North End Recession Show

Summer Sunset, sold

I belong to a cooperative gallery in southern Maryland that is very active. With about 35 members, painters, potters, jewelers, photographers, etc, there is something new being offered in the front galleries just about every month. Some months showcase work by individuals, other times its special group shows. Awhile back a member suggested devoting Jan 09 to a a "recession" show which stirred up a bit of a buzz! This was last summer and some still agreed with the pundits that thought evoking the word "recession" premature and lowering prices somewhat distasteful. But quite a few thought the idea plausible and as with many group ideas the onus of making it work fell to the soul who first proposed the idea. "If it works, I'll be a hero", she remarked, "If not, I'll never hear the end of it". "You got that right!" I replied.

We set up just before New Years day and had lots of work dropped off, which made for a full gallery. First Friday was a few evenings later and the gallery had a great turnout, both of customers and of artists. To go along with the theme, many of the artists came in '30's garb, like young Mr. Ball, pictured here, whose folks are gallery members, pictured. Christina Allen, (feeling more heroic than tradgic) offered a soup line, not the typical gallery fare! Sales were brisk and have been good during the following week. Pieces not on sale, from the back galleries have also found new homes and the weekday traffic has been steady. All in all, it has turned out to be a very useful idea!