Gallery Professional Practices Blog: Tabetha Rindahl

Friday, April 21, 2017

Blog Post #9

Contributions to the Student Juried Exhibition:

• Fixed postcard to prepare for printing (3/23; 1 hour)

• Gathered and typed information for website (3/24; 1.5 hours)

• Chose images of the work to go on website (3/24; 0.5 hour)

• Constructed the check-in/check-out sheet (3/24; 0.5 hour)

• Took pictures of all the artwork and the labels on the back to construct the exhibition list (3/31; 1.5 hours)

• Helped complete and print the exhibition list (4/4; 1.5 hours)

• Called campus security to remind them of exhibition (for parking situation) and tried to order parking permit for juror (4/18; 0.25 hour)

• Checked over catering order information (4/18; 0.25 hour)

• Photographed the exhibition (4/19; 0.5 hour)

• Photographed the reception (4/20; 1 hour)

  1. What was the biggest challenge in completing your task?

I felt like the biggest challenge in completing my tasks was when I had started on a task and was unaware that someone else had also been working on the same task. After spending an hour and a half on it, then I was told that someone else had already done all the work I had been doing. I felt like it was a waste of time, and I could have been using that time to complete something else that needed to be done.

  2. What did you learn from this challenge?

I learned (or maybe relearned) that it is very difficult to work with a large group of people on one project. Everyone has different ideas and work ethics, which would make combining efforts on a singular project to be a difficult task. It is important to listen to everyone’s opinions and ideas and then decide which plan would be best for the given project.

  3. What would you do differently if involved in the juried student exhibition in the future? This is an opportunity for self-reflection rather than other-directed criticism.

If I was involved in the Juried Student Exhibition again, I would make sure that there was a checklist of everything that needs to be completed for the exhibition. As students start a task they would write the date when the task was started and write the date again when the task was finished. The checklist could be kept in a central location so everyone could find it and sign off on it after starting and completing each task. This would help from having two people working on the same task and not knowing that someone else had already been working on it.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Blog Post #8

Toucan Gallery Experience

Functional Considerations:

Has traffic flow been planned for in the gallery space?

I think the traffic flows nicely throughout the gallery space. There is artwork along the outer walls of the space and some tables down the middle of the gallery as well. There is plenty of space to walk down the aisles.

How has the space been designed to serve multiple purposes? Do you see any potential problems with traffic flow or the exhibition of artworks? If so, what are they?

The gallery shows and sells artwork. There is also a framing shop in the back, where people can have things framed and matted. The gallery also occasionally offers classes down in the basement.

Formal Considerations:

Describe the typographic aesthetics: evaluate its effectiveness. How do the choices of fonts, etc. on the signs and signage complement or detract from the artwork?

The typography is pretty consistent throughout; there were labels and price tags on the work, but they were small and subtle as to not distract from the artwork itself.

Is there visual unity of elements/components within the displays in the gallery space and within the window displays? Explain why or why not?

I think everything went together nicely; there was a flow through the gallery from one body of work to the next. The gallery owners chose the art that is shown in their gallery, which also shows by how the work all fits together nicely and seems to have a pretty common theme throughout. There is no work that just stands out and doesn't fit in with the rest. The window displays are well executed and put together in a way to entice and attract customers.

Does the gallery seem to have a visual style? If so, describe it. Is it appropriate to the type of gallery this is? Why or why not?

The gallery has a very professional yet casual style. It is a break from traditional white galleries. The gallery tries to show art for everyone that is at a more affordable price that "high art". Because the gallery owners chose what work is shown, I think it allows for the gallery to look more cohesive and planned out.

Conceptual Considerations:

Describe the overall message of the gallery in one sentence. You may wish to refer to the gallery website.

This message of this gallery is to show and sell a variety of artwork in a professional, casual environment that allows for everyone to find something of interest.

Does the organization of the work in the gallery have a linear sequence (a beginning and ending point), or is it a fluid sequence (the visitor can start at any point in the exhibit and move to any other point?)?

The gallery has a more fluid sequence, visitors can start and end wherever they choose and not have to worry about missing valuable information by moving on to the next body of work. It seems that most of the work from each artist is clustered together, so moving from one artist to the next does not affect the understanding of the work.

Is the type of sequence effective? If not, how would you improve it?

Yes, I think it is important for a gallery that is selling work to allow for the visitors to be able to move freely to the work that they are attracted to. They do not have to look at all the work presented in the gallery, if they choose not to.

Visitor Observations:

What do you believe would be the most and least popular aspects of this gallery space for visitors under the age of 25?

I think the bright fun colors would be attractive to visitors under the age of 25; the color palette feels warm and inviting. However I think the price for some of the artwork would be intimidating to some visitors under the age of 25. The layout of the gallery is casual and relaxed which would also help draw in the younger generation.

What are the most and least popular aspects of this gallery for visitors over the age of 25?

I think the type of art would be more attractive to visitors over the age of 25, there is a lot of functional art word and ceramic dishes, that may be more appealing to people over 25. Also, the artwork seems to have a very "western" feel to it, which could partially be because the owners of the gallery choose the work that they like and want to displays, therefore creating a theme throughout the gallery. I would imagine that the actual experience of shopping for art would get a little redundant for people over 25 that do not particularly enjoy shopping.

Can visitors share their experiences of the art with others, or are they designed to be individual artistic experiences? Explain.

I think because the environment is so casual and relaxed, it makes it easier for the visitors to be able to talk about the work and be able to share their experiences. If it were a typical white wall gallery, people would feel more apt to stay quiet.

If you could change one thing in this gallery space, what would it be? Why?

I would change up the style of art a little more; I do not necessarily think that I would need to like the work, but I would want to have a large enough variety for all of the visitors to be able to find something that resonates with them.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Blog Post #7

Artist Letter of Agreement:

1500 University Drive

Billings, MT 59101-0245

Northcutt Steele Gallery

Leanne Gilbertson, Gallery Director

Liberal Arts Building; Rm 100

406-657-2903

Leanne.Gilbertson@MSUBillings.edu

Dear Deborah:

Thank you for agreeing to exhibit your work at the Northcutt Steele Gallery.

Below is the agreement for your visit. Also included is a contract for your agreement. Please read these over carefully and contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

If all is on order, please sign and date these and return them to me no later than May 1, 2017.

Thank you,

Leanne

Artist Agreement

Artist Name: Deborah Bright

Address: Pratt Institute, Dept. of Fine Art; 200 Willoughby Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11205

Phone: (401) 345-6734

E-mail: dbrightnyc@gmail.com

Delivery Date: September 1, 2017 (to be received by gallery no later than)

Return Date: October 26, 2017 (to be returned to the artist no later than)

Exhibition Date: September 6, 2017 through October 19, 2017

Reception Date: September 7, 2017

Insurance: Work exhibited at the Northcutt Steele Gallery will be insured for the wholesale value against theft, loss, or damage incurred while on the Montana State University Billings campus. This does not include damage due to faulty craftsmanship or damage incurred before receipt of artworks. Montana State University Billings is responsible for damage incurred during return shipping if an insured bonded carrier such as UPS, Fed Ex or a professional art handler ships the work.

Inventory: The gallery must receive a signed insurance/inventory list detailing title, description (size, media), date and value of the work to be exhibited, prior to the artist shipping of the artwork.

Shipping: The artist will provide shipping of the work to the gallery and the gallery will make arrangements for return of work as mutually agreed upon.

Sales: A twenty-five percent (25%) commission fee will be retained from all works sold during the exhibition.

Compensation:

The artist will be paid an honorarium of $600 for two class presentations and a public conversation with an artist reception immediately following on September 7, 2017.

The artist will receive a consulting fee of $200 for her work over the course of three days (approx. 3 hours/day).

The artist shall perform these services and the University shall not pay any assistants or substitutes to the artist in their performance under this agreement.

The payment for these services shall be made within 30 days of completion of services, and upon artist’s submission of W-9 if a US taxpayer.

Lodging: Montana State University Billings Northcutt Steele Gallery shall book and pay for three nights (9/7, 9/8, 9/9) lodging in a hotel of our choice.

Meals: The artist will not be provided with meals during the visit.

Artist’s work may be photographed during the exhibition for publicity purposes. Work may also be photographed by amateur and students photographers for educational use.

ARTIST

Signature: _______________________________________

Name: _Deborah Bright____________________________

Title: _Being and Riding____________________________

Date: ___________________________________________

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BILLINGS

Signature: ______________________________________

Name: _Leanne Gilbertson_________________________

Title: _Northcutt Steele Gallery Director_______________

Date: __________________________________________

Exhibition Contract:

Exhibition Contract

AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of May, 2017 between Deborah Bright (hereinafter referred to as the "Artist"), and Northcutt Steele Gallery, Montana State University Billings (hereinafter referred to as the "Exhibitor").

The AGREEMENT as is follows:

1. Creation and Title. The Artist hereby warrants that the Artist created and possesses unencumbered title to the works of art listed and described on the attached Gallery Schedule and has the right to loan these works for purpose of exhibition.

2. Duration of Loan, Manner of Exhibition, and Fee. The Artist hereby agrees to loan to the Exhibitor the works listed on the Gallery Schedule beginning September 1, 2017 and ending October 26, 2017. The exhibitor agrees to exhibit these works for no less than 28 days during this time period as part of the exhibition titled: Being and Riding. Northcutt Steele Gallery hours are 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. These works shall be exhibited in a solo exhibition.

3. Delivery, Condition, and Care. The Artist shall be responsible for arranging to have the works listed on the Gallery Schedule shipped to the Exhibitor. All costs of delivery (including transportation and insurance) to the Exhibitor shall be paid by the Artist. The Gallery Director and Gallery Professional Practices class will be receiving and ensuring proper handling, storage, and installation of the work. The Exhibitor agrees to transmit a written report to the Artist within five working days of the delivery of the works, specifying their condition and whether they appear in any way in need of repair. Further, the Exhibitor agrees to use the same standard of care for the works as it uses for comparable works in its own collection. The Exhibitor shall return the works by the date specified in Paragraph 2 for the conclusion of the loan. The Exhibitor shall pay for the costs of delivery (including transportation and insurance) of the works back to Artist.

4. Loss or Damage and Insurance. The Exhibitor shall be responsible for loss or damage of artwork for the duration of the exhibition and until it has been returned back to the Artist. Insurance coverage during transportation to the Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSU Billings, shall be the responsibility of the Artist. Insurance coverage during transportation to the artist from the Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSU Billings shall be the responsibility of the Exhibitor.

5. Use of Work. The Exhibitor hereby agrees that the loan of the works under this Agreement is solely for purposes of exhibition and that no other uses shall be made of the work, such as uses including but not limited to commercial exploitation, broadcasts, or other reproduction. The Exhibitor further agrees that the works shall be kept at the following location: Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSU Billings, and shall not be moved or displayed elsewhere without the express, written consent of the Artist.

6. Condition of Work (Framing, Installation, Cleaning, and Repairs). The Artist shall be responsible for delivering undamaged, ready for display artwork to the Exhibitor by the agreed delivery date. The Exhibitor shall not be responsible for proper installation of work that is not properly framed, wired, mounted, etc. All framed artwork must have a secure wire on the back and all three-dimensional work should have a sound base. In the event special installation is required for the display of any work, the labor and equipment involved shall be outlined in the Gallery Schedule and paid for by the Artist. Exhibitor agrees that the Artist shall have sole authority to determine when cleaning or repairs are necessary and to perform them him/herself.

7. Copyright, Reproduction, and Promotion. The Artist reserves all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright on all works on the Gallery Schedule.

The Exhibitor will provide an exhibition postcard. The Artist should provide an acceptable, print-ready digital image (300 dpi, 5”x7”, jpeg or jpeg with longest dimensions between 2100 and 3500 pixels) for reproduction at least 6 weeks before the opening of the show. The Exhibitor will make every effort to provide color postcards for the Artist. The Artist is also responsible for providing the Exhibitor two (2) copies of an Inventory List of the artworks that will be shown, including title, medium, price (for insurance purposes), and dimensions.

Six weeks before the exhibition opening, the Artist shall also provide the Exhibitor with a short Biography paragraph, Artist Statement, and Resume for exhibition and promotional purposes. If desired, the Artist may provide the Exhibitor with a list of 25 names (consistently formatted) to be included within the mailing of the announcement postcards. The Exhibitor will also provide 25 cards to the Artist prior to the opening that the Artist may choose to mail. The Artist will note that the bulk mailing label located on the postcard that says “postage paid” is a bulk mailing label that used by the university and will need to affix postage.

8. Right to Refuse works not listed in the schedule. The exhibitor shall retain the right to refuse for inclusion in this exhibition any work that has not been listed in the schedule of artworks.

9. Notices and Change of Address. All notices shall be sent to the Artist at the following address: Pratt Institute, Dept. of Fine Art; 200 Willoughby Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11205, and to the Exhibitor at the following address: Northcutt Steele Gallery; 1500 University Drive; Billings, MT 59101. Each party shall give written notification of any change of address prior to the date of said change.

10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Montana.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Deborah Bright and Northcutt Steele Gallery, Department of Art have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

_________________________________________
NAME OF ARTIST                                            Date
Artist

_________________________________________
NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE                         Date
Northcutt Steele Gallery

Gallery Schedule:

Gallery Schedule

Title Date Medium Size Insurance Condition

Created Value

1. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

2. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

3. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

4. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

5. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

6. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

7. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

8. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

9. ____________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

10. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

11. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

12. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

13. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

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18. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

19. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

20. ___________________ _______ ___________ _______ _______ __________

Special Instructions for Installation: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Exhibition Loan Agreement:

Exhibition Loan Agreement

Northcutt Steele Gallery, Department of Art, Montana State University Billings

Exhibition Loan Agreement

Exhibition: September 6, 2017 through October 19, 2017

Dates: September 1, 2017 through October 26, 2017

Artist Contact Information

Name: Deborah Bright

Address: Pratt Institute, Dept. of Fine Art; 200 Willoughby Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11205

Telephone: (401) 345-6734

Cell: (401) 345-6789

Email: dbrightnyc@gmail.com

The artist assumes the responsibility of updating the gallery in a timely manner regarding any and all changes to contact information.

Artwork(s) List

1. Title: Bitch Angel

Dimensions: 31x42 inches