A Memorable Gallery Reception

I had the privilege to be in my first gallery reception at Birt's Bistro & Bookstore located within Interfaith Community Care on August 14th. I will admit, I was a bit timid and too quiet in the beginning, not sure of what I was supposed to do. I focused my attention on the curator Elayna Alexandra and the other artists to get an idea of what was expected of me.

Meeting the other talented artists was inspiring which helped my situation immensely. As the evening progressed, I started to mingle and became more relaxed in this new environment. I answered questions about gemstones and the different metals in my jewelry, not only making me feel very confident in my work but more importantly confidence in myself, realizing guests were here to view my work and to meet the artist...to meet me.

My jewelry indicated by red arrows.

Elayna helps to relax me by making me laugh :)

All in all, Birt's first gallery was a success resulting in a great turn out of guests, beautiful live harp music, a pretty table of hors d'oeuvres, tempting treats, wine and wonderful conversation making the evening complete. Elayna Alexandra, artist and volunteer curator did a fabulous job with the event making it enjoyable for everyone with her friendly and vibrant personality. The extremely friendly volunteer staff, did a terrific job with the food and serving wine to the guests. You couldn't ask for a better group of helpful individuals on such an important evening.

Photos taken & approved by Elayna Alexandra.

I am excited and looking forward to the next gallery opening reception on October 9th with my new self confidence and best of all a new friendship with Elayna has blossomed from this unforgettable opportunity. No matter how many galleries may be in my future, the first will by far be the most memorable to me.

My First Gallery

I was shocked when I was asked to show my jewelry in a local gallery coming up in a couple of weeks. I have never before had my jewelry displayed anywhere except in my own studio for friends or family to see. I will admit, I was excited as well as nervous. I also wasn't aware of all the prep work involved in a show like this.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by the work involved in what seems to be a quickly approaching date but I am sure I will get through it all just fine. My time seems so limited with having a full time job and work around the house as it is, although I'm sure many artisans go through the same thing somehow pulling it off. As if all that wasn't enough pressure, now I am having a creative block which does not help my situation. I'm not sure at this point if its just my nerves or coincidence. I may be just trying too hard and over thinking it all which is characteristic of me.

I would have never had the guts to approach a gallery on my own. I know this will be a great opportunity for me to experience as well as shake the shyness of hiding behind a computer screen. I do love selling on Etsy but it will be nice to get some recognition outside of the website alone. Having a face behind the name and the jewelry. I do wish Etsy would let us put pictures up on our profile page so others can easily meet the artist at work.

I will keep everyone updated on my status. I just wish the the creative block would lift already as I am running out of time. Time to start panicking! I will post when and where the show will be located as well as other artists. I will also post pictures from opening night as well. Click on the title link to see the items already picked from my shop by the curator Elayna Alexandra.