From the Studio, Spring 2021: Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco -

Designing to a theme | How I envisioned “A Line in the Sand”

As creatives we have many choices and directions to take our work. We all need goal and a bit of a stretch to get the creative juices flowing. I have spent a lot of time interviewing artists over the past year and we are all in agreement over needing an artistic compass.

Picking a compatible “art” partner for a show is a good first step. I knew I needed someone that had a full appreciation for the gifts of the sea and I was so pleased to be able to do a show with Leslie Heffron. At the same time, I had in mind the lovely gallery owned by Jane Deering. As Jane is quite the well-respected gallerist, I knew I had to think big and brave to be accepted and endorsed. Our first step was to meet with her and show her our current work. We were thrilled to get a “nod” to move forward and so we did. Then we got to work on a theme to tie us together.

Before finalizing a theme, I also ran a few different themes past others who had done a show there and also my “go to” art intelligentsia pals to see what got their attention. Even with all my marketing background, I could stand to up my game in the art world.

The theme itself came from literally sitting in my studio thinking about my art partner Leslie’s work which kept coming back to “lines” she was observing among other lobstering-centric items that crept into her work. In my head, I started drawing lines around sea glass. Finally, I was ready to come out with a new concept. Once I tried it – outlining my larger, heavier pieces of sea glass, I was ready to put “a line in the sand” and make a new statement. For a full version of this part, I offer you a peak into my studio with Rick Moore who was kind enough to interview me:

Once Leslie and I began to work on new pieces, we collaborated on all other parts of the exhibition. I offer some of these tips to help others work closely with a gallerist if they are considering doing the same.

Tip #1 : Start early. Make some pieces that can be professionally photographed. For an April show, we were ready to shoot by mid-January.

Tip #2 : Invest in professional photos – for the PR, postcard, etc. Be ready with pricing and media info for any place that may need to have this early. Keep most of the work quiet until just before the show so you can make a bigger splash. Let the Gallery show it first.

Tip #3: Each step of the way, invite your gallerist to see what you are doing, review the artists statement, discuss marketing, etc. They are your partner, try to make their life easier.

Tip #4 : Put together your marketing list – split it between the artists and the gallerist. You should do the stuff that takes time such as calendar listings, outreach to bloggers, etc. Work closely with the gallerist on PR outreach which is heavily dependent on relationships with contacts.

Tip #5 : Have a Preview Event and do a VIP email list to get your invite out there.

Tip #6 : Be active online as you get near the show. Be sure to tag all the local groups that are supporting the arts and cultural scene. seARTS, the Cape Ann Chamber, Discover Gloucester, North of Boston CVB, North Shore Magazine and our local papers.