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Behind the Scenes of An Opening at Windsor Art Center

September 5, 2018 by Clara Nartey 2 Comments

This past weekend,  I attended the opening reception for “Local Color 3: Inspired by Science“ – a traveling art exhibition I’ve been managing for the past year or more. I was happy to have had the juror, select two of my pieces to be included in this show – “Under the microscope #1“ and “Under the Microscope #2“. So not only am I managing this multipart show, but I also am one of the exhibiting artists.

Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center | Clara Nartey
Clara Nartey with her piece “Under the Microscope #2” at Windsor Art Center

I’ve been working with the team at Windsor Art Center for several months to pull this off. Let me pull back the curtain a little bit to let you in on some of the little-known behind-the-scenes activities which are responsible for putting together a good art exhibition.

Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
Wanda Seldon Speaking – The Lead Windsor Art Contact to Local Color

Behind the Scenes, Activities Involved in Creating Art Exhibitions

  1. Financial Considerations: Art centers and other art organizations depend on donations and financial support from many organizations and individuals.  So in addition to the routine work of – calls for entries, jurying, and so forth, financial considerations and attempts to secure financial support is an active part of putting together an exhibit.  Financial considerations can constrain an exhibition and often do. So, support your local art center.

    Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
    All the exhibiting artists who were present at the opening reception
  2. Contracts & Sales Documents: Art organizations have to decide whether they’ll pay to insure the artworks in the exhibition in case disaster strikes. Whatever their decision, contracts need to be created which spell out the organization’s responsibility and that of the artists.  It’s important to understand your responsibilities when you sign these contracts.

    Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
    Applause!!! (From left to right – Artworks by Evelyn Knight, Kate Themel, Mary Lachman)
  3. Volunteers Make Exhibits Happen: For well-established museums and art organizations, they may have a limited staff working on exhibitions. But for many art organizations, a lot of the heavy lifting needed to get exhibitions running is done by volunteers. Yes, volunteers!!! And often that turns out to be a lot of sacrifice on their part. So, I encourage you to volunteer at your local art organizations and/or appreciate those who do.
Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
“Beverage Table” tended by volunteers with Judy Ross’s “Wind in my sails”hanging in the background

Of course, there are many more activities involved in putting together an art show. Activities like curating, digital photo organization, press releases, marketing, installation, and much more.

Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
Viewer peering at Clara Nartey’s “Under the Microscope #2”

As a result of all these reasons, I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the curatorial team I worked with to pull off this exhibition. I know how much of their own time and energies they had to invest into making this happen.  So big thanks Windsor Art Center Curatorial team.  It was great working with you!!!

Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
Building community around food

So, you can imagine my joy at the opening reception to see the whole thing come together in a beautiful way.

Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
Lots to eat.

The reception was awesome. A reporter asked me, “How did you do this? How did you fill up this place with people on a Labor Day weekend?” There were so many people, coming in and going out, it was impossible for me to photograph the artworks on the walls. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I really want to get great photos of the artworks in an exhibition, I need to go visit some other time than the opening. 

Opening Reception at Windsor Art Center
2018 “Trunk Show” pieces by CT members of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates)

The opening reception for me, tends to be about making connections with creative friends, having camaraderie, making new connections with art enthusiasts and professionals and celebrating art. 

So for the time I was there, I focused on enjoying the people and getting a quick overview of the artworks.

“when you attend events with creative people.  The creative energy is so palpable”

I tell you, something awesome happens when you attend events with creative people.  The creative energy is so palpable. Whenever I attend an art organization meeting or opening reception, I always leave with a pressing desire to get into my studio and create something new.

This never fails to happen, the creativity boost you get with creative friends and seeing art.  If you’re in a creative slump right now.  This might just be what you need – inspiration and camaraderie from creative friends.

Question: Do you attend the artists’ opening reception? What are the reasons you attend opening reception s? Share your comments below. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Warmest Regards,

Clara's Signature

Get behind the scenes and learn more about my art practice, events, exhibitions and release of new artworks


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Also published on Medium.

Comments

  1. Beth Berman says

    September 6, 2018 at 6:09 am

    Hi Clara,
    You are really getting out there and making a name for yourself!! Good for you. Wishing you great success.

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      September 6, 2018 at 7:24 am

      Thanks Beth. I appreciate that lovely comment.

      Reply

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