A couple of weeks ago I was in my first invited, juried photography exhibit. The exhibit was held during the annual Cranberry Festival in Bandon, Oregon.
There were six other photographers that were also featured. I was honored to be among some very fine photographers. Sean Bagshaw, whom I’ve been a fan of for a couple of years had his work displayed there even though he couldn’t physically be there. The other photographers were Wanda Young, Troy Hofman, Angela Cardas and Laren & JerriLynn Woolley . Amazing talent and such nice people!
The exhibit had a public photography contest in which I and some of the other photographers helped judge. It was fun to see the turn out of such a wonderful collection of images from people of various ages and skill levels.
I was asked if I sold anything during the exhibit by a couple of people. I did not. I did however sell a framed image for the Woolley’s who were doing their Saturday Market in Newport. Both of us had Square for processing our credit card orders and I happened to be the one available when a visitor wanted to buy their fine art piece. I called up JerriLynn and we did everything over the phone. The couple purchasing their art were very pleased and so was JerriLynn. Got to love technology!
Talking to Wanda, the event coordinator about the sale, she said they don’t usually sell anything during this event. She was quite pleased. It was nice we were able to put prices on our work, but more than anything, it was just a privilege to showcase my work. No I didn’t sell anything, but I had the incredible honor to meet and be among some very fine photographers.
Troy, had five easel’s he made for his exhibit and didn’t want to take them home. He gave the Woolley’s three and two to me. These were beautifully, crafted easels! I was thrilled as I didn’t own any easels and had to borrow one for the exhibit. What a great guy! I also found out that Troy does printing and gallery wraps. Definitely a contact I will follow up with.
I also came away from the exhibit realizing some things I could do to improve my display and impact for the next time I am asked to be in such an event.
Here are a few things I noted from observing the visitors to the exhibit:
- Canvas Wraps are a real show stopper – People were immediately draw to the Woolley’s and Sean’s canvas wrapped fine art pieces. They had the impact.
- Black Mats – I have started matting my prints in white mats. Just a personal preference I guest. I’m a minimalist. I also use simple black frames most of the time, though I have tried a few metal frames. The Woolley’s work was all in black mats. I have to say, I loved it. I really showed off their coastal scenes, especially the dramatic sunset shots.
- Mat sizes - The size of the my matted prints were 8×10, 11×14 and 12×16. The Woolley’s mats were all at least 12×16 or larger, I believe. I could be wrong but they were larger to have that impact.
- Displays - I used a basket for my matted prints. The Woolley’s used a nice canvas, black print rack to display theirs. So many people loved thumbing through their prints. It was a great display. I have since ordered one because JerriLynn told me where to order them. I can’t wait to use mine at the next Artwalk!
- Easels, Easels, Easels! – Troy, Wanda and the Woolley’s had more than one easel, which had a better impact at eye level. I only had one. As mentioned, I had to borrow one, but now I have two thanks to Troy!
I might add that the above mentioned photographer’s exhibits were from the location I was in. Wanda and Angela were in another section of the exhibit hall and I did not see the reaction from visitors. Both had beautiful displays. Angela a wedding and portrait photographer had a nice selection of various types of products she has available for her clients. She had some beautiful metal wall art that were sure to be a hit with her visitors. They were gorgeous. Wanda’s display was all canvas. She had a mega huge panoramic canvas of a photo from one of her travels that was incredible.
It was a learning experience as well as a great opportunity. I enjoyed talking to visitors who viewed my work. The positive feedback and comments were very encouraging. I have found that every chance I’ve had to display my work, there is something good that comes out of it. If it weren’t for the connections with other artists, I would not have known about the Artwalks, be in The Artist Loft Gallery and have other opportunities I have to display my work in the coming months.
As always, I would love to hear your comments or feedback!
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Quick iPhone snap of my display
Pat your display is gorgeous and so professional looking!!!
i love your white mats and black frames!
Thanks Anita! Appreciate your feedback.
Thanks Kati!
I loved your display and your work was fantastic. Wanda is my daughter and I helped check people in when they brought their work in. I saw so much talent that day. Also having the professional like yourself was such a honor to see your work. Wanda tried to get the exibit set up last year but she was to late to get it in the program. Wanda is always encouring people of all ages to put their work out there. I don’t think the Cranberry Court expected such a huge turn out. Everyone was surprised and pleased. Thank your again Patricia for helping make the exhibit enjoyable with your talent. OH and of your judging. I know that wasn’t easy..
Thank you Lela for your kind comments and feedback! Nice to hear from you. It was a wonderful experience and I’m glad to have met your daughter.
Some beautiful photographs. I had never thought about just black and white mounting. I have always agonized over the colors, so I may just try some black & white and see how it goes. Thanks.