All set up - Judi Menges' glass art and a few drinks & nibbles to help the Open Evening go with a swing!
© Teresa Kirkpatrick 2010
This year's Herts Open Studios is under way, and for those of us exhibiting under the Artscape Arts banner it's been a great start! as usual we were convinced that nobody much would turn up to our Open Evening last Friday. And once again our predictions proved groundless, with around seventy visitors during the hour and a half party. All five of us had managed to find room to display what we wanted to - from wall hung art to cards and jewellery - and we had room for a table of drinks & snacks so we could offer the guests some refreshment.
Our display of cards etc in front of my paintings
© Teresa Kirkpatrick 2010
Our first guest was the Town Mayor, who brought along some of his family; closely followed by a printmaker friend of Helen's; and then I lost count. J played his usual role of Artist's Assistant, handing out drinks and bonhomie; the rest of us chatted to visitors and family members, and - yes - made some sales! To my delight a variety of cards, a photo poster (Curiosity), a giclée print of Cardinal's Wharf and one of my very first monoprints all made it out the door clutched in the hands of what appeared to be extremely satisfied customers. Sue was doing a roaring trade in cards & prints, and best of all sold one of her originals - you can see her work here. Helen's linocuts were proving popular and Judi and Hillary were also taking orders!
Some of Hillary's & Helen's exhibits and a thoughtfully provided chair
© Teresa Kirkpatrick 2010
We were thrilled by the success of the evening. It was busy, but not too crowded; everyone enjoyed themselves enough to linger rather than rush off; and we got excellent feedback. People ate, drank, chatted, and admired the art. Downstairs, Artscape's David even made some sales on the shop floor. The hour and a half rushed by and we realised we hadn't had a chance to eat anything ourselves . . . but we'd all had so much fun!
The Town Mayor admiring Sue's paintings
© Teresa Kirkpatrick 2010
Fabulous evening, most enjoyable, and what sales!
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