The last few months have been the greatest educational experience of my life. I've learned that all the passion, love and support cannot keep a business alive without having enough money to withstand the lean times. I've learned that whatever I might have thoughtfully planned out, means nothing when fate has other plans for you. I've also had my faith restored in humankind, as I've been the recipient of the warmest and caring outpouring of support for a dying Art Gallery and Wine business that clearly touched people and provided a greatly needed service....FUN.
Perhaps most suprising though, is what I've learned about Art in the last few months. While I've always considered it my job to educate others, I have placed furthering my own education on the backburner, as time just didn't allow me to proactively get out and see what other galleries and other artists were up to. This haitus (between closing a business and preparing for a baby) has offered me a great opportunity to do just that - GET OUT and see what's UP !
So let's start with the epiphany. Yes, I had one. Quietly, without much fanfare, I became enlightened to the one of the greatest joys of becomong a new parent.... decorating the nursery. I awoke to the realization that besides food, shelter and love, the next greatest gift to my son is a kick ass art collection. So I decided that his nursery would be my blank canvas with which to build a legacy that he may build upon as well one day - that by exposing him to original works of art, I would instill in him a seemingly lost value, a value that he could share and encourage in others. Besides, I would get to buy great art.
The most perfect opportunity was at my doorstep... Folk Fest. This annual Folk Art/Outsider Art show is 16 years running in Atlanta and is known as the largest show of Folk Art held in the United States. The show is the brainchild of Steve Slotin, who also hosts two other smaller auctions in Buford, GA each year. Having attended the spring Auction, and consequently became obsessed with Outsider Art, I was extremely excited to attend Folk Fest and become a student of unlearned art. Joining me at the show was my husband and my friends Rebecca and Dave...Ah, Dave - the Expert ! And God love him, for patiently walking with us, navigating through the menutia and providing educational commentary on everything we saw. It was a fantastic show - most of the artists were in attendance, partnering with their representing galleries and the quality of the work far surpassed what I expected. The business of Folk Art was clearly strong and people were buying. Including me. While I'm sure I didn't make a solid "investment" on every purchase, I am quite certain that came home with works that inspired me, made me laugh, made me think and will be awesome heirlooms for my son.
The Teacher also learned.... that Artists still need and want to be represented. There has always been an "at odds" relationship between artist and gallery - probably because money is involved. But when you've had nothing but great success working together, you don't want it to end ! The artists I have had the pleasure to represent, all very much supported (yet were sad about) my decision to close the gallery ... and the best news is that between Artist and Gallery - there is a strong desire to keep moving forward - however that may take form. So expect to continue to hear from us - shows will be forthcoming !
Learning to let go.... One of my favorite post gallery moments, has to be last night (Thursday) when I got to support one of my own, in her own, first and monumentus One Man Show. Claire Dunaway (Pet Portraits and Americana acrylic paintings) is the Artist of the Month at The Strand Theatre in Marietta Square. A reception for her month long one man show was held for her last night - and WOW was I proud ! Her name was lit up on the marquis as if she were a movie star and she held her own beautifully while over 75 people perused her new show called 5,941 Miles - a visual journey of her trips between Atlanta and Sante Fe this past summer. There were gas pumps - really cool vertical paintings of out of service gas pumps with letter perfect detail and prices of .37 gallon on some. There were broken down cars, silos, fields and cows. It was as if you were taking the journey as a passenger in her car....well, along with Dakota, her rescued shepherd mix. Kudos Claire - I'm so proud of you ! ps. It was nice to eat someone elses cheese and crackers.... and I did eat my share.
Lastly - some thoughts on the Arts. There is alot of community fluff going on about supporting the Arts, Living the Arts and making Community awareness of the Arts. I say fluff, because it's starting to look like small towns are calling together people to create "arts" organizations for the sake of saying they have one. Having served on the Public Art Committe for the City of Suwanee, I can personally attest to the fact that the mission of the committee is clearly spelled out in an actual ordinance and it the City's intention to prioritize the Arts (visual predominently) in future development that takes place in the city. Art is NOT fluff. It is NOT one or two galleries and it is not an excuse to get people to walk around from shop to shop with the hopes it will drive business. Britannica Online defines Art as "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others."
I'm highly suspect of the "Arts Organizations" that are popping up all over the place, that are spearheaded by individuals who do not possess the skill, imagination or passion to truly represent the "arts" - YOU be wary too !!! On the other hand, there are some quality efforts that show promise and I encourage you to check out their Art Walks, and events:
Marietta Art in the Park (and their Monthly Art Walk)
Roswell Alive After Five Art Walk
City of Suwanee, PAC Volunteer Committee (call City Hall to Inquire)
Decatur Arts Festival
Please send me a post if you have seen other Art Awareness efforts you believe should be noticed. I will share !
Until next time, Live Art. Keep Loving Wine. And share !
Cheers,
Vanessa
