December 11, 2006

Art openings and receptions aren’t usually any more comfortable than holiday parties. We go because we have to. We know that it is good for our businesses and careers to get out of the studio and mingle with other artists and those who like to hang out with artists. As I always say, the more people you know, the more people there are to buy your art. Ergo, meet more people!

I wrote about this a couple of months ago in a newsletter entitled “Get Uncomfortable.” But how do you overcome the terror of going to a party or reception where you might not know a single soul? How do you get comfortable with being uncomfortable?

National Public Radio’s Morning Edition had a superb program last Friday entitled Mingle All the Way Through Holiday Parties. The guest was Jeanne Martinet, who wrote “The Art of Mingling.” She suggested a couple of ideas for breaking the ice, which I found doable and adapt them here for your use at an art opening:

►Throw yourself on the mercy. As you approach a new group of people, confide, “I don’t know a single soul at this opening.”

►Share an observation. Something like: “This work looks fantastic in this space” or “ I can see why the artist won best of show.”

►Brown nose. Throw out compliments as appropriate. To the artist: “I have admired your work for so long.” Or to the curator: “This work has never looked so good. You did a fantastic job on the installation.”

►Ask questions, but be careful that they don’t stop a conversation with a simple yes or no. Try: “How do you know the artist?” “Did you have trouble finding a parking place, too?” or “Did you see her work when it was at City Gallery?”

Martinet shares an important tip:

“Those who mingle best, mingle alone. While you may have your imaginary ‘buddy’ with you (if you're using the Buddy System) you don't want to actually mingle side by side with your mate or a friend -- unless, of course, one of you knows most of the people there and is introducing the other one around. Occasionally you meet someone at the beginning of the party who is a little minglephobic, too, and it's tempting to go around the room together for the whole night; after all, it seems less scary that way. This is a no-no. It's too hard to assimilate into clusters when you are a pair; it can be threatening and, at the same time, it just looks wussy.”

Yes, going it alone requires confidence or at least fake confidence. Think of it as an adventure. As you mingle alone at art openings and parties, you’re flexing your social muscles and getting better and better at promoting your art and your career. You’re making huge strides toward putting yourself and your art out into the world.

ACTION STEPS TO TAKE

Know This...
No one enjoys being in a situation where they don’t know anyone. Good minglers ask questions and listen, but, as Martinet points out, they also contribute to the conversation.

Think About This...
What are you missing by avoiding the mingling? What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best?

Do This...
Get out there and mingle! I know I’m going to be practicing some of Martinet’s tips. To get more mingling tips (including how to get away from someone at a party) and a few great opening lines, read and listen to the NPR story.

Got mingling tips? Leave your own ideas on the Art Biz Blog.

Heard on the Art Biz Blog

► Artist Brian Kliewer gives away free stuff on his website.
► 50 works of art to see before you die. ??

Marie Merritt commented:
“Even the greats have had their share of rejection. One of the reasons why they are successful is that they kept trying.”

►I mentioned an article about the 10 best movies with art or artists (non-documentary) at the core. Many readers disagreed with my amateur criticism of The Girl with the Pearl Earring (I almost fell asleep I was so bored). Others left their own additions to my list. Read all of the comments and postings at http://www.artbizblog.com

Read all of the comments and postings at http://www.artbizblog.com