Two quilts I made and two quilts I facilitated as part of my Stitching through storms project are displayed at the Ashe St. Gallery space, which is an extension or satellite gallery of Slocumb Galleries (ETSU).
Much ambivalence about having my work displayed publicly. Seeing the fruits of my labor displays in community with others is great. The social aspect of gallery/show openings are daunting. Plenty of people chatted with me.
Still, yet, it’s an awkward kind of situation. One in which performance is key. Performance is expected? Or is it? As an artiste/craftsperson, am I allowed some leeway with under-performing?
Developing a succinct elevator pitch seems like a good strategy. I tend to ramble on when asked about my work/projects.
I escaped to the lavatory for a brief break from it all.
My eyeglasses are beacons. People are drawn to them. And I get loads of compliments about them. Maybe they’re a conversation starter?
I stayed for an hour. Was in the group photo. Was publicly recognized.
Then I rewarded myself with a burger and fries where a random woman told me I looked pretty.
An unusual evening.
What tips/tricks/strategies do you have for navigating spaces and occasions such as these?