Museum Exhibit -The Photos are Back!

Sunday was the official closing of my exhibit at the Appleton Museum. I've had a busy month of travel (literally out of town the last 4 weekends in a row!) so I feel like the exhibit was just installed yesterday! How quickly a month passes.

Thought I'd share a few pictures and my artist statement for those of you who couldn't make it by the Appleton. (Photos by Russell Martin Photography)

In and urban setting, nature is often organized and controlled. City parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, and courtyards contrast industrial concrete and steel, allowing us to reconnect with nature. The plants selected are colorful, clean and fragrant, producing a manicured and idealized environment.

My current work explores and celebrates the city garden and our urban scenery. The goal is to stylize botanical forms by creating simplified shapes that reflect the organization of a planned city landscape.
For many, the simple act of gardening provides a welcome respite from everyday urban life. Overall, I strive to recreate feelings of comfort and harmony through composition, color and texture.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed the quick, online museum tour.

Best,
Meagan
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Mini Ceramic Sculptures in the Making

Glazing again! Yay! These mini ceramic sculptures are due to be shipped out on Friday to The Store at The Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA. I also plan to have more added to my Etsy online art gallery and store in the next couple weeks! (Check back soon!)

This morning, I was able to finish glazing and load them into the kiln before I headed to the Appleton Museum to meet Russell Martin, a fantastic photographer I contacted to take installation shots of my exhibit. Russell spent 3 hours with me photographing the show and taking a few portraits. Thanks Russell! Cant wait to see all the shots! I'll be sure to post some of the pictures after I get them back.

Well, its time for dinner. Hope you're having a great day. Thanks for stopping in and checking on things around here!

~Meagan

Oh, i never posted about The Studio Stroll in Asheville, NC. It was a fantastic weekend! Thank you to all who came out, strolled, and enjoyed a day in the River Arts District!
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Online Artwork Shopping

Just added to my online Etsy store... 12 new ceramic sculptures. These are 12 of the 18 art works currently installed at the Appleton Museum. They are available for sale now and will be shipped after the exhibition closes on July 5thMy current work explores and celebrates the city garden and our urban scenery. The goal is to stylize botanical forms by creating simplified shapes that reflect the organization of a planned city landscape.

These nature-inspired ceramic wall sculpture are all one-of-a-kind. Each organic-shaped piece is individually made from slabs of earthenware clay and low fired to cone 04. The glazes are hand mixed and each color is carefully applied with a brush. A wash of red iron oxide gives the piece added depth and dimension.

A paper template indicating the screw/nails positions is included for easy installation.

Here's the link to my online store and art gallery:
http://www.MeaganChaneyStudios.etsy.com

Enjoy!
Meagan
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In The News Ocala

If you get a chance, check out today's edition of The Ocala Star Banner.
Thank you Dave Schlenker for the great interview, article and photos! If anyone is able to find a link to the online article, please let me know, but I suspect it's only available to subscribers. :)

And Thank You everyone who came to the demo, talk and reception yesterday!! It feels amazing to have such wonderful support!

Feeling very grateful,
Meagan
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A Day for Celebration

June 6, 2009 - Today is a big day! It fees like one of those days when the stars and planets align and everything works in your favor.

Not only is this my 100th post but it is also my 1 year blog-anniversary. I want to thank all of you who have been reading and following along this past year. It's been a pleasure to share experiences and get to know may of you through your comments and blogs!

And (though maybe I shouldn't admit this) I also graduated from high school 10 years ago today! Yikes! But as cheesy and cliche as it sounds, I couldn't be happier with where I am right now! Thank you to all of the wonderful people in my life.

The Opening Reception for my first large solo show is this afternoon at the Appleton Museum. I will be spending the day enjoying time with friends and family and relaxing after weeks of hard work and preparation. If you're in the Ocala, Florida area, please come by. I'll be giving an artist talk and demonstration from 1:30-2:30 and the reception will follow until 5:00pm.

So, today seems like the perfect day to celebrate and reflect on life's milestones! I hope you find some way to do the same today.

Cheers!!
Meagan

Outburst, Earthenware clay and cast glass, 37" x 34" x 2", 2009.

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Museum Installation in Progress

We're almost finished installing the exhibit at the Appleton Museum! All that's left is some of the wall text, lighting and a few other details. Thought I'd give you a sneak peak of the show...

Just starting to install. Nothing like fresh, gallery-white walls!A view of the space after the templates have been hung in place.
And the work starts to go up...

Paul, David and Katrina - Some of the wonderful staff I've had the privileged of working with at the Appleton! (Not pictured, Steve and Lindsay) Thank you for all of your help!

A few of the works with the templates safely rolled up and to the side.

Well, that's if for now. I've got to run back over there to drop off some business cards.

Hope to see you at the Opening this Saturday!

Best,

Meagan

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Planning an Exhibition Layout

Well, I'm happy to report that all of the artwork for my show at the Appleton Museum is finished, boxed, and ready for pick up! Installation begins Sunday afternoon. Due to the fact that the Museum is currently without a Curator, I have been given the task of designing the exhibition layout as well as assist with installation.

One of the best things I ever did throughout college and the years immediately following was work at various art galleries. If you can work part time in a gallery, I highly recommend it! Not only is it a fun place to work, the skills you'll learn are indispensable! Everything from how to submit a clear, professional exhibition proposal to shipping artwork to PR/marketing to techniques for making labels and properly hanging a show. As an artist, I found it endless helpful to know how things "worked" from the "other side."

So, when I was told that I would be the curator my show at the Appleton, I did not panic. Rather, I simply called upon another set of learned skills.

I do not have a fancy Computer Aided Design (CAD) program to help me render the layout in graphic 3D. Low-tech graph paper, colored pencils, and scotch tape worked just fine. Each sculpture was drawn to scale and cut out so that they could be easily arranged. Having an idea of where each piece is going to go, should help installation run much more smoothly. Stay tuned for more photos of the installation progress as well as the finished show. Thanks for reading and following along with me as I prepare for my first Museum exhibit!

Best,
Meagan
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Urban Bloom: Ceramic Sculptures by Meagan Chaney
June 5 - July 5, 2009
Appleton Museum of Art
Saturday, June 6
1:30 - 2:30 Artist talk and Demonstration
3:00 - 5:00 - Opening Reception

New Work and In Progress

Here are a few more new and in-progress ceramic sculptures for my upcoming exhibition "Urban Bloom" at the Appleton Museum of Art. The Opening Reception is Saturday June 6th from 3 - 5pm. I will also be giving an Artist Talk and Hands-on-Demonstration just before the reception from 1:30 -2:30Scent of Childhood, Earthenware clay, 43" x 36" x 1"

Hearts Ease, earthenware clay, 33 x 20 x 1"

Patience, earthenware clay, 26 x 22 x 2"

Daybreak, earthenware clay, 24 x 16 x 1 1/2"

Anticipation, earthenware clay, 43" x 58" x 1"
(This piece was too large for my current photo set up, so I took this quick shot instead. The plan is to get installation shots at the Appleton next month.)

In-Progress, Untitled. Scale drawing taped to the design wall.

Thanks for reading and checking in on what's been happening in the studio! After my much-needed and overdue mental and physical break last week, things have been going great!

Cheers!
Meagan
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A Studio Spring Break

I had a "first" on Saturday. And not a good one. For the first time in my life, I did not want to go to the studio! And this was not just a small feeling. I hate to admit it, but it was more like dread.
Big red flag!

As soon as I realized I was feeling that way, I knew I had to change something. I've been in the studio working like a mad woman for the past 6 weeks; 7 days a week, 8-12 hours a day in the studio + early mornings and late nights fitting in the business side of work.

I will not complain. Because I still love what I do! I love being busy. I love making art. I am very happy with the work I have been making, and do believe the pressure of having a full exhibition schedule (click here for details) has pushed me to new creative directions. (Who doesn't work better under deadlines?)

But I was overdue for a break- feeling exhausted and drained of any creative energy. So, my husband and I spent most of the weekend gardening. Planted a few vegetables and cleared out another section of yard for a grapefruit tree, lime tree and some more veggies.

It made all the difference in the world! I was able to get into the studio yesterday morning, refreshed and even more productive.

Do you ever get like this? What do you do to bring yourself back into balance? How do you keep yourself from feeling overworked in the first place? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

Feeling refreshed,
Meagan

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New Ceramic Sculptures

Hi there! Sorry I've been away for awhile. My computer was in the shop recovering from a serious virus. Thankfully, I didn't lose any files, and things seem to be up and running smoothly!

Here are a few quick pictures of what I've been working on in the studio the past month for my June exhibit at the Appleton.

Honey Breeze, earthenware clay and steel; 30" x 25" x 1"

Generations, Earthenware clay, cast glass, 34' x 35" x 2"

Unfolded, Earthenware clay, 29" x 29" x 3"

Fresh Delivery, Earthenware clay, 24" x 20" x 1"

French Lily, Earthenware clay, 18" x 11" x 1"

That's it! Got to get back to the studio! Thanks for reading and checking out my new work.

Best,

Meagan

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Promoting your Art - Part 2 of 2: Writing a Press Release

Writing a Press Release – A Short Story

In the last post I shared a few of my favorite promotional tips and how a series of recent marketing efforts led to my Upcoming Exhibition at the Appleton Museum of Art.

Today, I’m going to continue with that story, talk about writing a Press Release, and list a few resources for technical information.

Here goes…

I knew that the opening of my exhibit at the Ocala Civic Theater was only 2 weeks away, and that it was really considered “too late” to send a Press Release. I could have used this as a legitimate excuse to say “oh well, I’ll write one next time”, “Next time, I’ll be more on top of my promotion and marketing,” “Next time, next time…”

Oh, how many times have I told myself this already!?! For years I’ve been collecting sample press releases, notes on the proper format, websites, etc. But, until a few weeks ago I had never actually written one. Why? Because I'd Rather Be in the Studio!*

But, this time I decided to write one. I figured at the very least it would be good practice. You know, get me over the hump of having never been through the motions of writing one. And maybe, just maybe I’d get a listing in one of the local publication’s Calendar of Events. That’s it. No more. No less.

After it was written and proof read by a couple others, I made a few phone calls. I’ve been told over and over again that writing a great press release can be a waste of time if you send it to the wrong person So, I called the main phone line for the publications and news agencies I was interested in, and simply asked to whom I should email a Press Release regarding and upcoming art exhibition. It was that simple. I had all the contact info within 15 minutes.

I also sent this same Press Release to a woman at the Appleton Museum I had met at several networking events. She called me the following day explaining that the Museum is starting a series of exhibits featuring Florida artists, and asked if I would be interested in participating.

Lesson Learned: Had I taken the easier way, happily working along in the studio instead of spending time promoting my work, I never would have received this call. Instead, I put time into my marketing and will have my first museum show this summer -

Urban Bloom: Ceramic Sculpture by Meagan Chaney
June 5 – July 5, 2009.

Tips:

• Resources – look to other well written Press Releases and use them as samples. Create a folder for these samples and other helpful information of formatting, templates, etc. (see the list of links below)
• Plan Ahead – Schedule in time for writing and sending your Press Release well in advance! (The earlier the better. But better late than never!)
• Write – use the samples as guides and follow the format!
• Phone Calls and Contacts – Find out exactly who to email the press release to.
• Send it and Be Positive! – Even if they don’t publish your story or announcement this time, maybe your name will be more familiar next time it comes to their inbox.

Helpful Websites:

There are a ton of websites out there that can answer questions on content, formatting, and timelines. Here are a few of my favorites for technical information on writing a Press Release and other Art Marketing Strategies and Advice.

Art Biz Blog by Alyson Stanfield
(I also recommend Alyson’s weekly Art Marketing Action Podcast for excellent “tips and tricks for your art career”)

PR Web: Press Release Newswire

The Center for Participatory Change

These should get you started. I’d love to hear your stories of Press Release success and for other tips or websites you’ve found helpful.

Happy Writing!
Meagan

*I'd Rather Be in the Studio: The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self Promotion, by Alyson Stanfield
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Promoting your Art - Part 1 of 2

Self-promotion is not a bad word! I believe promoting your work is much different than used-car salesman "selling". I do not believe that all marketing is "selling out" or that it belittles the work. Effective promotion helps get your work seen by potential clients and collectors. And, often the reality of pursuing and maintaining a life-long career in art means that you will have to learn how to make your art profitable. $$$

First, you have to believe in your work and be your own biggest fan. No one knows your work better than you! If you're waiting for someone else to jump in and promote your work for you, you could be waiting a long time! Not that this doesn't happen, but until that glorious day, you better learn how to do it yourself!

So, I'm going to post a two part series highlighting a few of my favorite promotional tips, and explaining how these efforts led to my Upcoming Exhibition at the Appleton Museum of Art.

• Networking - Meet people, talk to them and remember their names! I am a member of a young professionals group here in Ocala, FL. I met a woman that works at the Appleton last year and have stayed in touch. I knew who to send a Press Release to, and maybe my name stood out a bit because we'd met on several occasions. (More on this in Part 2 of this post series.) Recommended reading: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. (I listened to the whole audio book in 1 day.)
  (Network goes for online social networking too. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. Though I admit that I still trying to get the hang of these!)

• Search for alternative spaces to show your work. This could mean a couple things:

1 – Places that do not typically show art (restaurants, salons, coffee shops, banks, doctor's offices, etc.)

2- Places that typically show art, but art that is not typically your style. I have a show installed now at the Ocala Civic Theater, a venue that I would qualify as the 2^nd type.

To illustrate a couple of points on promotion and alternative spaces, I’m going to tell the story of how this show came to be. The Theater has a large wall in their entrance lobby that is often used to display art - aka paintings. When I approached the Theater to ask about their exhibition policy, I was quickly informed that there was no room to exhibit sculpture in the lobby. I continued to pursue the opportunity; explaining a bit about my work and addressing some of their concerns. I was sent to speak with another person. Same response."Sculpture? We can’t show sculpture!" I was sent to speak with another person. Same response. You get the idea.

Understanding that my work is atypical from what they generally exhibit, I finally decided to do the following....

• Create a PR packet or write an exhibition proposal. In addition to including my artist statement, resume, and bio, I printed a few images and explained how to install my work. I did not send a CD in this situation; adjust your packet to your target audience/jury. I thought printed images would grab their attention quicker than a CD or website address. My purpose was to demonstrate how sculpture would work within the parameters of the Theater lobby. I received a phone call 2 days later and had my choice of dates for the exhibition.

So, how did I go from this exhibit to receiving a phone call from a museum? Find out in Promoting your Art - Part 2... Writing a Press Release!

Happy Marketing!

Meagan

"Crescendo"
Earthenware clay - hand built with slabs, bisque fired to cone 06, crawl glazes fired to cone 04.
27" x 25" x 2"

Exhibiting at the Appleton Museum of Art

There's great news to share with you! This afternoon I received a phone call from the Appleton Museum of Art here in Ocala, FL. They would like to feature my work this June in their balcony gallery! Needless to say I am very excited about this opportunity!

But this also means that I have 2 1/2 months to make 164 linear feet of work. It's time to get busy. Really Busy! I will be spending even more time in the studio, and even less time on the computer. But when a museum calls wanting to feature your work, you don't say, "let me think about it." You jump in full force with plenty of focus and determination.

Whisper, earthenware clay, low fired crawl glazes, 20" x 16" x 1 1/2"

I do hope to write a post soon on how a little art marketing, self promotion and a positive attitude helped make this opportunity happen. Until then, thanks for reading and sharing the excitement with me! It's going to be a crazy spring time around here. Hang on!

Meagan
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