Show Opening Question From A Hermit

[Julianna]

Hi, folks.

I'm a rediculously shy person offline, and have finally decided that I really should be going to some of the show openings of my fellow artists in town (whether or not I actually make it down there is another issue!). Just so I know what I'm "up against", what usually happens at a show opening? Waterloo is a tiny city/big town, so it'll probably be an informal affair. Is there any ettiquite I should know about?

Thanks!

J

[Araich]

Everyone is nervous, so you're not alone there. It'll be a mixed room; some there trying to be 'seen', some looking for a free drink, some friends/family of the artist, a few collectors, a couple of people who've never been to an opening before, a couple who've been to a thousand.
Best to wear less and not risk getting overheated in a room full of people after a glass or three of wine. A red face with sweat dripping down may go unnoticed by everyone but you'll notice. Carrying a big coat or a bag is a pain as well, and puts you in danger of knocking something off a plinth (yes, I've seen it happen).
Only real etiquette that I can think of, is that it is poor form to be seen to give out your card, invite or other print material at another artists show.
I mostly expect to spend less that 20 minutes at an opening myself, and if I stay longer it is because of friends or the vibe. That makes it a low stress thing. Just grab a glass, take a walk around, say a few hello's and if you want to leave, leave.

[iowasculptor]

just go have fun, that is really what it is all about. I always enjoy going to see the art and see some people who are interested in the same kind of things that I am. be yourself and don't go with any preconcieved aspirations that you will show up and you will be offered a gallery contract. Usually in a smaller size city there is an "art crowd" and they are usually a pretty fun group. After a few openings you will get to know who they are and what they do, some will just be supporters of the arts and others will be artists, I always like talking to the artists better. As far as ettiquite(sp?) it is just the same as any time you go to a gallery, don't touch the art but you et a chance to talk and be loud if you want and dress is always a little bit unknown, you just have to know the gallery and the level of clientle that they want to attract, is it black tie? but for the most part we are artists and can really get away with wearing whatever we want. We actually have a guy that comes to the art openings in a porcupine/ hedgehog costume... whatever? Anyway the main point here is just be yourself and have fun the opening is a time to celebrate the show and art and our love of art.
matt

[fritchie]

Julianna - These things probably vary all over the map in terms of what happens and what to expect. I’m a fairly informal, low-key person, and I dress in casual clothes, even for the “big events” of the year. In general, artists are given a lot of leeway by the public at large, to dress and act as they like.

Mostly, here in New Orleans, several galleries have openings the same night, so when I have an opening, I go to my gallery first, talk with the owners and anyone else who seems appropriate (usually after they provide an introduction), hang around for a reasonable amount of time by looking at the art - either mine or someone else’s - and then visit other galleries. I come back for a second visit, and then leave. I don’t think any specific set of activities is expected or required.

Here, most galleries serve wine or carbonated beverages, and I often have a glass of wine, but I don’t consider any drink necessary. As Araich says, handing out your own cards generally is considered not appropriate, but I will provide them if requested, and that sometimes happens at other galleries.

Just go to have a good time and see the art. Leave when you are ready, or if you feel uncomfortable. This should be a pleasure, not a trial.

[oddist]

All above advice is on the mark.

Warning though, be aware that strong egos can abound at opennings.

They can be intimidating to the shy.

DO NOT let them get you down.

Your work is fine.

Look, listen, learn, and grow.

[JAZ]

And go back to other openings. What happens when you make the rounds now and again is that you become familiar to the people there and get to know them. It's a chance to hear about things that are happening, too.
When you talk to the artists whose show it is, talk to them about their work, not yours unless they ask.They deserve the attention because they've just spent a good deal of time doing the artwork, you can learn about their methods and philosophy and maybe they'll do the same for you when you have a show.
And enjoy yourself.
JAZ

[Julianna]

Thanks for all of the tips, everyone!

Luckily, the openings are for other peoples' artwork, so I don't have to worry about handling comments and/or critism about my work. There are three openings during Friday night, and another one during Saturday afternoon. I'm exhausted just thinking about them all!

The first one on Friday is for a new city-sponsored initiative, and I really want to show my support. And because the other two are happening at the same time, I thought I might as well drop by because I'm out already.

[ironman]

Hi, Opening = party! It's usually too crowded to really see the work, so have a good time, drink some vino, eat some hors d'oeuvres, meet some other artists, collectors, gallery owners, etc. Shmooze, network, or whatever you want to call it. Go back another day to really see the work.
Have a nice day,
Jeff

[jOe~]

You'll find that it's really not that big of a deal. Most people will be talking to the folks they know, so you probably won't be approached by strangers. There's always people by themselves so you won't stand out if you are not talking to anyone. The only time it gets weird, at least from me, was when it was my own show. Thats when you have to deal with strangers from all extremes--the ones who want to fawn over you(that's really bizarre) and of course the ones who have to knock you down to build themselves up. Most folks are in the happy middle--decent, well meaning, and interested in your interests.

Joe

[anne (bxl)]

Hi Julianna,
I am used to openings. I guess the main benefit comes when you open your ears, you will learn from people comments on works but also, and that's important, on who is who, who you have to meet, who is a decider, etc... in your artistic community. Step by step, you will became a member of this community and therefore less and less shy in openings.
To respect the etiquette :
Avoid to drink and eat too much, professionnals don't like spongers.
Avoid, as said, to make your own promotion by giving cards unless requested.
Don't look anxious, smile! Good luck.

[Julianna]

Well, I survived the openings.

The first one had more cliques than artwork, and I think I arrived too late to be pulled into any of the conversations. It was a group show, and the artwork was medicore at best. I was disapointed and uncomforable, so I left quickly and made a mental note to not go to openings when they were almost over.

The second show was a relief, although it started out quite uncomfortably because a little woman with a nervous twitch was following me around and would stop to look at a painting whenever I did. The artwork was good, and there were few persons present so I was able to have a comfortable conversation with the artists for a while.

I stumbled into the third show in the midst of some sort of media hoopla, and had to stand around listening to speeches for half of an hour. It was actually quite irritating because the speakers were too quiet (it took me quite some time to figure out what the fuss was about), and about three cell phones rang during the speeches! The artwork was great, but I didn't get to really look at anything because most of the people there were showing their support for the artist and for multiculturalism, and positioned themselves infront of the art. Most of them were Romanian, and didn't seem to speak much English, so I didn't really know what to do with myself. Being a little Chinese woman in a sea of Romanians makes one feel quite odd. There was not a friendly face in the crowd, so I left soon after the speeches were over.

Maybe next time I'll get the courage to talk to someone :D There's one more opening this afternoon, and I'm familiar with the gallery so I'm hoping to feel less intimidated by this whole ordeal.

[fritchie]

Julianna - Congratulations for making the effort, and according to your report, it seems to have been a good beginning for a part of the art scene that many of us would just as soon forgo.

[sculptorsam]

You're not alone, Julianna. Whenever I'm at an opening I always keep an eye on the door. Way to put your foot out there.