ACM Photography at AAF - A bit of opening night jitters
I’ve been reminded, by the lovely Lee in Italy, that I haven’t written about my experience at this spring’s Accessible Art Fair. So here goes…
The Conrad Hotel was a much more upscale venue and the location on Ave. Louise was great for attracting the weekend shoppers. I liked that all of the artists were in the same room this time. We had a bar set-up in the middle with delicious cupcakes as well as drinks. Visitors seemed to flow smoothly through the layout as well.
The only downside to the location was the horrible carpet, which looked like it belonged to a Vegas casino, circa 1968. It really didn’t flatter the art. In fact, I think we artists are still suffering from nightmares of being sucked into the terrible pattern.
The Friday night opening had a fabulous buzz and the aisles were packed. However, people seemed more inclined to socialize over their champagne rather than buy art. Saturday was quite busy as well, considering the beautiful weather outside. I was getting a bit nervous by the end of the day, as I had only sold one large piece. The other artists around me were having similar worries. Lots of visitors were engaging in conversations about the art but not many were pulling out their wallets.
Buyers and artists interacting at AAF
Come Sunday, the mood changed. Suddenly the buyers became serious. We saw many of the same faces we had seen Friday and Saturday but now they were back to shop. And shop they did! I am happy to say that by the end of day Sunday, I had far less to pack up than I came with.
All in all, it was a great success. I had some excellent conversations with art-lovers, handed out a lot of business cards and got to meet a few CheeseWeb readers, which I think was the best part of all.
As always, there were loads of pieces I would have loved to buy, if I had the money. I hope, in the future, to profile a few of the artists here on CheeseWeb. Many of them are expats with interesting stories to share, so stay tuned for that!
Andrew was busy all weekend photographing all of the art and artists. Despite some bad lighting conditions he did a great job (especially after a little Photoshop help from yours truly). For those of you who didn’t get to make it to the Accessible Art Fair, I’ve put together a taste of what you missed in this little video.
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18 comments
Andrew says:
Jun 25, 2010
It was great to see so much art and the interest level seemed very high! The ‘chillout’ space on Friday night was also nice… you could get out of the main hall, have a drink and relax with the beats from the DJ. It’s always amazing to see the variety of art and as it was our 3rd time at the event it was interesting to see the latest creations from the artists who’ve been in past shows. Taking the photos was also great fun… getting to talk to each artist about their art, their background, etc. was very interesting. I thank each of them for taking the time to be photographed and have a chat.
Alison says:
Jun 25, 2010
Unfortunately I didn’t get to chill in the chillout area
But it was a great idea and I hope they do it again. I can’t wait to see what’s coming up in the fall!
Amy says:
Jun 25, 2010
I’m so disappointed that I had to miss this! It looks like a really fun and interesting event, and I’m glad everything went well for you. Congrats on selling some art!
Alison says:
Jun 25, 2010
Thanks Amy! I’m sorry you missed it but there will be another in the fall so hopefully you can make it then!
Louise says:
Jun 25, 2010
Thanks for the guided tour on video now that I didn’t make it to the Conrad myself! Looking forward to read other expat artists’ stories.
Alison says:
Jun 25, 2010
Sorry you missed it Louise but there’s always next time
Expat artists will be coming soon!
Alison says:
Jun 25, 2010
I’m glad it was a positive experience overall. It always seems that people wait until the last day or the last hours, of any event, to get serious about buying. Lots of stress in the meantime!
Alison says:
Jun 25, 2010
Thanks Alison! It was a bit stressful as at the previous event I sold mostly on Friday and Saturday. It was a bit worrying until Sunday rolled around and the sales kicked in.
Lee says:
Jun 25, 2010
Fantastic writeup and pictures. Really, I didn’t mean to put pressure on you, but I love to hear about your experience at this event this year. Congratulations on the sales!! From the picture it looked like such an interesting variety of art on display – as well as a fun event. Hope my husband and I can time a visit to Brussels to check this out at some point. Thanks to you and Andrew for a great post.
Alison says:
Jun 25, 2010
Actually until you reminded me I had kind of forgotten I didn’t write an after AAF post, so thank you
It would be great if you guys could make it for the fall show or next spring. We don’t have a very big place but you’re welcome to our futon if you need a place to stay!
Lee says:
Jun 25, 2010
My pleasure about the reminder.
And thanks for the offer – I have no idea what our fall or spring travel plans will shape to be right now (we are definitely bad at planning months ahead!) but we’d love to take you on your offer! And thanks again for the post!
Nomadic Chick says:
Jun 26, 2010
I’m astounded how Europeans take art seriously. So different than where I grew up. LOL. Congrats on meeting new people, readers, and selling your work. It sounded satisfying overall.
Alison says:
Jun 26, 2010
One of the things I love so much about Brussels is the art. Yes there are the big galleries and museums but there are hundreds of little private galleries as well. There are loads of festivals and there are always public installations all over the city. Sure not all of them are to my taste, but that is what art is all about
It’s a big difference from where I grew up too… one tiny gallery and few bits of folk art here and there.
Dave and Deb says:
Jun 27, 2010
Congrats on a successful weekend, even if it started slow with the socializing instead of buying, at least it all turned out well.
Alison says:
Jun 28, 2010
Thanks so much guys! Actually the socializing part of it as fun for me as well. It’s great to get feedback on my work and see how people react to it. It’s a bit nerve wracking but exciting at the same time. Of course, the sales are what allow me to keep going so they are important too
Charlie's Tribe says:
Jun 28, 2010
Great post! It was amazing to see your work and the other artists that weekend. We had never been to an art show before in Brussels, but now we’re hooked so we’ll certainly go again. We’re also looking forward to the artist profiles you’re planning on CheeseWeb.
Alison says:
Jun 28, 2010
Thanks guys! It was so great to see you there. There are so many amazingly talented artists working in Brussels, expats and natives. I can’t wait to share some of my favourites with you
Brussels Accessible Art Fair November 5-7th | CheeseWeb: Travel, Photography and Expat Life in Belgium Blog says:
Oct 7, 2010
[...] a huge event on the Brussels art scene. You can read about my participation in last spring’s Accessible Art Fair and my interview with the founder, Stephanie [...]