I was thrilled to do Amdur Productions, "The Inside Show" this past weekend. Only forty artists were chosen, ten of whom were jewelers. The air was rareified, let me tell you. But that is not what this post is about.
On Monday, I received an email from a lady (who shall remain nameless) telling me that anyone from "The Real Thing" show OR the "Inside Show" were being asked to join a limited engagement Co-Op of some artists at an abandoned Borders store across from the Woodfield Mall(very very exclusive high-end shopping mall). Thirty artists had climbed on board and they would love to have me with them.
They wanted $300 up front and 20% of every item sold. No contract. They had never run a Co-Op before but as she wrote:" it doesn't take a rocket scientist to do it."
No security...but you don't have to be there.(?)
She keeps repeating that they sold a vase for $4000.
I called two artists on the list of six she gave me. They haven't returned my calls.
Question: Am I being naive again and missing out on a great opportunity?
Or are my feet stuck to the floor for some other reason?
Help!
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Comments
My "Borders" Gallery is not an official co-op. It is more of a hybrid. We understand that many artists have other jobs and/or don't mind if they would rather be in their studios painting. They can come as little or as much as they want. Geoff and I have strong art and sales backgrounds and have been briefed by each artist on their technique and have reviewed their artistic statements.
I have personally funded the project and Geoff has profit sharing so we are both VERY motivated to sell art. That being said we are not in it for the money. We wanted to give fabulous artists an opportunity to show their work at an affordable venue. There are always risks with any venture but we developed our business plan to be in the best interest of the participants and I have the burden of the financial backing.
This weekend The Prairie Art Foundation in Schaumburg is participating in a promotion I developed that they sent out to their e-mail list of 8,000. A portion of the proceeds from this weekends sales will be donated back to the foundation. On Christmas Eve we have another promotion with the Jewish community coming to support the Gallery.
As I have said my passion is creating win-win situations so everyone can benefit from making the world a more beautiful place by purchasing beautiful art for their homes, helping local artists and providing support to local organizations in need.
I respect every artists choice to participate but we all need to keep in mind even in this business their are political alliances and some of those are reflected in the comments posted in this blog.
Cheers.
So interesting reading everyones comments. This site has a wealth of experience in its members. Over the last 15 years, I have been in involved in 1 artist co-op and a dozen or so galleries. Only a few have been pleasant and financially rewarding for all the reasons listed above. I finally came to realize that I am the best person to sell my art.
I want to sincerely say, "THANK YOU", to all the great AFI members who gave me some much needed advice on this situation.
"Haste is the Mother of Failure"......Confuscious
Geoff and Melissa,
Looks like a great ad!
I made my decision with the information I had at the time, which is only the best we all can do in any fast moving situation.
I wish every artist and yourselves, Good Luck.
Here was the reply:
Hi Linda-
I got your information from someone who saw your work at Amy’s show.
This is my first Pop Up.
Customer traffic is building as we go along. We have sold a $4,000 original and a bunch of lower price point prints, etc.
We have close to 35 artists:
Vladimir Pailodze www.themindtraveleronline.com
Gabriel Karagianis www.gabrielshorn.org
Pamela Olin
Deb Meyer
Stephen Winer
Val Fischer
Paul Justin
Krista Roslof
My background is sales and marketing. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to run a gallery. My partner Geoff has retail experience and a finance degree.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Melissa Rasmussen
Visual Poets Society
773-929-6474
melissa.rasmussen@camira.com
www.thevisualpoetssociety.org
I talked to Melissa and sent off this email that night after being very excited about the venture.
This is what I wrote to her:
Gosh, here is what I got in my email:
Don’t Pack Up Until Spring.
Come exhibit with us throughout the holiday season. There are many shopping days left.
Join our Co-Op Gallery in a 30,000 square foot vacant Borders Bookstore right outside of Woodfield Mall (1540 Golf Road). 30 artists are already benefitting from this high profile location,
$300 plus a 20% administration fee will get you into this juried show. (Artists are automatically accepted if they exhibited at the One of a Kind Show or the Amdur Show).
The gallery is staffed so you are not required to be there at all times.
A large Artist Reception is planned for December15th from 6pm-9pm. Live music, wine and cheese at this heavily publicized event.
Call 773-929-6474 to schedule your move in. We will stay open Sunday evening and Monday to accommodate set ups.
We look forward to having you at this amazing Holiday Gallery.
Respectfully-
Melissa & Geoff
Wait there's another email coming!
Melissa Rasmussen
Visual Poets Society
773-929-6474
melissa.rasmussen@camira.com
www.thevisualpoetssociety.org
Look at this very nice invitation I just received for this event:
Many thanks, Geoff, for adding this information. I hope this works well for everyone.
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