Hang 'Em High

It was hard work made light by six able hands, a good ladder, a tape measure and a level. Many thanks to Hanna Hofer (Programming/Public Relations) of the Canby Public Library for inviting me to show my work and helping to get it onto the walls.

Each time I hang my work the process is a little different , and is an opportunity to see the effects of different lighting and different arrangements on the paintings. In this open and airy space, it only took a little rearranging until we all seemed to agree that we had it right. Everything was in place.

 

Now all I need is eyes.

Art is a funny thing - it seems to me that either you see it or you don't. So many times I have watched people simply walk by work on walls - in shops, building corridors, offices and my home gallery - oblivious to the art. Hanging day was no different. As we worked people came in an out of the library - picking up and dropping off books, always stopping to glance at and sometimes watch the  large TV screen that graces a main wall (yes, that is the Donald on the screen (:-()), but no one stopped to look at the flowers. That was a disappointment. Nonetheless, I loved putting the labels on the wall and knowing that someone soon will see the art for what I intend it to be - joy on the walls.

The show will be in place until the end of July, Canby is a lovely town, the library (220 NE 2nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013 is great, and there are lots of things along way - dahlia farms, the fabulous ferry, peach orchards and a farm stand - so come on down. The ladies are waiting.

It's Show Time

It's Summer!

I have been madly and excitedly preparing for a show of my paintings, starting on June 1. Several months ago I was thrilled to be asked to provide the summer art for a new and beautiful library in Canby Oregon. Seventeen pieces! That's a lot.

I soon discovered that the process of getting ready for this show has gone beyond painting. Though I had much work ready, I wanted to add several new pieces. These are the largest pieces, and I think they fit the theme and style of the rest.

One of the most challenging aspects of showing work is framing. Frames add cost, and lock in a style. Since I am showing several already framed pieces, including a series of six pieces in simple black frames, I decided to stay consistent.

Frames are expensive and the simple styles I like are not always available without being custom made.  However, I find that Amazon Prime is becoming go-to source of pretty much whatever I need. I spent a morning researching available frames and was beyond pleased to discover an excellent collection, without glass (which is always included when I buy locally), reasonably priced, and delivered to my door, for free. Some even included hardware. I will definitely go this again. So, that problem was solved.

I wrote and submitted an artist statement and soon came to the next challenge - coming up with names, and even more difficult, prices.  I know that names are important, but how many ways can you describe flowers in a vase? To determine prices I read several articles on line. I hope I've gotten it right.

Seventeen named and priced pieces is a lot to keep track of.  So, since working visually helps me know what I am doing, I created a table in Word - complete with image, title, material, price and artist name (that's me!). Then I printed labels for the display, and checked my paintings to be sure each includes all needed info on the actual canvas backs.

Tomorrow, with my husband's help, I deliver and hang the show. I envision all of my bright and beautiful flowers enlivening the walls of the library for all who come to read, or check out books, or simply get out of the summer heat. I hope you will be among the visitors.

Tomorrow I will write about hanging the art, and include some pix. See you then.