Celebration is a State of Mind
Humans are often inclined to focus on “the bad things” instead of focusing on the good things. I know you have heard that before: “Be thankful just for being alive today!”. Well, you should! A bad attitude might make others around you wonder if they should be thankful that you are alive. Nevertheless, each day is a new opportunity to get it right. Looking back is just a way to learn to move forward and make it better.
I know you know I’m going to write about the show opening we had last night. It was AMAZING!!!!!! We had a great turned out. Some pieces found a new home. People had fun. I had a lot of fun. So many beautiful conversations. The food was amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better show. I couldn’t be more thankful. I’m really honored and thankful for all who came. Of course, I took a selfie with everyone!
After every show I celebrate the accomplishments and also take time to meditate in the results. I am thankful for everything because it helps me stay grounded. I believe in grace and the fact that I don’t deserve the blessings. Everything is useful to grow character and focus on improving each day. This the social cognitive theory principle of increasing self-efficacy beliefs. By committing to a goal individuals feel a sense of accomplishment which increases self-efficacy. Then the individual is confident to commit to another goal and continue the cycle.
Let’s focus on all the great things we have ahead of us to reach, beginning with what we have at hand today. Don’t forget to be thankful!
I’ll be updating the website with more pictures soon.
How to Prepare for Your Show
Close your eyes and imagine your show. Live the moment. It is like a party. Envision how your art is displayed, how people move around to see your art, what they are eating and drinking, the background music… Visualize every detail. Now, lets prepare to show our work.
I prefer to take care of most aspects of my shows myself instead of putting it in the hands of other people. I do surround myself with people I trust to help me shape the scene and to alleviate my burden. Seek their advice, listen to their opinion, but most importantly understand their support. Make sure is people who can take care of things without prompting. Otherwise you will add unnecessary stress to yourself.
How to prepare for your show? While there are many intricacies in presenting an art exhibit this checklist might help you get started. Before you decide you want to have an art exhibit you need to be ready with a few things.
Word of Advise: Make sure the amount of pieces fits the venue. You don’t want your show to look like a flea market.
I try to have this at least 3 months in advance. That time allows for you to prepare and promote properly.
There are plenty of examples and templates online in how to write a press release. If you have someone to do it for you is fine. Some people charge to write press releases. I prefer to write it myself then ask other people to edit whatever necessary.
Again, if you can’t do it yourself someone else can do it. I design my own printed material. It makes me feel closer to the show.
Use your printed material, mailing lists, online media, social media, word of mouth, tell your friends to bring friends… anything that can being people to your show.
Keep it simple to the extent possible unless someone else wants to pay for it. You can also ask for sponsors or wine tastings to be present. The possibilities are endless and it all depends on your budget and preferences.
Heads up! There will be a lot of stress on getting ready. Go over your plan and check every detail. Pretend you are a guest and go through all of it. Be flexible to changes that won’t change the overall look and feel of the show. There are things not deserving the stress.
Be ready to enjoy the people celebrating you and your work, make new connections, be ready to answer any questions that could be presented, and have fun. It is your party!