theredhead is taking a moment off after posting close to a year’s worth of daily questions, so I thought I would jump in.
Most people don’t realize this, but Gallery 9 is a labor of love for us. In this economy, we lose money and dedicate a lot of time to every show. As an entrepreneur and someone who believes wholeheartedly in what we’re trying to build with The Whole 9 community, it’s something I do gladly. However, there is no question that when we hang a beautiful show, invite people in and they not only appreciate the work, but actually buy it, it feels a lot different than when they only admire it and no one pulls out their credit card.
Yesterday was the Artwalk in Culver City and it’s the one day a year that we have a sales opportunity that is presented to us on a silver platter. And let me tell you, we were ready with Outside the Abstract and trunk shows by three jewelry artists — and it paid off. We were selling work all day. And before I go any further, I wanted to first (publicly) take a minute to thank all of the artists (Harry Gundersen, Mark Brunner, Abram Santa Cruz, Janet Bothne, Aimee Shocket, Heather Cox and Sasha Bell) that not only shared their work, but also shared their time and spent the entire day standing in front of their work. Mark Acetelli (a new father as of Friday), tore himself away from his beautiful wife and daughter and came down as well.
It was a great day of communing with art lovers, and music (thanks to DJ Astro & DJ Drez) and wine (thanks to Najashi who poured close to 500 glasses), but most importantly, it reaffirmed my belief that what we’re doing with the community and the gallery has big potential, especially after the economy turns around.
So I thought I’d take a cue from theredhead’s inspired questions and pose my own — yesterday I tasted success and it certainly has a distinct taste to me — I unequivocally equate it with champagne, and I drank my fair share yesterday.
In your mind, if success had a taste, what would it be?
(And alas, if you didn’t come down, no worries, the Artists’ Reception for Outside the Abstract will take place on Saturday, June 19th. Southern Californians can expect an invite soon.)
