Time off – big supply stockup – studio re-working

Studio is still in shambles, but I should have it back about a week from now. In the meantime I am ditching some stuff I’ve been hanging onto for years (recyling, donating, passing on, tossing, etc.) At the same time, look out old brushes and supplies – I went on a buying trip last weekend and stocked up on canvas, new brushes (big ones too, for some larger pieces I have coming down the pipeline) and Paint!  I have had some time off lately, traveling, working in my yard, spending time with family.  All in all I am inspired to paint.  Shows continue at SKG, Portland Maine, EPIPHANY, Portland Maine, and Daunis (upcoming July 1) – Portland Maine.  See my site for more details.  www.wetpaintstudios.com

EX stands for Exhibitions, Exposure and Experience

ArtMatters! Tip of the Week:
EX stands for Exhibitions, Exposure and Experience

Tired of reading? Listen to “EX stands for Exhibitions, Exposure and Experience” instead!

Spring has sprung and exhibitions are flowering everywhere you turn. The sights and smells are intoxicating. Like flowers, the best shows of fine art do not sprout overnight.

Exhibitions are a great way to push yourself to get that next body of work out there. But making the art is only half the story. The rest is marketing. Yes – I said marketing – not sales, though sales may happen if you have done a good job of tending your garden of collectors.

When I go to outdoor art shows and gallery exhibits I always ask artists, “How is it going?” The most common answer these days is “I’ve had a lot of traffic, but no sales” or “Just a few card sales.” They are disappointed and look at me funny, when I say “That’s great! How are you going to keep those people interested? If they did not buy today, they at least know what you have to offer.” Thinking people will buy right away is like expecting to get married on the first date (It happens, but rarely, and it doesn’t always lead to happily ever after – but I digress).

Exhibitions are first and foremost a marketing activity. Remember at the heart of your marketing is a series of conversations designed to build a bridge between you, your art and your audience. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Viewers need time to absorb your work.

Exhibitions help you build your audience. A good experience for your audience leads to art sales. Notice I said “leads to,” not “results in.” You build a path to sales through exposure. People who like your art and like talking to you may also spread the word to others. If you see your exhibition as a sales event that you “have to get through,” your visitors will feel like numbers. Instead treat everyone like an honored guest.

Exhibitions are only a punctuation point – at best a comma – not THE END. Any exhibition of your work is only part way down the path to loyal collectors. If you rush things, you may seem overeager and that may scare away someone who needs time to consider purchasing your work. Let them get to know your art and to know and trust you, before you ask them to hand over money.

Exhibitions help you build your mailing list. A mailing list is your most effective tool for keeping in touch. “Out of sight is out of mind.” Make sure to get permission to market by asking your guests a simple question. “Would you like to get beautiful postcards about my new work?”

Exhibitions help you build relationships. Relationships (not shows) lead to sales. Ideally you know most, if not all of the people on your mailing list. If not, this is a chance to get to know them. If you want them to buy your work, or tell others about it, make them feel important.

The road to art sales takes patience and attentiveness. Building relationships with art lovers is a lot like looking for a life partner. It takes time and permission to go the next step. You can’t market without a mailing list and you can’t sell without relationships with the folks on it. Without a loyal audience, you will never have the sales you want. In fact, people who like you and your work become your sales force. Ask them to bring their friends and make the day even more fun for everyone.

Use the letters “ex” in exhibitions to remind you that you want exposure. Create a great experience for attendees and you will get word-of-mouth buzz about how great your work is and what a fine artist you are. A good first experience paves the way for purchases or referrals.

The more organized you are, and the earlier you start any marketing, the better your results. When I help artists upgrade their exhibitions, I suggest starting 6 months ahead, but that is in a perfect world, and that is rare. So start where you are, and keep making small improvements each time. Every successful artist I know started out small and never stopped.

Remember the A.C.T. mantra “Exposure = Success”. What are you waiting for? Pick one thing you can do better at your next exhibit and start working on how you will make it happen. ACT now, or forever hold your art pieces.

SKG (Sylvia Kania Gallery) June Events

SKG (Sylvia Kania Gallery)
Voted Best Art Gallery ‘09 by the Portland Phoenix!

PORTLAND, MAINE – June 2009

Poetry & Prose
May 27th – June 28th 2009

This June, the Artists of SKG are flexing their literary muscles creating pieces that celebrate art and the written word. Some have paired the works of the masters with their own. And others have written their own work specifically for this show. SKG will also be featuring works from kids at the after school program at Learning Works on the West End.

Upcoming Events
May 23 – Naked Gallery Art Party 2.0- It’s back and bigger than before. We’re stripping the gallery down to the bare walls again and giving you permission to create anything you want. DJs J Hjort and Moshe, VJ Foo and some special guests will be spinning beats to keep the creative vibes flowing. 8pm – midnight. 18+ $4 suggested donation at the door.

May 28 – Poetry & Prose Artist Reception – From 5-7pm

May 30 – Poetry & Prose Kids Reception – At SKG from Noon-2pm. Celebrate your local creative kids. Bring your children to this family friendly event featuring paper and pencils so they can create their own art.

June 5 – First Friday Art Walk – 5-8pm. Live music, homemade treats, and plenty of wine. Need we say more?

June 14 – Second Sunday Brunch -SKG is starting a new tradition! Join us in the gallery for savory delectable’s and dynamic art. Sunday Best attire is requested. Free event.

June 18 – Third Thursday Art Talks – We kick off our second month of this series where artists are invited to converse, converge, and create. This will be an open discourse focused on the theoretical side of art. Free Event – 7pm-9pm

SKG is a post modern co-op of artists who create work with a high regard for technique, craftsmanship, and conceptual integrity in an invitingly offbeat space.

SKG is located in the heart of Portland’s Art district. Our 25 local artists specialize in painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and installation.

SKG (Sylvia Kania Gallery) is located at 148 High Street, Portland, directly across the street from the Eastland Park Hotel. Our regular hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays 11am- 6:30pm and Sundays 11am-3pm or by chance any other time.
skgportland@gmail.com

SKG Artists: Cat McKenna, Jessica Lauren Lipton, Jonathan M. Dunitz,
Lori Rae Curole, Kelly Donohoe, Gregor Arturo, Jen Joaquin, Lindsay Torrey,
Felicia Teach, Molly Anathan, Natallia Chekunova,
Catherine Ross, Robert Hollingworth, Carlo Spirto, Kelly Whelan, Bridget McAlonan, Jennifer Tauber, Jeanne Wells, Dennis Stein, Kevin Colle, Ray Cathode, and Ian Georing

ART: Photography Paintings Installation Pottery Fiber Arts Sculpture Jewelry Printmaking Glass Prints Coffee Bar & Live Music on First Fridays

About Sylvia Kania Gallery
SKG is a funky artist-run cooperative,
focused on culture, outreach &
conversation in an invitingly
offbeat space & has beenVoted
Portland’s Best Art Gallery in The Phoenix Best ‘09!
Now supporting 25 Artists

Vettes for Pets this Past Weekend and Upcoming shows

The day couldn’t have been prettier, California weather right there in Salem, Massachusetts. We drove down with art in tow and weiner dog in crate at 730am for a 9am set up and 10am show start. The clouds soon gave way to sun giving us and several corvette owners a beautiful day to show cars and art.

The benefit was for the Northeast Animal Shelter, this organization has over 200 volunteers and they operate a no-kill system. For a matter of fact one volunteer told us that when an animal from a shelter has a death-date and it’s an adoptable pet, they will take it. YIPEE

The Car show was great fun, we had Stella with us and we sold some artwork, met some great people who we will be seeing again as NCRS members – and it was a Beee uuutiful day.

At this event I was invited to another one in about a month, it looks like a cool gig and I have some new car art in my inventory to show:

http://newenglandchapterncrs.homestead.com/CorvetteDay09_TY.pdf

Overall yesterday raised over 2k for the Shelter and I donated a portion of my sales plus my booth fee. It was a great feeling to help out all those animals. One last thing about the shelter….clean, comfortable, and animals WERE being adopted left and right.

Reminder, Vettes for Pets tomorrow, May 16

Northeast Animal Shelter “Vettes for Pets 2009″Save the Date – Saturday, May 16, 2009
Dear Lori Rae,
One of the things I love about being a visual artist is the freedom I have to choose the subject matter which I paint. Those who have followed my art realize my passion for animals & cars. I am participating in a charity event which will bring two of my art passions together for a good cause. On Saturday May 16, 2009 The Northeast Animal Shelter is sponsoring “Vettes for Pets 2009″ – this will be located at 347 Highland Ave. Salem MA (978)-745-9888 10:00am till 3:00pm. I will be displaying paintings, note cards & selling gift certificates for commissioned Auto & Pet Portraits. A Portion of my proceeds from the event sales will be donated to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA, the organization benefiting from the “Vettes for Pets” Corvette car show. The Raindate for this event is May 17,2009 10:00am till 3:00pm Directions:
Route 128 North or South to Exit 26, Lowell Street, Peabody.
Drive east towards Peabody/Salem for 2.5 miles to the end of the road.
Turn right onto route 107 South.
Drive South about 2 miles, get into the left lane, and make a U-turn as soon as you pass Puleo’s Diner.
Drive north less than 1/4 mile. The Shelter is located between Highland Gardens and Hutchinson Medical.
For Shelter information go to:
http://www.northeastanimalshelter.org/ Rich, Stella (Our Mini Dachshund) and I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,Lori Rae CuroleWet Paint! Studios and Lollipop Art Productions
P.O. Box 250Portland, Maine 04112Wet Paint! Studios and Lollipop Art Productions207-415-7143

Hot Dog Chase – Weiner Escapes while I put the trash out

It was the best day of my dogs life, and almost the worst of mine. The taste of sweet freedom, the air blowing her floppy dachshund ears, the wind gently blowing her fluffy tail as she ran like a bullet, a speeding train, superman from my open door around our neighborhood. Now this might not sound like a unique problem, dog gets out, happens all the time – but NOT to me. I was taking the recycling out…I didn’t close the inner door, in a flash out the corner of my eye I saw a brown spot whiz by and she was gone. Having sniffed every inch of our neighborhood it was a territory she knew well and she was going for it. Here is how it played out – down our driveway, through two neighbors yards, down the neighbor’s driveway – across one of Portland’s BUSIEST streets (it was noon not busy then) – then she sees a cat who climbs a tree and she decides she must have the cat – but there is a fench between her and the cat, so she runs around the fench and under it – into the Water District Parking lot and she is flying like the wind (I am on the other side of the parking lot, the side where you can’t enter without climbing the fence) – I looked at my work clothes and shoes, no way. I yelled and went to the fence where she went under (I would not fit if I tried) and coaxed her back through, and then bang, I couldn’t get her she was off again – down the street until…wait….is that Lara, my favorite neighbor – she spots Lara and runs to her at warp speed. She loves Lara who grabbed her and held her squirming excited dachshund frame until I scooped her up and carried her inside. The look of excitement on her face – I wish it wasn’t such a negative experience for me – but I’m over it.

Go figure – she’s got long legs for a weiner dog…geesh!

Upcoming projects

I will be starting (soon) when I get my studio back – a 30×30 Fleur De Li in purples and golds – a 30×40 Figure similar but different from another figure that lives on my website – a Black Lab named Jesse (she’s a girl) – a double pair of Rotties (sadly passed) – and a dog that I’m not sure of it’s breed. Sounds like a busy summer, huh? It’s OK, I love working big and here is my excuse. Once I get through my show this weekend I can forge forward. I am still continuing Marketing for SKG through May, and passing the baton to someone else for June and on. This will give me additonal time to promote Lollipop Art Management Services, the artists I represent, their openings as well as shows. SEA will be having their Open Studio Tour June 28th and I will be showing at my favorite jewler in Portland, June 30 – the end of August – Daunis Fine Jewlery.

This summer – I will paint to catch up my dwindling inventory and hopefully have additional pet and car portraits to add to the mix. I have promised my husband a painting for the house (a new one) – must do that too.

ciao’

Studio Construction – I can’t find a thing

Here’s the thing, unless we change houses, which is unlikely this year – my studio is in a finished basement. Not as bad as it sounds. Actually it’s a very cool space, but I am crammed there, so we are doing some work to rearrange the washer/dryer – sink to give me a bit more space. The whole process, which is partially being done by my husband, and partially by a plummer is taking a bit longer than I would like. Currently my studio is dismantled in our home theater space (tv room) and with an upcoming show this weekend I am scrambling to find everything I need. I’m hoping that the work in my part of the studio back after the holiday weekend, after my husband finishes painting. It will be a while after that before I have more space, but fresh paint will be nice. In the meantime after this show I may need to set up some mock space and start working again.

Batteries Recharged

Just returning from a really cool trip, I am inspired, re-charged & feeling ready to create, discover & forge forward. Part of the balance of working & having a small business is sometimes the scale is tilted so far one way that … well, it’s just stressful. I think that’s why we take “vacation” which is where I just returned from. Already I can see that my life is balancing out nicely and my frame of mind is even. Our trip was a visiting trip, the kind where you see as many people as humanly possible in one weeks time. At last count we visited 30 people, seven dogs, and 3 cats. New Orleans & Houston were our destinations, soaking in the culture, architecture, the FOOD, the art (everywhere), and most of all the people. If you have never been, New Orleans is full of colorful people who love to talk. I don’t mean colorful in the color of their skin, I mean their pure spirit, drive, and creativity. Of course traveling with a Mini Dachshund in the south is an automatic magnet for people to stop and talk. Stella turns out to be a GREAT traveler from the plane ride, to the 1000 miles in the car. Celebrating her first birthday on May 5th, Stella was sung happy Birthday to by Charmene Neville, ate a birthday bon-bon, and all while wearing her present, a LSU doggie tee-shirt. I could go on about how much fun she had in Houston playing with 5 other dogs that lived where we stayed…but the adults had some fun too. We reconnected with lots of friends, relatives, and close family. We experienced a Shrimp Boil with crawfish, homemade cajun food, and more Oysters than I can count. We took long walks with Stella & I discovered that I love the Garden District as much as the French Quarter in New Orleans. Everywhere you look there was inspiration. I didn’t listen to the news, I didn’t care about the Swine Flu, Politics, the Economy – I just enjoyed the slow pace of the South & soaked up the 88 degree weather with bare arms and legs. Back at home we already talk about “next” time and make lists in our heads of things we would do, or people we would see…some same, some different. Back in reality, I have a show Saturday – a Vettes for Pets benefit, a stack of commissions that is growing, and some great ideas for paintings. Stella, well, she is sleeping because she didn’t get her normal 18 hours of sleep when we traveled. A proud parent moment, Stella sitting in her own seat in the French Quarter, people watching, while Rich and I enjoyed a southern dinner. She is really and truly the best little dog, and 1 now year old!

More Art Updates coming later – I need to get in fast moving Northern Mode!