People say the most uncomfortable things and I want to help make being a friend to an artist easier.

People say the most uncomfortable things.

Being out in the public, you end up getting asked some of the most interesting things.  I’m going to list some of the things that have been asked and I have been guilty of asking.  I am also going to offer some suggestions to say instead.

“How is the show going?”  If an artist is having a good show, they don’t want to toot their own horn in front of others who might not be doing as well.  If you are having a bad show, you don’t want to vocalize it because you might sound like a complainer.  Also, there is the thought that if you verbalize how bad it is, it might get worse.  Instead, you might ask, “Are you having a good time while you are here?”  “Do you like our town?”  “How are the locals treating you?”  Any of these can be a way to start a conversation and give an artist an opportunity to talk without making things uncomfortable.

“Having good sales?”  Nope, just don’t ask.  It is like someone asking you how much you have in your checking account.  Instead ask, “Are you having a good time?”  Again, it gives the exhibitor a chance to engage without being uncomfortable.
 

“What is your favorite thing to paint?”  I’m sorry, were you not just looking at the walls of the display? We hang the art we make, most of us wouldn’t paint it if we didn’t like it.  “Do you have a favorite in the display?” is a much better question.

“Is the show treating you well?”  We are not going to complain about the service or the show.  Again, it makes us look bad.

“Oh! How cute!”  Thanks, I was trying for ketchy.

“You know what you should do?”  Just don’t.  I have said this myself and immediately backtracked with an apology.  I have no right to offer suggestions.  Not everything works for everyone and most times, artists have tried it.

“How do I get my daughter/son/aunt/uncle/mom/dad……. To sell their art?”  If they aren’t doing it, they don’t want to.  Leave them alone.  When someone asks that, generally a parent with an embarrassed offspring; I address the OS.  I then tell the parent/friend/relative, to LEAVE THEM ALONE.  I give the very red person my card and tell them to contact me if they have any questions.

If you go to a show to visit a friend who is on display, remember that they are trying to sell something.  You filling the display with your family is blocking their wares from view.  Visit a minute and go look at the show.  Come back and ask if they need anything but then move along.  This isn’t time to catch up on gossip and you aren’t helping your friend.

Don’t stand in front of a display and gossip with your friends either.  You are blocking the display and the vendor is trying not to be seen rudely chasing you off.

Don’t argue with the artist about their chosen media.  You might not agree with how they describe what they do but it isn’t up to you to change their mind, especially not at a show where they are trying to sell their work.

This is a hard thing to do, let’s try not to make it harder.  Thanks