A need to vent

Hi Everybody!

I need to vent a little disappointment about our scholastic art show.
Understanding that this is the first time we attempt such a project, I expected some difficulties and did not plan on a huge response.
What I did not expect was that out of six school districts and five private schools that I contacted, only one school district even responded to my invitation to participate in the show.

I do have to say that the two art teachers that responded were wonderful. They worked with me on short notice, understood my lack of experience in the field and appreciated the spirit of the initiative. They offered great encouragement and suggestions for next year show. So, once again a great THANK YOU!!! goes to Mr Ritter and Mrs Lowry. A Thank you! is also due to Mr Fetterman who, with very short notice, approved a flyer advertising the show and allowed it to be sent home with each elementary student.

From the scarcity of response from the schools officials (except for the two schools that participated, nobody even bothered answering my e-mails!), I should have have deduced a lack of interest from the students and their families. And I did, a little. I just thought that the families of the students who had works in the show would come and enjoy the free refreshments at the opening reception! Or at least be interested in finding out how their children placed!

I think I did a decent job at advertising. Flyers were posted at several town businesses, and ad was placed in the local newspaper, it was advertised in our newsletter, website, and in our marquee. Flyers were sent home with all the elementary school students.... and yet, NOBODY showed up at the reception!

Well, now that I vented I will retrace my steps and see what I did wrong and how I can improve. I can promise you all that there will be a second scholastic art show next year, even if there is only one child interested in it! Of course I could not let down the people who helped put together this year's show, especially the students that participated!
One thing I know for sure I will do differently will be to advertise for the students to enter works individually, so if their schools chose not to participate, the students will be able to enter their works in the show anyway!

Peace,

Chiara

Scholastic show coming along...

Hello everybody!
I am very excited about the scholastic show opening tomorrow!
I just pick up some awesome work from Mr. Ritter, the High School Art Teacher, and I can't wait to get the Elementary artwork this afternoon!
I bought some homemade Amish sweets for the reception tomorrow, and strawberries. Yummy!
I have been a little apprehensive about this show the last few days, but it is falling into place at the last minute.
Mostly thanks to Mrs. Lowry and Mr. Ritter, and of course to the kids who entered their work!
I can't wait to see it all up!
Peace,
Chiara

Scholastic Art Show

Our First Ever Scholastic Art Show is coming!
Saturady May 24th at 4 pm will be the opening reception. Everybody is welcome to come and see artwork from Millville Elementary school students, alongside our regular exhibits. Light refreshments will be served.
This is our way to invite children and families to the world of art. We started a little late this year, but learned a few important lessons along the way. My heartfelt thanks go to Millville Elementary School Art Teacher, Bessy Lowry, for her imput, suggestions, encouragement and overall support.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the reception!
Peace,
Chiara

I am back!

Finally! And finally the May edition of "La Galleria" has been sent. If you did not receive it or if you would like to be added to my mailing list, just let me know, by sending me an e-mail or posting on this blog.

My immediate project is the Scholastic Art Show, which will open May 24th. The show is open to local public and private schools as well as homeschoolers. If your school does not participate and you would like to participate individually, or if you are homeschooling, just contact me at the gallery.

William has been busy with different shows, he has work in the State Representative office, in the Capitol in Harrisburg, and from tomorrow in the Abstract Company in Bloomsburg.

Giselle's work is still in the Scholastic Art Show in Lewisburg.

I met yesterday with Tia, a new artist that will soon be showing at our gallery.

We are now in the process of rehanging several of William's pieces that were showing at the Milk Parlour's Sedeljka last saturday. Photos of that will soon be available.

Peace,

Chiara