Art Galleries

Art Gallery Openings

Known as openings, receptions or previews, one of the traditional happenings at an art gallery is a type of party given the night before a show opens. Sometimes, these are events where it is by invitation only but thats always been a loose requirement. Theres no one at the door to check those invites. Some galleries even put ads in the newspaper announcing them.

Many art lovers prefer these opening rather than going in during regular hours. Its fun event that you can either linger at for the party and the people or make it just a stop on your way to another event - like dinner at a restaurant. Often, theres a lot of revelry and the mix of people is fascinating. There will be plenty of artists in jeans and funky hair right along side wealthy collectors in their designer clothes with a car and driver waiting outside. And everyone seems to get along. Its one of the great mysteries of the art world but one always assumes that all these people have one thing in common - the art work! Most galleries dont spend big money on these openings since theyve already invested in the work, the staff to manage it all and they are keeping the lights on. Expect that the usual drink fare is a sparkling water or inexpensive white wine - generally chardonnay. If there are hors doeuvres and you are hungry, dont pass up the tray that goes by as it may not come back your way again. Galleries dont over do it on the food front. Gallery owners like to think that they are going to sell something at these shows so be appreciative and look at the art whether you intend to buy or not.

Oh, and those red dots you see around the room. They mean a piece has been sold.
The smiling person will be the artist! african art gallery