Comments on: Schedule a Preview of Your Art

By: John Anderson

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:24:20 +0000

Excellent idea. Another take on this is to have a “conversation with the artist” event periodically as a way of premiering some new work, but also of engaging people in a larger conversation about art–not just our own art. It’s a good way to get feedback as well as learn to know your audience much much better. This works best for smaller groups with a limit of no more than 10-15 people. You want everyone present to have an opportunity to engage in the conversation. These can occur at any time, and be repeated with different groups and in different settings. Also, they don’t always have to precede an upcoming show. These are events that focus on creating a conversation about art as well as getting yourself known and talked about. As Seth Godin points out, we need to do business in as way that is remarkable–that is a way that will lead people to remark about you and your work.

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By: 28 Questions for When Your Art Isn’t Selling — Art Biz Blog

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:01:15 +0000

[…] Are you meeting as many people as you can at your openings? Are you creating special events for your VIP collectors? […]

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By: A Twist on the Wine-and-Cheese Reception — Art Biz Blog

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:26:23 +0000

[…] Preview the exhibit at your studio before it even goes to the library. Invite your top supporters to a very special unveiling. […]

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By: Dian McCray

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:15:55 +0000

…missed the opportunity for a pre-holiday sale… I thought. I am a huge believer in “It’s never too late….” This sounds like a job for Alyson Stanfield, Super Art Guru….Alyson entered (my mind) in terrific new red knee-high boots and a great looking art cape (with a print of one of my paintings). She was singing, “Here I am to save the day. It can still be a profitable holiday.” … I remembered Alyson’s blog on home-based art sales and preview parties. I grew dizzy with the possibilities of the connection I had just made.

Link to complete blog: http://dianmccray.com/blog/15400/Super-Art-Guru-Saves-The-Day

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:57:59 +0000

La femme: I’m suggesting a preview in lieu of a home sale. Well, not really in lieu, but in addition to. The sale focuses on, well, sales. The preview focuses on your guests–no sales allowed. Two different times and goals.

Dianne: Relax into it!

Donna: I know you have some big events coming up. Maybe a new way to think about having people over.

Sari: That’s a great question! I have no idea what the laws are in Canada. Home sales of all kinds are huge here (Tupperware, jewelry, Mary Kay, etc.). But I’m not sure what needs to happen to make it lega.. Maybe someone here can enlighten us.

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By: Sari Grove

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:16:32 +0000

I’m still confused about zoning bylaws…Where I live it is zoned residential…I was told that bringing people to just look at work was classed as “showing inventory”…(I had thought that as long as I didn’t transact a sale on the premises I was within the law…-apparently not…)
Is it always a conflict of law to do business in a residential zone, & artists just “get away” with it? Or am I missing a loophole?

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By: Donna Branch

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:52:15 +0000

This is a great,low key way to entertain and reward past collectors, gain some new ones and “cultivate connections” (your words)! I especially like this because it puts the artist in the driver’s seat of promoting themselves and their art.

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By: Dianne Poinski

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:50:21 +0000

I love this idea. Lately I have been feeling like I have been trying too hard to make things happen. This sounds like the opposite of that and it just feels good. Thanks for giving me something to think about. (But you always do!)

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By: anne gaffey

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:57:20 +0000

Hi Alyson,
Thank you for the wonderful ideas….

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By: la femme artiste

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:28:41 +0000

Hi Alyson_

Thanks for this post! I also like the the low formality environment of a salon or home/studio-centered exhibit of my work. It’s just that I think I am reading several things happening at once here in your post. Can you help me clarify what you are meaning here? Are each of these events: the home-based exhibit, the party and the preview all happening in one place? If so, is this in addition to a public exhibit or a salon-style exhibit? If one is having an exhibit in a gallery, is this preview-party with collectors in a more intimate setting, in addition to a gallery reception at (the) exhibit opening?
I am sorry, I am confused…!

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