artPark: Develop a Relationship

No, no. This is not some singles dating advice. I’m talking about developing a relationship with an art gallery.

This is Part 1 (don’t worry, there are only 2 parts) of a relatively broad subject. Today, I want to encourage people to take advantage of all that an art gallery has to offer. Believe me, it’s more than just the art on the walls. Creating a lasting a rewarding relationship is as simple as starting a conversation with the gallery’s owner/director. Tomorrow, I will share some of what a relationship with a gallery can provide you.

The "how to" seems as simple as going out on a date. Wait… For some people that’s the hard part. Maybe that’s why people are intimidated by art galleries. You feel like you are putting yourself out on a very thin line - exposing some of your insecurities. Like, your lack of understanding of 20^th century expressionism might be exposed. Yikes! Well… in reality, it’s not that hard or that scary. Using Migration (Laura’s and my gallery) as an example, here are a few things to remember:

1) Migration is an art gallery whose mission is to gather works of art that are beautiful, conceptually rich and important in our times and beyond;

2) Migration is a retail business, and its business is to gather and present works of art that Laura and I believe people will bond with and buy;

3) We are passionate about the artists we represent and the specific works of art we show at Migration. Every commercial gallery and gallerist is the same; and

4) Believe it or not, we are really good at what we do.

If you don’t already have a favorite gallery, the best way to start is to get out there and check out the local gallery scene. If one stands out in your mind by exhibiting art that strikes your sensibilities positively, I encourage you to take the next step and develop a relationship with that gallery. By doing so, you can get the most out of that gallery and what it is doing.

The easiest thing to do is start up a conversation. As an example, here’s what we see at Migration on a daily basis: People come into the gallery; Piper (our gallery dog) barks ferociously; we say "hi" and "welcome" (while trying to corral and quiet Piper); we then generally offer to help with any questions they may have about the art, artists and/or gallery. Sometimes this kicks off a great conversation about the art and people’s reactions to it. Other times, nothing comes of it.

Now, of course, I’m assuming that if someone comes into the gallery, they have an interest in art or, more specifically, an interest in the art at Migration. It would appear we all have something in common to talk about, right?

To really get the ball rolling and expand on your experience, let us know what you think of the art. That’s the point of the artwork, isn’t it? To make you think… to make you feel… even if just for a moment. It is, in fact, the reason Laura and I love being involved in the arts: No matter what the art is, it generates a feeling or an emotion in the viewer – like awe, love, disgust, sadness, hate, laughter, or, possibly, a flood of personal memories. Tell us about it.

Although you should go ahead and assume that Laura and I have strong feelings about everything we show at Migration, that doesn’t mean we expect everyone to like it. Let us know what you think. And, don’t worry, if you don’t like something - we won’t kick you out and end the relationship (or worse, release Piper on you). We can handle the criticism. It’s all part of growing together and learning more about one another.

What these kinds of conversations do is introduce you to us and give us a better idea of what you like in art. Share with us your likes and dislikes. And more importantly, tell us why you do or don’t like something. Our goal is to find art for you that you want to have as your own. We might have something not displayed that is more up your alley. Pulling something from storage could make your visit more satisfying. Good for you and good for us. By learning your likes and dislikes, we can increase the odds of finding something that you might want to take home with you and have in your life. You can put us to work for you, and we will be better equipped to not waste your time.

Oh… and before you leave the gallery, make sure you give us your address for the mailing list. Maybe email is better for you - Migration sends regular email announcements. This may seem like a step to making a commitment, but all it really does is keep you informed of future shows, news and events at the gallery.

So start a conversation with the owner or director of a gallery that you believe has similar sensibilities as you. A relationship will start and you will soon have the opportunity of being rewarded by our business and our expertise. Heck, what’s the worst thing that can happen… a stimulating conversation between nice people. Doesn’t sound too bad to me.

Okay, so after all that, maybe it is a little like dating… Take a look at the gallery. Is the first impression good? Do you like what you see? Pretty/Handsome? Come back and check out another exhibit. Same quality as before? Have a glass of wine at the next opening. Loosen up a little. Work up the nerve to introduce yourself to the owner (or maybe the exhibiting artist). Ask a few questions. Start a little conversation. Give them your phone number (mailing address, actually). See if you hear back from them. The relationship might blossom. You learn something special about the gallery, its artists and its owners. In return, they find out a little something about you. There may be a painting or sculpture you fall in love with immediately (love at first site). Or, it may take a little while for the love to blossom (you’re just a little shy). Ultimately, you find something you can’t live without. You buy it. Take it home. Live with it forever – happily ever after. And it all started with a little conversation.

Put another way… We had a gentleman who repeatedly came to the gallery to "visit" a specific painting. He even admitted to walking past the gallery after hours just to get a look at it through the windows (he apologized for the nose prints on the glass). Through continued conversations with us, he finally decided to buy it and take the piece home with him. When he made the decision, he said to us, "After dating it for weeks, I finally get to take it home and sleep with it." A happy story.

Next, I'll list a few of the rewards a relationship with a gallery can provide. Stay tuned.