What makes a GOOD art reception?

Arts and Heritage Center, Windsor

As I write on this glorious sunny day in February, I am on THIS side of two opening receptions for two different galleries, The Art and Heritage Center in Windsor and Madison and Main in Greeley.

AND, I am on THIS side of an artist's demonstration on fused glass jewelry at Madison and Main and an artist's talk and workshop on found art at the Art and Heritage Center.  

It's been an incredible February!



In addition to many friends who read my blogs and wanted to know how my two January opening receptions went, I also have a dear friend ask, What makes a good art reception?  

It made me pause and consider my response. 

Since last September I have had the privilege to be an artist in seven opening receptions. None, fortunately, have been disasters (sigh of relief!) but some have definitely been better than others.  So, based on my previous career that included event planning and my current experience in attending opening receptions, here are my thoughts.

What makes a good art reception?

1.  Do your best to insure the best attendance possible.
     This means getting the word out, sending invitations, notifying your email lists, using social media, personally inviting people.  The best opening receptions have people.  I know, sounds like a gimme but it's not. The gallery will, hopefully, do its part in publicizing the event but I think the artist's involved should help. 

2.  Make sure everyone coming into the gallery or exhibit space is greeted.  
     Surprisingly, this one is easily overlooked but it sets a tone for the entire event.  Not only is the greeter able to say hello, but is also in a position to mention salient details about the reception as well as answer questions like, "Where is the restroom?"

3.  Have a coat rack.
     Unless it is a perfectly warm dry day, most people who attend receptions have a light coat or wrap.  In the winter it's likely to be heavy coats and snow-covered boots.  A coat rack, conveniently located, provides a spot to leave a dripping umbrella, a heavy backpack or offers a sheltering moment in which to take a deep breath before entering the social aspect of a reception.

4.  Provide name tags to identify the artist.

     It's funny how important this is both to other artists who want to meet each other and to people who respond to work and would like to talk to the artist about it.  

Without it, no one risks guessing and that limits conversation to only those folks you know, which may not be too many people if you're new to an area like I am and come with my husband.

5.  Identify gallery and exhibit personnel.
     It's also very helpful to know the people who juried the exhibit or were instrumental in organizing and hosting the event. 

Wearing a name tag, a badge, a flower, etc., helps guide guests to people who can discuss purchasing of artwork, selection criteria, even answer curating questions.  

6.  Beverages and food are wonderful additions.
     This can be especially challenging, depending on the budget, but food and drink are key to a good art reception.  Regardless of whether the food offerings are upscale and lavish or modest and simple, the idea is to have some kind of food available.

As a wine lover, I'm always delighted when I learn that wine, especially red, is an offered beverage--even if I have to pay extra for it.  Again, regardless of whether the beverages range from an open bar to coffee, tea and ice water, providing drink is critical to creating the warm inviting social gathering that art receptions have the potential to be.

There's something about browsing the food selections or pouring cream into one's coffee--the opportunity to begin a conversation with someone new is greater.  Maybe holding a glass of wine is a badge of courage, but there's a marked difference in receptions with food and beverage offerings.  There is simply more conversation and that is one of the key purposes for hosting a reception.

Opening reception for "Own an Original" in Littleton.

7.  Have a program booklet listing works and artists.
I enjoy reading about the history of the gallery and facts about the exhibit, but my primary reasons for attending are to see the art and hopefully meet other artists and people who enjoy art.  Having a guide to the art exhibited is essential.

String quartet performing during opening reception for "Lone Tree Art Expo."

8.  Adding music is an enhancement.
I know art budgets are notoriously tight but if the opportunity to add music is available, I urge you to consider it!  

It's not essential, like say the audience attendance or the artwork featured, but there's something wonderfully rich about attending a reception in which music is also featured. 

Just one small caveat--be sure to select the right type of music for the space and gathering. The purpose of enhancing conversation and art is quashed if the music is too loud or dominant.  This would not be the time to book the State Marching Band! Ha! Ha! 

"River Remnants" currently on exhibit at the Windsor Art & Heritage Center.

9.  Thank people for coming.
This could easily be the same person who greeted those coming in, but it's a nice touch to thank people for taking the time to attend this event.  

Essential?  Probably not but it is one of those intangible aspects that lends a gracious finish, a professional touch that reinforces the appreciation for one's time and presence.

Those are the big characteristics of what I consider really good  art receptions.  I might add some more as I think of them--or, if I'm fortunate enough to be an artist accepted into more juried shows in the months to come!

Oh, and to read about the artist demonstration and workshop go to my other blog:
http://WhimsyCalls.blogspot.com.