Artist Networking - Attend at Least a Couple Artist Receptions a Month

Somber Tones ll, 20" x 20, o/c

It's really important for an artist to make time to attend at least a couple artist receptions a month, and not just the same galleries where you are familiar with people, but a variety of them. I really used to struggle with this, as I was so busy that it seemed to be one more task added on to a big pile to-do's.

Here's what helped me; I have a quiet nature, and I just had a hard time getting started, so I just had to get used to the fact that I would probably stand alone for a while. (I still do). I learned to ask questions. Ask about the featured artist's process. Ask other attendees if they know the process; that starts another conversation. Ask them if they are an artist, it's always a compliment. Here's a really amazing technique. Stick your hand out and say, " Hi, I'm So-and-So".  I'm not kidding. It took seemingly, a very long time for me to get to the obvious. I was at a reception, I knew no one. I heard a nice gentleman say, "Hi, I'm Jay". You'll think I'm nuts, but a light went on! And I thought that was the best thing since sliced bread. People enjoy meeting a smiling person who is interested in them.

I still get a little quiet when I first enter an art reception where I am unfamiliar with the other attendees, but the more I do it, the more fun it is. It's really so easy that I feel silly writing this. But I know there a a number of people out there for many reasons who are just like me. Try it, it gets easier, and the reward is many new friends. Oh, and remember to smile!