Comments on: Being seen: networking for artists (148)

By: Barbara Muir

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:57:25 +0000

Thank you for this Alyson. It has been a hard year — and the time of COVID has put
a big damper on all social life. My husband and I have lost 10 friends to COVID. But
we visited Paris a few weeks ago for a week. I didn’t have a show, but I we had dinner
with the woman, a friend now, who co-ordinates the shows I’ve been in at the Louvre.
We didn’t talk about art, but that is a wonderful connection. So I appreciate this. We
wear masks everywhere because my husband has cancer which is under control,
and has been told by his doctors not to get COVID. So far I know we’ve been lucky.
Now I am figuring out how to balance connections with being careful.
Thanks for this, an inspiration as always.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:57:03 +0000

In reply to Brooke Harker.

You’re so good at getting out and being seen, Brooke. Your cocoon is full of interesting connections.

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By: Brooke Harker

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 06:15:44 +0000

I’ve been out so much lately–from the cocoon into the world…now have to make myself sit down at the computer too:)

I’m excited to forward this on to many artists…
because it is true…

Great article!

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By: Kathy Rennell Forbes

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 20:00:46 +0000

I’m slowly getting better and braver at this as I go and especially with support of ArtBiz. I’m looking forward to hosting an Art Show with 6 of my students this weekend. Many of my guests and theirs will be in attendance, I plan to greet people I do not know to welcome them to my studio and answer any questions hey may have.

While at the Portland Museum yesterday a staff member overheard me talking to my husband; she then shared some valuable info about a private tour. She gave me the number to call for some further contacts I could make to explore a plein air opportunity I could offer for my students in Maine. I will contact the department upon my return.

It’s getting over the fear of talking to new people. It is so much easier when you are discussing things that you both care about and love.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:13:54 +0000

In reply to Jane ROCHELLE.

Jane: So great that you have found a comfy place to land. Curious as to what volunteer hours consist of. Staffing?

Love this ==> The more people I talk to, the easier it is to get out and about, reciprocate and share with others.

So true!

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:11:16 +0000

In reply to Saya Behnam.

Good points, Saya. I would counter-argue (sounds a little too strong for this point) that after you have researched that curator or critic, you need to get out to the places where they are and be seen.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:09:35 +0000

In reply to Barbara Chappelle.

I love your long post, Barbara! I’m happy to hear you are landing on your feet and have Cheryl’s support in the process. Thank you for taking the time to let me know that what I share is helpful. It means a lot to me — keeps me going.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:07:19 +0000

In reply to Rebecca Darlington.

Love it! Way to accept a challenge, Rebecca.

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By: Rebecca Darlington

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 00:01:09 +0000

Getting out in a meaningful way to make quality relationships is exactly what I needed to hear. I half heartedly attempt this by going to art openings every week. Seeing it spelled out and calling me out on it is exactly what I needed to read. Game on!

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By: Barbara Chappelle

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 22:05:30 +0000

Alyson, it has been so interesting to revisit this important issue. Cheryl McClure (in the United States) and I (in Canada) were both in the midst of moves or pending moves back in August of 2016. Well….. we made the move in Jan. 2018, rural again, but close to an active community and closer to 2 larger cities.
As you mentioned, with aging, there are changing priorities. During the intervening years, my husband has experienced health issues, the most serious being vision decline with ensuing stress, anxiety and depression. I don’t feel comfortable leaving the house on my own for more than an hour maximum. Thank goodness the arts are of great interest to him also – although his energy level limits our outings. It has taken a year and a half to kick-start my art business, but I have begun the process: This summer, we are having 4 Open House events at our home (2 more to go in Aug. and Sept.). It has been slow to attract new interest, but that is to be expected. But, through a FB post I did attract an invitation to exhibit a body of word at a gallery space in a large hospital in a nearby city. It is what I needed to boost my morale. (The invitation came via a former workshop student of mine – connections and networking count!)
I agree that neighbours are important, too. We are so lucky to have several new friendly acquaintances close by. We have helped each other out when small disasters strike, and have shared meals together. Makes us feel part of a small community already.
This is such a long post, but I wanted you to know that your encouragement and enthusiasm in all your posts have been most helpful. I understand better now that change is easier for me than it may be for others. Thanks for being a strong positive influence, helping me make this challenging transition as smooth as I can for us, and for helping me keep my eye on the “bouncing ball” of my art business.

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