Artists frequently receive requests to donate a piece of their art to charity fundraisers, civic or non-profit groups. ‘Lucky you’ is the message—just give a piece of your creative work for display or auction and it will be terrific exposure for you as an artist!

Such was the case recently on Cape Cod. The Barnstable Municipal Airport, Hyannis, approached local artists, requesting art to adorn the new airport space. A wonderful opportunity said the Airport Arts Task Force for artists to get “exposure.” An insult, say the artists! Well, says the Task Force, the work actually would be just be on loan and insurance up to a certain level would be provided….but value beyond that level would be the liability of the artist. Some deal, huh. 

Susan Vaughn, journalist and reporter for “Wicked Local/Barnstable” which is part of The Register, Cape Cod’s weekly newspaper since the 1830’s, has been meeting with local artists, who received the Airport Task Force's request through the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod. Vaughn cites on the artists’ grievances and concerns related to the airport’s request. Certainly “donating one’s art” is not a new issue for artists, but this time the artists decided on a more constructive approach to resolve the issue. 

Vaughn reports that the artists see a huge disconnect between the business, civic leadership and community artisans. But in fact, a large percentage of revenue supporting the area is generated by the cultural offerings. The Cape is an arts destination, the artists say, with wonderful art fairs, galleries, music and theatre. 

Times are tough right now for everyone say the artists, many who readily admit to lacking business and marketing expertise. They may be talented, exceptional artists, but getting their work before the buyer is the missing piece. The artists of the Cape Foundation group have brainstormed and come up with a variety of approaches for making the airport situation a win-win community-artists relationship that may reap benefits for all. 

So how does the story end? Its evolving actually and showing promise for some “creative” solutions. Reporter, Susan Vaughn, says artists, community leaders and the Airport Task Force are talking, have come up with some action plans and ideas for future cooperative and beneficial projects too. 

Social Media as Art Promotion....or not?

So I'm taking a little survey here about how, you as an artist, evaluate the effectiveness of social media in your own marketing. I'm certainly not asking for your trade secerts, but your assessment of social media's value, or not, to your promotion and sales. This little survey is for those of you who have stats or some kind of tracking on your website that gives you a picture of how well your posts on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin serve you. 

This query comes after a year of my own tracking both online activity and offline promotion through a stats system. Share your thoughts: 

1. Do you utilize, if at all, sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or other various "art forums" to promote or brand yourself as an artist? If you do, what elements on those sites seems to work best for you? For example on Facebook, do your website visitors come from your profile, biz page or Networked blogs? 

2. Do you have a newsletter and publish it regularly? Is your mailing list growing because of social media? Are you finding it harder to get sign ups now since everyone online has a newsletter too? (I know, loaded question....)

3. Do you blog? Helpful?

4. Do you feel you are reaching the clientele, galleries or prospects you think likely client prospects? Or do you find you've made contacts with other artists, built a sometimes helpful network, found some resources, maybe made a few sales?

5. As result of your analysis, have you or will change how you use social media?  

I hope you will share your views on social media as a tool in your marketing. Thanks!