I thought I would write a little post about gallery openings. Those of us in the arts are often surprised to find that very few people actually go to galleries; public or private. I am going to address this to people who have never been to an opening and may have some trepidation. Let’s dispense with the obvious, you are not obliged to make an offer on a painting, or communicate to the gallery owner why you can’t buy a painting. Galleries are not used car lots. You won’t be approached or pressured to buy art. If you are interested in a painting just talk to the gallery owner or employees. You are not obliged to make deep observations about the art. If you are made to feel like you are intellectually inferior by someone then shame on them, I will have the bouncers show them the door. You can’t get the way YOU feel about art wrong. If you have a question please ask. If you are made to feel that your question is stupid then shame on them; beckon the bouncer over. Yes, ultimately I make my living by selling art, but I am interested in a long career and part of that is making connections with people. I have sold art to newlyweds who have never bought original art before and millionaires with astounding collections. I am not interested in convincing people to like my art; you will know one way or another once you see it.
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