My thoughts on Art Openings/Receptions

Over the years, I have gotten a few questions from friends and family about what actually happens at an art opening. Many people have never gone to an art opening before and aren’t sure of what to expect, or how to act. When they attend, are they required to purchase a piece of art? Is there an entrance fee? What is proper behavior/etiquette? I find these questions to be very brave. I’m impressed by people who are willing to try something new that they haven’t done before, and even more impressed if they are willing to do a little research ahead of time to find out what it’s about.

Taking a step back and looking at the big picture, the main purpose of art receptions is to draw attention to the art on exhibit and the artist who created it. By the time the reception comes, the artist has put a lot of work (usually hundreds of hours) into creating and framing the pieces. The gallery owner has put a lot of effort into laying out, hanging, lighting, advertising, creating the mood (music, beverages, snacks). All of this work happens so that hopefully art collectors will love what they see and purchase the artwork. The artist and the gallery split the profits of the artwork purchased (according to their contract). However, there is never a guarantee that any of the paintings will sell. It’s all a bit of a gamble.

Art openings are usually free to attend. Usually in a commercial gallery or art center, the receptions are open to the public. But once in a while, receptions are by invitation only. If you receive one of these invitations, it is a special thing and you are one of the lucky few who get to attend. Quite often light appetizers are served along with wine (depending on the rules of the venue). There is usually music (sometimes even live performance). The food, beverage, and entertainment are usually paid for by the gallery and/or artist in hopes that people will feel comfortable and stay longer and interact with the art more. (There might be a tip/donation jar near the wine.) The food is not usually meant to be a meal, it’s best to eat before you come.

Art openings are kind of like going on a blind date. There is no expectation that visitors will purchase a painting anymore than expecting that there will be a second date. However, both people show up for a blind date with hope that it will work out. People come to art shows with a similar blind hope--visitors come to the art opening hoping that the art will speak to them, they will fall in love, the price will fit in their budget, and it will be new and exciting to hang a new piece of artwork in their home. Artists and gallery owners are hoping that this happens as well. If this does happen to you at an opening and you want to make a purchase, here’s a tip: talk to the gallery owner right away (I’ve seen it happen a couple of times during busy openings where someone gets all excited to buy a painting and someone else snatches it away first! Jilted!) However, if it’s not going to work out for you to purchase a piece (not within your budget or doesn’t appeal to your personal taste), that’s OK! There’s no need to justify your actions, no need to comment to the artist or other visitors about why you aren’t buying the artwork--there was no expectation to begin with. (Just as you would never tell a person on a blind date why it “just wouldn’t work out” unless they ask...there has been no commitment, so there needs no justification.)

Even if you don’t purchase a painting at an opening, you can still add value to the event. Be sure to say a few words with the artist--whether or not you like their new work, you can always find something positive things to talk about. Or you can ask questions to understand their method or technique. I just went to an opening with a lot of winter plein air paintings and it was fun over-hearing the artist answering questions about how he managed to paint in the snow. Just be sure not to monopolize the time of the artist or gallery owner. They need to be able to chat and be available for all of their visitors. You can also add value to the event by engaging in conversation with other people at the opening--be sure to be positive about the artist and the art. This is their time to shine. For example, even though I am an artist myself, if I’m at someone else'

art opening, I try not to discuss my own art unless I’m specifically asked. The hosting artist and gallery invested a lot of time and money in hosting and advertising this event--it is their event, not mine. I wouldn’t want to take advantage of their hard work by making it all about me--it’s unethical and in bad taste.

So what do you “do” at an art opening besides talk with the artist and other visitors. Well, enjoy the art, of course! Many people have different ways of enjoying art, and I hope you find your own art show rituals. Here’s what I typically do: I walk through the entire show rather quickly so I know the big picture. Then I go back to the beginning, get a price/title list (if it isn’t listed on the wall tags), and look at each piece more intimately...I speed date with each piece. I stand in front of a piece and looking only at that piece, I let my eyes and heart interact with it. If there’s no attraction, I’m able to move on almost immediately. Some paintings hold my attention for a few seconds longer. But some paintings...some paintings keep and hold my attention. Even when I feel like I should move on, I find my eyes still drawn back. This is true love. It’s rare, but it’s why I keep going to art openings.

#artopenings #artistreception #receptionetiquette