Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Gallery Representation!


(Above: Interior of Grovewood Gallery, Asheville, NC.)

One of my goals for 2009 was to find "proper" gallery representation.....a serious retail location specializing in fine art crafts with at least a few years in business, a knowledgeable staff, noticeable advertisements, and an up-to-date website. After a careful Internet exploration, I targeted the Grovewood Gallery and submitted my application by the March 26th deadline for artist consideration. (Submissions are reviewed twice a year.) Unfortunately, I received a rejection letter.....the absolutely nicest one I've ever read. It was very encouraging and actually rather "open ended" too.

Well, I later submitted to Blue Spiral 1 and wasn't the least bit surprised to receive a form letter rejection. Yet, they also enclosed a flier for Asheville's "First Friday" gallery crawl. I went. I found another gallery that looked promising. I introduced myself to the owner. I sent my materials....and the response was....well...."interesting". Something wasn't "quite right".

I don't know what prompted me to call the Grovewood Gallery, but I did. They invited me to mail two small pieces. I did. They liked them. They mentioned introducing my work right before Christmas. The two pieces weren't hung....but were within the public's eyesight. They generated interest....enough attention that the gallery decided to introduce my work even earlier! I got this exciting telephone call only a half hour before my departure for Europe.

While I was gone, Steve had to attend to this important matter. By the time I got home....I had the representation I most wanted! I'm now an exhibiting artist at the Grovewood Gallery!

Steve blogged about his trip to Asheville to deliver my work HERE....more photos too! I am now working on the photos and blog entries for my trip to Sara Lechner's in Austria!

8 comments:

Greg said...

Congrats on the representation! From what I've seen of your work, I knew it wouldn't be long before you were "snatched up". Again, congrats!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

YES!!! They know a good thing when they see it. I'm so very glad for you. Your work is totally unique and I know, beyond a doubt, that it will be well received. Good for you!

Chris said...

I think you are having a great year! Good for you. I'm rather surprised that any gallery would reject your work, but, whatever.

Wanda said...

This is great news indeed! Congratulations! I heard you had an interesting return to the States. I guess this trip won't be one for your list of "smooth sailing" trips! Welcome home and can't wait to see all the good stuff from Vienna! And pictures of the kids as well!!!

Sue Krekorian said...

Wow, Susan - well done and well deserved!

jafabrit said...

I love the entrance to the gallery and the interior, this is just SUPER. congratulations, but I have to profess at being a bit shocked at the rejections?

William Evertson said...

What great news and well deserved. Your work is very unique and always invites a second look. (and 3rd)

beadbabe49 said...

Congratulations! I know your wonderful work will just add to the work already in the gallery...I do wonder what caused the first refusal though? Because it was fiber work? If you feel comfortable asking, I'd sure be interested in knowing...