Want to go to an art opening? Not sure what to expect?

In our economy, where we all look for activities we can do that cost little to nothing but offer a lot – nothing compares to the value of attending an art opening. That said, if one has never attending an opening it can seem like a daunting opportunity fraught with the possibility of missteps in front of artists and artist-like people who live mysterious, exciting lives filled with elite, insider knowledge of art and all things ART. So from someone who has attending thousands of openings, let me waylay any anxiety that might arise for you with some down-to-earth information on what does happen at those elite art openings.

First, art openings are meant as a type of “coming-out” parties. The art has been installed on the walls complete with labels telling the viewers who the artist is, what the paintings/art is titled, it’s size, the medium used, and if it is for sale – the price to purchase that lovely piece and make it your own. The labels often look like this:

Artist Title Medium Size Price

Those invited to come to these art openings include artists, art connoisseurs, art critiques, media people, fine art professors, AND any other individuals who have asked to be advised of art openings. The latter category includes plumbers, nurses, doctors, teachers, art students, construction workers, longshoremen, real estate owners, office workers, etc. etc. etc. (you get the picture). Art is for everyone and ANYONE can attend an art opening and/or exhibit. You do not have to have some elite-type of connection to the art world to be invited to attend. Just ask for the invitation notices and they will be sent. Even if you are not on the list of invitees, if you see an art opening that you would like to attend you are welcome. The Georgia Straight, Artsy Dartsy, Instant Coffee Vancouver and Preview Magazines (offers some images too) offer excellent lists of upcoming art openings complete with the what, where, who, when, and how. Another person, at art openings, is most often the artist her/himself. Artists are usually most approachable. If you have questions, want to ask about a particular painting, or just want to tell the artist how you respond to their work – they will appreciate the interaction. That is why they are there: to meet people who come and get feedback about how they respond to their work.

As for looking at the work, if you like it take your time. Walk through. Look at the pieces. If something grabs your attention, take some time with it: get up close, stand back, walk away and come back. The piece was created so that you will respond to it: silently, viscerally, verbally. Let yourself respond. If you want further information, there is most usually an artist statement and biography about the art and artist posted somewhere in the gallery. The one rule about interacting with the work is that you never touch it. The grease from your fingers (there regardless if you wash compulsively a thousand times a day) will impact on the work and can cause damage. So never physically touch the work and please teach your children this important rule as well. That said, if you walk into a gallery and the work is not what you expected and you don’t like it and it is not “speaking” to you – leave. I have walked through many, many openings in five minutes. My rule is: if it hasn’t grabbed me in the first minute or two - it probably won’t and I am onto the next opening (I can do up to five in one night).

Usually, the gallery will have on display a notebook where guests can write comments to the artist about the work and/or put their name on the list to receive further notifications of art openings at that gallery. These lists are not shared or sold so you do not need to be concerned that putting your name and email address there will result in a whole host of email spamming to come.

Don’t know what to wear? Most artists have been known to tear themselves away from painting long enough to attend the art opening of work they desperately want to see and, consequently, they often show up in their painting garb. Don’t be alarmed. It is just their “work” clothes. Other attendees come dressed up, clad in casual clothes, or decidedly eccentric and overtly dressed down. The art world is exceedingly tolerant of people and their expression of self. Be yourself and come dressed as you are.

Children are usually most welcome at art openings. You might want to check the subject matter of the art work prior to bringing them. But unless it is traumatizing images, everything from landscapes and nudes are appropriate material for children.

Art openings are almost always FREE. That coupled with scientific research that has demonstrated that those who do NOT attend cultural events (like art openings!) have a 60% higher mortality rate that their counterparts who indulge in an opening or two here and there and you have the biggest bang for your buck!

So make an evening of it. Attend a few here and there. You might find yourself addicted to a new pastime that is good for you and your family. If you like – try it out on an upcoming art opening for an exhibition I curated for the Eastside Culture Crawl 2011. Here are the details:

Eastside Culture Crawl Preview Show: EastVan Identity

@ The Cultch (1895 Venables St, Vancouver) - November 9th @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Eleven artists, 23 marvellous pieces of art that reflect our “EastVan Identity:” Despite our complex geographical area, EastVan has one clear and consistent trait: residents proudly incorporate it within their personal identity. In this annual show the artist of the Eastside Culture Crawl 2011 will explore identity from our individual perspective, a historical overview, or as community portraiture. Curated by Bernadine Fox this exhibition features the work of Felicity Don, Marta Robertson Smyth, Sonja Kobrehel, M. A. Tateishi, Fred Weiss, Deanna Fogstrom, Ross den Otter, Suzo Hickey, Karen Moe, Lori Sokoluk, and Valeria Arntzen. The ECC Preview Exhibition will be held at the Cultch from Nov 9th to 27th. Public viewing hours: Mon-Fri 12 to 6 pm, Sat 12-4pm and one hour prior to all performances.

I will be there. Hope you can make it.