two hundred sixty-three

'Looking Up', in hand

Postcards around here seem to rarely go out any more for art shows (and I'm not counting the 'group show' cards that show slivers of several artists, or postcards with a 'please support-our-non-profit-event' message).  Bless the Randolph Arts Guild.  They made a run of show cards for the May 2015 exhibition and gave me a stack to disperse.  Folks near and far received announcements for this solo show.  I hand them out when I meet people and visit other cities.  They're business cards for an art venue and for the artist.  They are tactile and tactfully tease the public of the current visual splendor to behold (and says so visually).  It is a nod that suggests artists and art venues are relevant, and are sharing art work with the public.   

On the other hand, technology makes a strong case for the mass social media invite.  It is affordable.  The audience is most likely already engaged on social media/internet with easy linkage to virtual calendars.  And there's one less step to announce an exhibit -- no printers, no proofing, no stamp licking.  And the venue can easily sit in their chair/at their computer -- or even mobile device; broadcast to the world of an upcoming event; and spend maybe 30 minutes at the task.  Done.  And now things could go viral and those 300 invites may begin to multiply with 'likes', 'shares', and additional invites.  Postcards will lose the fight in this type of marketing battle.  But how many e-vites inspire people?  How many people print out an e-vite announcement?  Does a social media 'share' equal the level of connection that occurs when a postcard is whipped out while the person says, "I'm checking out this upcoming show -- come with?"  "Sharing" the upcoming show via email, or social media has its merits.  I am thankful for those who share my art on-goings with others be it virtual, tactile, or verbal.  This is a rant that compares virtual and physical dissemination of material and not a questioning of virtue from those sending.    

I've yet to hear anyone tell me how inspired they were from viewing the online invite for any of my exhibitions.  I do see show cards from exhibitions hanging on refrigerators, office walls, and cork boards (some of these cards are several years old).  And unlike social media, a show card taped to someone's fridge most likely was voluntarily placed there and does not require additional 'sends' in order to be viewed multiple times [read: lodge into someone's peripheral thoughts].

And now with 16 years worth of exhibitions that include the dawning of social media invites, this current May exhibition includes a 'traditional' show card.  Just in this one week span of the exhibit there have been multiple requests to sign show cards for fans.  Another said it was the receipt of the postcard in the mail that inspired them to contact me and make solid plans to experience the exhibit (thanks for the visit.  I hope you enjoyed the tour.)  Sure -- these may be common place in other areas and larger venues with a more solid clientele that support the arts on a regular basis -- but I live in an area that constantly needs reminders of why the arts need to be supported.  These areas also naturally suffer from a lack of arts advocates.  Oh wait -- I spoke too soon, we have virtual advocates who use social media to express their passion.  My bad.  One method requires more energy.  One method allows for easier transmission of good vibes and positive reinforcement that lasts longer and shine brighter that LEDs (5.7 years).

So backing off this virtual soap box blog (thank you for reading) here's the meat and potatoes of this post.  Weeks before the recent opening reception a local colleague was like, "Les, what are you up to?"  And I said this art exhibition, "Looking Up" is opening soon in Asheboro [pointing to the show card & handing it to him] -- you should come.  Bring the wife.

hangin' with my opening peeps

The couple in fact attended (thank you for being part of the actual reception).  While we were chatting, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said something like, "Les I got all kind of flack for telling my work buddies and friends I was going to an art show tonight.  This is my first art opening outside of one for the school children.  This here is alright.  Your artwork is great.  The art gallery is great.  This is a place I hope to visit again.  You see things differently than most and this show helps me see what you see.  And I never would have ventured out of my comfort zone if you hadn't shared with me your show card.  We almost got in a wreck from the traffic jam on the way here, but we had to make it to this reception."

I live to fight one more day.