opening buzz

I’m on a bit of a high as I write this post. Apparently seeing your work hung among other very talented artists by a professional curator raises a boat load of endorphins. Maybe there should be an after-party for gallery openings. I’m so giddy!

Sunday was a lovely sunshiny day and I walked to the garage in a winter wonderland.

I drove to the Art Center which was also basking in light. Evanston’s lighthouse to the left can be visited during the warmer months.

Eighty-three artists had submitted metal and clay sculptures, etchings, drawings, paintings, collages and mosaics. I was given a badge as I checked in, and walked to the ‘sun room’ of the center and perused sculptural art there. As I made my round and stepped back up into the main hallway, my collage was right there in the corner!

It’s a billboard 🙂

I’m the person who analyzes the materials listed on those little name cards you see next to art work, and it was so neat to see my description typed up next to my name! It’s so credible.

Also in good company next to this sculpture, Bird Lover by Roberta Maltkin, that sold within hours of opening.

I then milled around the gallery hosting more beautiful sculptures and paintings–this side mostly still lifes and nature settings.

The other side of the main floor had portraits, people paintings and small jewelry-like objects.

I met both artists on this wall: Africa by Tineke Beckers and Victoria by Sally Neuert .

Upstairs the inspiration continued with metal sculptures, sketches, etchings, and prints. If you’re in Chicagoland, you can take the full tour until February 5.

The curator, David Gista, checked in to make sure I liked where my collage was (he had been up til 2 AM hanging everything the night before!), and introduced me to a Dutch painter. Another person joined the group and suddenly we were speaking Dutch and German, and analyzing my collage.

Boy do I need to practice explaining encaustics! The Art Marketing class I signed up for should help me get my ‘spiel’ down better.

It was so exciting to have a spot in a bona fide gallery. Up until today I still wondered if someone from EAC would call and say “sorry, your work doesn’t qualify as fine art.” I may not get the jurors’ attention yet, but I have another little notch to add to my qualification as a (fine) ARTIST.

I swung by Dick Blick’s on my way home and picked up their call for artists. Just getting out there is a huge step up from having your art sit in a corner somewhere. I highly recommend entering the local “free for all” shows. Your art work is valued, and people do enjoy looking at it. Don’t be shy.

To seal the deal, I took advantage of Curly Girl Design’s 20% off sale (through today) and rewarded myself with a laptop skin that says:

“We must absolutely do what we love,
or we run the risk of doing nothing at all.”

I’m hoping Migrant Danaus finds a new home through this exhibit, but if it doesn’t, I will treasure it as a piece that helped me migrate along my artistic path a little bit further.