Art News
Artists As Each Others Agents:
What A Concept!
By Renée Phillips
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A few months ago Bren Sibilsky, an extraordinary sculptor from WI, and member of the Manhattan Arts International online gallery, invited me to send some of my small paintings and Jewelry of ART pieces to her to display in her Annual Open Studios that will take place in October 2009. She has also arranged for our work to be featured at the
Mystical Earth Gallery in Oshkosh, WI in a two person exhibition for a month, following the Open Studios event. Since Bren and I share similar artistic and spiritual directions Bren selected the title "Evoking the Divine" for our two person show.
This idea of Bren's was so generous and supportive. In exchange I enthusiastically offered to display Bren's small sculptures in the Manhattan Arts International office/showroom. Her sculpture is such an inspiration and accompanies my paintings and Jewelry of ART so perfectly! The prices of our pieces that we will be exchanging will also be consistent with one another and affordable, in both geographic locations.
Immediately, I began to think about the ways I could promote her work to a New York audience. I have been a huge fan of Bren's work for several years and as you probably know from experience it is so much easier to promote someone else than yourself.
In a recent discussion Bren and I began to wonder, there must be other artists who are exchanging their art work for display with other artists? In this economy it may provide a boost.
ARTISTS SELLING EACH OTHER'S WORK
Andrea Bonfils says, "I just coordinated the sale of 4 sizable sculptures by Chris Green (a sculptor I recently met) to a collector/friend. She has plenty of my work and the additional sculptures are a fabulous compliment to her collection. I hope to be getting a sculpting lesson one day! Nothing made me happier than Chris's call to say thanks and knowing that he can keep sculpting wth additional funds!"
ARTISTS BUYING EACH OTHER'S WORK
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| Sharon Florin, "French Reflections", oil on canvas, 30" x 36" |
New York artist Sharon Florin stated, "Several years ago I was in a group show and noticed a watercolor, a scene in the lobby of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was taken with it and found myself going back to look at it over the course of the evening reception. The next day I sent a note to the artist telling her how much I loved that piece. She offered a nice discount and as I'd just recently sold a painting I purchased it.
An artist buying art? Sure, not only am I an artist, I've become a collector as well. In my home the walls are covered with prints and paintings of artist friends as well as artists whose work I admire. And it makes me so happy to look at and enjoy these works of art. Lord knows I should probably be spending my money on rent and food and the necessities, but for me and for so many others, art IS a necessity. I can't imagine living in a home with blank walls, it is just unthinkable. So today I say "hooray" to collectors, where would we artists be without them."
In addition, Sharon's exhibition "On & Off the Grid" is taking place at The Durst Organization Lobby Gallery,1155 Avenue of the Americas (bet. 44-45th Streets), New York, NY, July 30 - September 18, 2009. The artist's reception will be held August 6th, 6-8 pm. Sharon said, "This exhibition was a direct result of an artist telling the curator about my work and sending him the link to my website. She said, “Totally unsolicited and very generous.”
I say, what you reap you sow!
You can see Sharon's work at http://sjfnewyork.blogspot.com/
Artists, I'm interested in hearing similar experiences you have had or plan to have in the area of Artists as Fellow Agents.
Please share your comments in the discussion at the Manhattan Arts International group on LinkedIn.com or send me a brief email at renee@renee-phillips.com. Please keep your description to about 100 words or less. Thank you! |
Use this link to the Manhattan Arts International group on linkedin. http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1930619
Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International. She recently co-curated “Celebrate The Healing Power of Art”, an online exhibition at www.ManhattanArts.com. Known as The Artrepreneur Coach, counsels artists worldwide. Learn more about her private consulting services available in person or by phone.
She is the author of The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries and Presentation Power Tools For Fine Artists, as well as Success Now! For Artists: A Motivational Guide For the Artrepreneur. Learn more about her books.
She is a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA). She is the Director of Manhattan Arts International.
Read more articles by Renée Phillips.
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Thriving in Challenging Times
Although the market and economy are volatile artists’ survival insticts always prevail. In addition to adjusting our perspective and organization here are a few more ideas:
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You have control over your actions and reactions. Instead of fear and pessimism choose confidence and optimism.
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Create business plans, and follow through with unwavering persistence.
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If you cannot sell, then barter. Examples may include trading art for printing services.
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To put available cash in your account, take an objective look at your inventory and sell some earlier, less-significant pieces at a lower price.
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Use your artistic mission as a springboard for positive global impact. Take your message to the community, healing centers, schools and government facilities.
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Members of the art community unite! Now is the time for camaraderie and cooperation. Organize artist-run exhibitions, artistic movements and support groups. In the words of Booker T. Washington, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else.”
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Why exchanging art with a fellow artist in another geographic region is mutually rewarding.
1. When you share the same philosophy about creativity with another artist it it natural that your work will be compatible and you both will be enthusiastic about promoting each other.
2. It is empowering to know someone of equal enthusiasm -- and knowledge of art and the creative process -- is showing and promoting your work.
3. By exchanging your work in another region you can test the waters in front of a different audience than the one you already have and get firsthand feedback.
4. You have the opportunity to expand your recognition and sales, build publicity, and develop new relationships -- without leaving your house.
5. Sharing marketing ideas with another like-minded artist eliminates the burden of doing it alone. Together you can coach each other to accomplish more individually and as a team.
6. In this mutually beneficial partnership you can trade each other's strengths. For example, where one of you may be better at designing the invitations, the other may be better at social networking promotion!
7. Those individuals who have joined you around the world in social networking sites now can possibly see your work in person as it travels.
8. You could increase your income by earning sales commissions from selling each other's work.
9. You know you probably have enough inventory to do this exchange with several artists and isn't it better to give it exposure than hide it in a closet or storage space?
10. Imagine establishing a network of fellow artists exchanging artwork throughout the the world!
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