The Anatomy of An Art Show

On my last post I covered the upcoming San Juan Island Artist's Studio Tour. And it amazes me that the show is right around the corner- in only 5 days we will be meeting and greeting art enthusiasts from around the region- opening up our studios and hearts (not to mention tender egos) to the public. This will be my very first "show," and I am in part looking forward to witnessing the event and in part apprehensive about opening my soul to total strangers for their critique. But as Dr Seuss says, "Did you ever fly a kite in bed?"

So, what exactly goes into making an art show an art show. The recipe follows:

YOU WONT FIND THIS ON EPICURIOUS.COM!

100 tubes (give or take) of watercolor, varying hues and tints

22 paint brushes, varying sizes and shapes

1 Canon EOS 30D (which has been now replaced by the EOS 50D! WOO HOO)

175 sheets of archival art paper

1 Tin Box Set of Prisma Colored Pencils

10 gallons of water

10 25 pound bags of cement

6 months of contracted building of the studio

6-14 creative minds (depending on the day)

1 solid year of work

Many cups of love and fortitude

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Stir all ingredients well. This may involve several rigorous games of Rock, Paper and Scissors- but it should all eventually work out. Adding brandy or red wine will certainly help in the process. Remember, this is a delicate mixture of ego, talent and will. Remain calm and attentive and savor the creativity of your work.

Once the mixture has gelled adequately (you'll just know, trust me), begin to form a bond with the ingredients that is strong and true. These ingredients are going to last you a lifetime, so treat them with the love and respect they deserve.

This is the tricky part. Now that the ingredients are ready, just try and get 6-14 creative minds to actually come to the studio and hang their work in preparation. Not. This will be the hardest step of your recipe- focus. While this is a featured recipe, it is like baking bread- you'll have to remember that everyone is kneaded out of the same dough but not baked in the same oven.

Bake for 1 year. Test with a toothpick. Sounds great, but in reality you must learn what constitutes 'doneness', and use your own judgment. Sprinkle with sugar and a little bit of fortitude. Serve lukewarm, with smiles and love.

So here's the update on the studio tour...we've been working diligently to prepare Michelle's studio- some pics follow and I would love to see you there!!!