Look Inside

Very important: “You are not making a crucial life decision.” Don’t be afraid to take home something that speaks to you. This is not a test you’re at risk of failing. But don’t take more money than you can spend, either — especially if you’re new to shopping for art. You want what you purchase to make you happy, not trigger guilt or resentment when you gaze upon it.

And don’t feel like you have to buy something: “Open Studios is a great opportunity to learn more about art and to meet your artist neighbors. Go with a friend and talk about art you see. At the very least, you will have an interesting cultural experience.”

You can have your very own interesting cultural experience this weekend as North Coast Open Studios continues Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visit northcoastopenstudios.com for complete listings or find the guide that was inserted in last week’s North Coast Journal.

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FOUR Comments

Comment / By Susan Fox / June 13, 7:58 p.m.

“The opportunity to appreciate the fine work of area artists in thier work spaces is combined with the option of purchasing that work at less-than-gallery prices. If Open Studios was a car lot, the commericial would sound something like, “Hello, Humboldt! For two weekends and two weekends only, we’ve cut out the middleman and cut our prices! It’s the amazing direct-to-the-patron sale! Same great art for a lot less — get yours now! Don’t wait! This sale ends Sunday, June 13.”

Thanks for helping to depress the prices the artists can get for their work. I particularly appreciate the comparison to car lots (sarcasm alert).

I do not “cut out the middle man”, nor should any artist do so. We may drop the prices somewhat on older pieces to move them out, but your take on it is an offensive slap in the face and is one of the reasons why we have no commercial galleries in the area. Why would anyone in their right mind open a gallery in Humboldt County, knowing that many, if not most (from what I’ve heard) of the artists, will sell behind the gallery’s back and knock the commission off the price. Throat, meet knife.

Some day maybe other artists will wake up and realize that they should be pocketing that extra 30-50% instead of discounting non-existent gallery commissions.

If you want to encourage and support local artists, I would suggest that you emphasize the value of their work and that it is worth paying a fair price for. rather than adding more pressure to sell on the cheap.

Comment / By Hank Sims / June 13, 8:59 p.m.

Poor people can’t afford to buy art. Except for once a year, when maybe they kinda can.

That is all.

Comment / By Jennifer Savage / June 13, 9:03 p.m.

Wow, Susan, that’s not what I meant at all – I think it’s fantastic that folks who might not normally be able to afford a piece of art have an increased opportunity to purchase something during Open Studios. Likewise, artists who might not sell as much when showing at a gallery have a chance to sell more work. Seems like a good thing all around.

I also appreciate galleries and do not begrudge them their percentage – without them, the art scene is less vibrant and artists overall have a harder time eking out a living. Open Studios is a unique opportunity in many ways – the chance to find more “affordable” art being among them. I don’t get your statement that participating is a suicidal move on the part of the artist.

And no commercial galleries? What about Cody-Pettit? Many Hands? Arcata Artisans? Griggs Gallery? Hunter Plaid? That’s off the top of my head. We’re fortunate to have the mix of private and public galleries that we do.

I’ve been encouraging and supporting local artists professionally for over eight years – and informally for much longer. Sometimes it’s okay to have fun with it.