I am sure everyone has noticed how well attended the events aimed at the younger demographic group are when art is added to the entertainment. TNT at MCASD, Cocktails and Culture at SDMA, A-List at the Athenaeum and Art After Dark at the Oceanside Museum of Art, as well as the numerous vodka companies that hold launches at art gallery, are all opportunities for young adults to mix and mingle.
The really big question is how do we get that same audience to start buying art after they have attended an art show to eat, drink and mate? Suggesting education might be too big of a leap for those addled by alcohol. But the idea is to get them to start looking more closely at the art to develop some sort of choices that might lead to a desire to acquire. Here are two strategies to consider:
- Roll playing: Hand out oodles of fake money and ask the guests to make choices about what art they would buy. A case of vodka goes to anyone who brings out the real thing and makes a purchase.
- Match Making: ask couples to choose art for each other. This would entailed some work in figuring out the what and why. A bottle of vodka goes to the artist whose work is most chosen.
Read another view on this subject from Kevin Freitas
You put them in a comfortable environment with prices they can afford, let them see others buying art, and give them drinks. The multi-talented Johnny Tran seems to have a good handle on selling art to the young and hip. He makes the commercial aspect part of a fun evening, including music, food, drinks etc. Typically artists are present, and there is a range of kinds of art to buy -- in terms of prints, ranging in size and price, paintings ranging in size and price, etc. It's put out there that *the goal is to sell*, so it makes buyers feel good about the purchase. IMO.
ReplyDeleteBravo to Thumbprint...I think they are doing such a good job.
ReplyDeleteso much for "We encourage writers to develop their voice..." right kevin... as long as said writing doesnt call out someone in your cabal for the ideas expressed in their art.
ReplyDeletehow is anyone supposed to take you seriously?
"the goal is to sell"... because that is what art is all about... at least in san diego.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous - First, have the courage to sign your own name when you leave comments, it will make what you have to say more credible. Second, I don't have a cabal that I hang with or am sympathetic to. It's not my style. Finally, I have no idea who and what you are referring to when you speak of "said person" supposedly in my cabal. Clarify if you can.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWe have plenty of venues in San Diego to see art, but few venues to buy art that are sustainable. Artist should be valued with critical acclaim and also with financial rewards. The two do not need to be mutually exclusive although it is OK if they are.
You should feel free to express your opinions about the art shows you see and we are glad to let you have a voice at SDVAN. But not if you remain anonymous.