A busy week

With only one week in between shows, we were very busy this week at the gallery. Austin and I came in on Tuesday to help with wall prep and hanging the show. I was glad we came in that extra day because not only did I gain more experience with hanging art work, but it also got us a head start as we were able to get pretty much everything installed on that day. I also got to observe some of the curatorial and design process as last minute decisions were made by the gallery directors and curator. As far as installation, you really can't be sheepish when it comes to math. The calculations can be tedious, and even if a piece is off by only 1/16th of an inch, the whole wall can look wrong.

On Thursday, my usual day, I did some cleaning in preparation for the opening. I swept and mopped, and then made sure all the pieces were level, clean, and dust-free. Those little details are really important. I also learned how to use the UPS website to get quotes for artists who don't include return shipping with their original package. When we deinstalled nude and packed up all the work, I sorted them into piles based on carrier--FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc. I also made a pile for packages that didn't have a specified carrier or pre-paid shipping. For these pieces, we must measure and weigh them so that we can calculate the shipping price and give that quote to the artists. I was glad to learn how to do this because now it is one more task that I can do independently at the gallery.

Friday was the opening, and we were surprisingly well prepared despite only having one week to get everything ready. The other interns and I picked up food, arranged the table of refreshments, and replenished them when needed--the same responsibilities we usually have at openings. I think we had almost 200 visitors that night, and I always enjoy talking with them and hearing their reactions to the artwork.

Today (Saturday) has also been an exciting day. On the day after an opening, I usually get here a little early so that I can return the trays and drink containers before my shift begins. Then I do some clean up where it's needed. Also, a lot of people who couldn't make it to the opening usually try and come on Saturday to see the new exhibit. Today we sold a piece of artwork and I got to handle the whole transaction. It was really the first time I had done the procedure for the sale of artwork, and I was excited to be able to handle that responsibility.

Overall, I have learned a lot in this week--and during this internship. With each new thing that I learn, I feel glad that I have been trusted with an additional responsibility and that I am able to be more helpful around the gallery.