Comments on: Wine & Cheese AGAIN???

By: Elaine Kehew

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:01:48 +0000

At my preview party this year I did serve (sparkling) wine and cheese, but the wine was really terrific South African champagne, and I had a sommelier there to give a 10 minute talk about how to buy and drink South African bubbly. The cheese was from an artisanal cheese maker, and that, too, was special. So I think you can do wine and cheese, but step it up a notch.
I have had openings without alcohol, and I must say the sales are not as good, at least from my patrons. (your mileage may vary, of course).

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By: Suzette Fram

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:20:42 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

Thanks, Alyson. He must be one really busy fellow. I know he recently gave up his full-time job. It’s nice to see someone achieve this kind of success.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:54:06 +0000

In reply to Suzette Fram.

Suzette: Matt is very clear that he does Fusion to build fans. I think it works. He recently told me he has 30 commissions lined up (down from 40 earlier in the year).

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By: Suzette Fram

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:20:20 +0000

I’ve been following Matt LeBlanc for a while, he’s terrific at promoting and marketing himself. His event ‘Fusion’ looks like a really entertaining evening. But in the end, does it sell art?? I have to wonder about all those ‘attractions’ to get people to come; do they help sales, or do they distract? If people come for the food or the entertainment, that may end up being a lot of expense and energy output to give everyone a good time, but if your purpose is to show and sell art, does it really help? I guess I should be asking Matt himself.

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By: Ruth Hook Colby

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:10:06 +0000

Our group of Petticoat Painters recently had a show where we invited poets to choose a painting and write a poem about it which they then read at the opening. It created a lot of interest among the poets and brought more people to enjoy the show.

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By: Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:40:21 +0000

I served champagne and chocolates recently at a studio/gallery opening, and gave everyone who came a small gift. People really enjoyed it and have been back to purchase.

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By: Tina Mammoser

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 12:59:55 +0000

I’ve done a “tea party” opening day instead of wine too. it was fun. And one open studio I tried to make a seaside beach day in the middle of November. Bunting, ocean sounds, cakes and soft drinks, even ice cream in the cooler. (which didn’t last very well! haha!)
For my AmericanBrits 2-man show in January we’re doing an American night on Friday – complete with imported sodas, sweets and things. Maybe a giant US flag! (just thought of that) We’re inviting the American Club, ex-pat magazine readers, embassy folk… and I’m trying to get a sponsor of food from one companies that imports US goodies for ex-pats.
I’ve seen this done and go badly though. The open studios group I used to be in added on music, barbeque, workshops, etc and it distracted from the studios – one of our worst visitor numbers (coming into the studios) and sales years ever.

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By: Christine Sauer

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 06:35:55 +0000

At my recent solo show I offered to do an artist walk thru. It was not part of opening nite but a few weeks later on a Sunday afternoon. After the walk thru I partnered with a friend who just started a pie making business and she served pie from her fall menu. We also had ice tea. It was a great way to cross promote our businesses and for me it was a good way to get people to come out for the talk. So it was win -win!

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By: Amantha Tsaros

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 03:11:19 +0000

CAKE! I hosted an Art Tea with my talented cake-making friend. I did paintings based on her cake flavors and recipes She deaigned cakes insoired by my work. We exhibited them together and she served tea and samples of her cake. It waa great.

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By: Marj

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:17:48 +0000

If you can get them in, like Frist Friday Art Walk…
Big sheet of white paper on a wall with colored markers nearby and an invitation to comment, draw around a theme. Be sure to have a couple on non-artisty looking comments, drawings already on the paper, even stage someone writing on the paper, to seduce participation. Most folks get into playing on paper when the atmosphere is inviting. Music is good, soft, non-strident stuff.

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