September 24, 2009
why i chose a restaurant over an art gallery for the print-signing party
[Me holding up one of the Purple Cows, right after they were printed. An exciting day for all concerned, indeed…]
[UPDATE: The 6-9pm signing party is now fully booked. Sorry about that. However, if you want to RSVP via email at gapingvoidvip@gmail.com, we can put you on the waiting list, or just RSVP for the 9pm-12pm after-party: it’ll still be fun, and we still have plenty of room left for that. Thanks!][UPDATE: Space is running pretty tight on the 9pm after-party as well, so please RSVP ASAP, Thanks!]
When we were looking around for venues to host The Purple Cow print-signing party, the obvious thing to do was to talk to some New York art galleries about hiring their venue for the evening. And so we did.
These conversations, however, soon got old. It wasn’t that we didn’t have the budget– we did– and it wasn’t that they weren’t nice enough people– they were– it was just this nagging feeling I was getting.
The fact is, I’ve been to maybe hundreds of art openings over the years. And my main take out from that? People don’t like them. People are never at their best at them. Everybody’s invariably hanging around, looking awkward, looking down at their feet, trying hard not to say anything stupid.
I never liked that socially oppressive aspect of art gallery openings, and I never assumed I was so special, that this exact same phenomenon wouldn’t be happening here again.
So I said, to hell with it. I don’t want people looking down at their feet. Not at my show. I had such a good time at my last New York tweetup, so let’s just use that venue instead. The ilili Bar, just north of Union Square. Easy.
Besides, as any long-time gapingvoid reader knows, my art career got its start in New York bars. So there’s something “full-circle” about this…
Sure, the Art Mafia will probably whine like schoolgirls about my decision [When are they NOT whining like schoolgirls?]. Screw ‘em.
[P.S. For those missing out on the party, the Purple Cow print is for sale over here at the gapingvoid Gallery etc.]
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A wee chuckle to start your day off right etc.
Haha. “Art Mafia”. Funny mental pictures with that one.
I’m still a n00b, but the few show openings I’ve had were *extremely* uncomfortable– to the point I really don’t want to do another!
Good call on trying to alleviate some of the pain.
Right on. Rock on. You’ve put a lightbulb on for me and my shows too. Thank you.
heh, so now you are the the Art “Marfa”, I suppose!?
Loved the story — actually love any story that demonstrates the joy of a ‘full circle’ moment. I found this through Chris Brogan. He is a good contact for finding interesting people; not to mention now I know a great place to find unique Christmas gifts.
Art should always be seen out in the wild, not in some artificial setting, pinned to the wall like a captured butterfly.
Smooth move, very modern
Hugh, I noticed that the same thing happening when an author releases a new book and holds a reading. Nobody likes sitting on his hands in a bookstore for 2 hours. And that’s why I’m such a superfan of the Literary Death Match reading series, where people are allowed to appreciate good lit while enjoying themselves. Good for you.