I'll Mostly Be Doing The Rounds Tomorrow

It would seem that you don't know the answers either. I will keep pondering them myself. I have set myself a mission tomorrow. I'm going to see just how many of the PAW Open Studios I can visit. So many kind invitations from the artists involved, I should just say this now, if I don't get round to you tomorrow I apologize but I have one day off from the gallery and I'll do my very best to see everyone.
I have found my music again. It was a dodgy cable and now I have replaced it with a different one I have music and I am loving it.
I'm going to do the same as yesterday by writing the first half early and the second half at the end of the day. I have to say that I am especially pleased that most of my page views are being generated via my website. That is very good news. I have to get on and update that very soon.
Yesterday I said that I had never used my card machine. I have christened it today with it's first transaction. It was easy all I have to do now is remember to total up at the end of the day.
I need milk for my coffee and I can't leave the gallery as it has been really busy I have put out a request on Facebook for anyone in town to pop in with a pint. May have to resort to black.
It has slowed down a bit this afternoon after getting loads of people through the door. It's probably just as well as I have run out of all my printed info. I am just waiting for a delivery.
I am feeling my lack of caffeine. I can't believe I haven't been saved by a milk delivery.

They Are Not Stupid Questions!

Do you think the depth of a canvas is an indication of the calibre of an artist?
Should canvasses be painted on the edges or left au naturel with incidental paint splodges?
Do you find big artist signatures distracting?
Is it alright to like a piece of art just because it is nice?
These are just some of the questions that I find myself pondering when sat in the gallery. Please do not assume that I know the answers as I do not. I am still pondering them and I may never know.
I think that we were spoilt the bank holiday before the last wedding one as this one is rubbish with a capital R for rain as well as rubbish.
I have been open for 20 minutes and have already had more people through the door than on an average weekday. I am going to write this blog in two halves. Just so that you can get a picture of the whole day as opposed to just first 20 minutes of it.
It is now the last 20 minutes of the day. I was tempted to close early as it is dismal weather and I was sure that everyone who would have wanted to see the show would have been and gone by now. How wrong can you be. There has been a last minute dash it would seem and I've had more visitors in these last few moments of opening than the last two hours with about 15 visitors to the gallery.
I have spent the afternoon drawing and watching my thrillers having a whale of a time. I'm just reading what I have written so far and it's made me smile to see how many times I have written 20 minutes.
Opening again tomorrow so I'll meet you back here then!

Holdin' Foldin' Price Lists Apparently

Another very busy day at the gallery. Plenty of people through the door and absolutely no window smudgers in sight.
I have to admit that a late night followed by having to work is not my favourite thing in the world but I know that ultimately it is a necessary evil. Evil may well be over egging the pudding it's actually been fun.
I have been reading up on my card machine as I am hoping to actually get the chance to use it in the not too distant future.
It has only ever been switched on twice in its life just test whether it worked and to print the test receipt out.
This exhibition has exposed a new medical condition to me. It is called 'pricelistostealia'. This is when people come to a gallery with the express purpose of price list acquiring in mind. The optimist in me hopes that it is because they are going to away and have a really good think about buying a piece of work. My very tiny pessimist monkey whispers that they in fact are having a secret paper airplane competition and the price list paper is exactly the right weight for plane that will loop the loop.
I am in the final stages of my first ever Sunday at the gallery and although I hate to admit and believe me I really hate to admit it as it could potentially negatively impact on my weekend life that I have come to know and love. It has been really successful. I would say that there have been as many people without the PAW brochures as with them. Which could mean that people do like to mooch and pop into galleries on a Sunday which is great. But I do not relish the thought of losing my day of rest.
I hope that you are all enjoying your Bank Holiday and in exactly 25 minutes I'm going go and enjoy mine until I'm back here at 12.00 tomorrow.

I'm In The Money!

Kerching!!!!

Well, we have had the Private View and I am still at the gallery. It was an absolute success. I made £2,000 worth of sales and I am over the moon about that. Everyone who came had a great time and it was so busy. I am very fortunate to have met a whole new crowd of very cool people. The artists that have been through the door have been brilliant. I really want to encourage anyone who hasn't been to this current exhibition to get in the car and come to Swanage and see it.
Just a reminder that the gallery will be open tomorrow from 12.00 until 4.00 and on Monday.
I am off to celebrate the success of the evening and I'll be back tomorrow.

Open All Hours

Jim Hunter

Well, that's a first. Ever since I have been writing my blog there has been one particular blog that has surpassed all others in terms of page views. I am sure that any of you that are regular readers already know which one I am talking about. Sex, sex and more sex. So I started writing this blog at the beginning of September and that has topped my page view chart until today! It has slipped down to number 5. I hope that means people are not continually Googling the word sex and have found better things to do with their time. I live in hope but I am quite willing to bet that over the bank holiday weekend that it will make it back up the to the top.
As much as I love cleaning and I do love cleaning there are times that the repetitive nature nature of cleaning my home and then coming to work and cleaning my business is downright depressing!
I am hoping for a steady flow of people through the door today as people do the PAW tour. I am envious of their time.
I have Jims' Private View tonight and it should be a good evening. I have polished the glasses and swept the floor. So I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
A quick reminder about the Abstract Open, the Private View is going to be on Saturday 11th June so please make a note in your diaries and I hope that you can make it. Hand in deadline will be Tuesday 7th June.
Also another plug for Purbeck Art Weeks, the weather isn't looking too favourable so why not jump in the car and get the PAW brochure and get your fill of art, film and culture for free. I'm serious, there is so much vibrant art work out there that you can access for free and regardless of what the weather is doing.
I am going to do something constructive now and try not to be too envious of those of you who are enjoying a well earned day off.
I am opening on Sunday from 12.00 - 4.00 and the same on Monday.

Lost My Music

I think the sign of a well attended evening is that I didn't have time to write a second blog as I threatened yesterday. It was an excellent evening, Jims' talk was enlightening and Viviennes' questions helped to focus in on exactly how Jim felt about his work and practice. If you weren't there you missed a treat. It was filmed so I am sure that it will appear somewhere soon.
There were so many lovely comments about the gallery, it helps to reinforce my belief that I have done the right thing. I should add at this point there were also fantastic comments about the exhibition. I just have a vested interest in anything pertaining to the gallery.
I am mourning the loss of my work stereo. Just when I was starting to develop a whole new repertoire of Desko my 10 day old stereo gives up the ghost. I just realized I revealed another guilty pleasure without even telling you that it was one.
Ever since I was old enough to listen to the chart show on a Sunday evening, I have a need to have music on whenever possible. I cannot imagine even walking into town without my iPod. It is part of my daily routine. My first car stereo cost more than the car I put in, that should clearly illustrate my point. My brother and sister have had the same addiction. We all have had extensive music collections on nearly every format it has been available on. So my need to have music in my studio is of vital importance to me.
Another Bank Holiday weekend is upon us and I would just like to take this opportunity to let you know the times that I will be opening as it will be a little different from normal.
I will be opening Sunday 12.00 - 4.00, Monday 12.00 - 4.00. I will be opening as usual on Saturday 11.00 - 5.00. I've shortened the days a little as I would actually like to spend some time with my family.
I fear the weather may do us all a disservice this weekend. I am going to do a little Desko sun dance so let's hope it works.
Have a great weekend!

Don't Ask Anymore Stupid Questions

How many times do you think you should reheat the same cup of coffee in the microwave? Answers on the back of a postcard please.
It is interesting when they say that everything happens for a reason. Does that mean absolutely everything? I'm sure there are loads of things that happen for no reason whatsoever. I'll give you an example, one we all know, why does toast always land buttered side down when dropped? Who knows the reason for that? If you're sat there saying it's to do with the weight of the butter, the point is what's the reason? By now I'm sure you are wondering where the Hell this is all going.
What is the reason for me to be woken up ridiculously early every time I have a day off? Come on why does it keep happening? I have no idea.
Well, I had a great day yesterday opened the gallery for a couple of hours and then went to look at some of the artists exhibiting in their homes/studios as part of PAW. I had the pleasure of seeing the artist Magaret Lawtons' work. If you are a fan of abstract art, colour and texture you should totally go and see it. I spent at least £2000 of my imaginary money. Be warned. I have included my personal favourite which is called 'Climb To The Chapel'. I just love it. Check out her website Lawton Gallery http://www.lawtongallery.com/ if you don't find at least one picture that you like I'll be shocked.

Margaret Lawton

I have spent the morning making sure that the gallery is sparkly clean in preparation for the talk this evening. I am going to close for an hour later to go home and prepare the nibbles for later. From what I can gather it should be well attended.
I hope to see some of my readers there that would be great.
I have had even more interest in the workshop side of things so that is looking very optimistic for the future.
I am hoping to spend the afternoon working on some collagraph plates. I have to get printing again I miss it.
I've had some lovely visitors to the gallery today it's always nice to engage in some down to earth art conversations with other artists. It is definitely a perk of the job.
May write another cheeky blog later to let you all know how the talk went, if weren't lucky enough to be able to attend.
My blog title is very obscure today. I wonder if anyone else knows who sang this song?

Desko Inferno

I have realized that of late the sensible me has been writing my blog. This is all well and good but there is a need for fun and humour in everybody's day. Especially mine, so I have to make sure that from time to time I lighten things up a bit.
It was another busy at the gallery yesterday. Plenty of people through the door. This show is is being very well received which I am very glad about.
I have been scarily efficient over the past two days. I say 'scarily' as I know better than to get used to it. My regular readers know that I am very organised but me exceeding my normal levels is a sight to behold.
I have been working on perfecting my desk dancing. No, I am not standing on my desk. I am not that supple. It involves dancing from the waist up. The music has to be right as well as an empty gallery. I don't want people thinking that I have lost the very few marbles I've got left in my possession. The music that is working for me today is some soulful R&B.

Some of you have been interested in coming to the studio and doing some workshops. I have the most interest in Printmaking so here are some dates that I intend to run some workshops on.

Saturday 18th June
Saturday 9th July
Saturday 16th July

You can contact me via the website or comment on this blog.

If you ever want something to trample on your good mood. Try writing your blog and going to post it and the whole thing disappearing. I am now writing this on my iPad as the stupid computer won't let me open my blog properly. I say stupid computer but the truth is more likely to be my stupid blog won't open properly. Don't diss the Mac as it will find cruel and unusual ways to pay you back!

No picture today as iPad doesn't support that. Come on, sort it out.

An early blog today as it would seem that many people made the effort to visit the gallery yesterday and were disappointed at it not being open. For that I apologize. What I want to assure people of is that next weekend I will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It is very difficult being a team of one as there are only ever two hands on deck.
I am happy that there has been a positive start to the PAW fortnight. In this time when all of the arts are under threats of murderous cuts it's refreshing to see that the public will continue to support events and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the arts are a necessary part of our existence. It is a shame that the powers that be don't cast an eye over the country and notice that people are interested and the role that the arts play in our everyday lives.
I have a few reminders as usual, the talk with Vivienne Light and Jim Hunter will be taking place this Thursday evening starting at 7.00 at the gallery. It should be enlightening, there will be wine and nibbles so please come along. The event is ticketed but free so I will add the link to make it easier for you access them.
www.purbeckartweeks.co.uk
There will be a Private View on Saturday 28th June from 6.00 - 8.00.
Submissions for the Abstract Open need to be in by Monday 6th June at the latest if not sooner.
I am going to make it my mission to take the PAW tour on my day off as I am totally intrigued to see the work of the artists that I have met since opening the gallery.
You could do worse things next weekend than visit Swanage and the surrounding areas with a PAW pamphlet and an eye for culture. It would definitely qualify as time well spent. All venues are well signposted with the yellow sign that is illustrating this blog. Very hard to miss.
I hope to see you soon.

Busy Doing Something!

I am writing this on my iPad as I have been absolutely run off my feet today. So I need to be able to be in the gallery as people are full of questions about the work and the gallery. It has been the busiest day by far since I opened. Considering it is day one if this keeps up I'll be shattered by next weekend. It was full of people with nothing but positive things to say.
I really need to mention that this show is fantastic,really worth a trip to Swanage. There is also a really interesting exhibition at Rollington Barn.
You should make it your mission to see some of the great art that is on show during Purbeck Art Weeks.
It's actually closing time so I am going to sign off.

A Frayed Not!

You know that I am no stranger to sweating and swearing and why should today be any different. I arrived at the gallery early as I wanted to get the last picture up that I had to paint the frame of yesterday. To my absolute horror I saw that the picture that was by far the most difficult to hang had managed to fall down again. It just does not want to stay on the wall. It eats through picture wire, nylon string and my nerves. Frayed is an understatement, it took three of us nearly an hour to finally get it up which is where I hope it will stay. I had to buy reinforced fishing wire in the end to ensure the thing stays put. As a consequence of this I have been unable to open today as I have had a picture down. Which is rubbish.
I am now a little concerned that the other pictures may be planning a similar mutiny. I am absolutely not prepared for that to happen.
I have another major mission to keep me occupied this afternoon, I have to transport Andrews huge pictures back to Mudeford. Oh joy!! I am very lucky that my friend Alan has very kindly offered to help me as I would not have a hope of getting a 7ft picture in my Mini.
Off to Rollington Barn later for the opening event for Purbeck Art Weeks. I have lots of spare tickets should you want to go let me know.
After a hearty lunch of Quavers I am ready for anything, well nearly anything.
I will definitely be open tomorrow so if you're planning a visit to Swanage make sure you look in and say hi.
The bewitching hour of moving pictures o'clock is upon me. So I hope that you all have a great Friday night. Remember weekends are precious. Spend it wisely!

Big Drill, No Thrill!

You all know that a day off is a precious thing, an opportunity to recharge frazzled batteries and time to put things in perspective. Which is why the weekend is a sacred thing and should under no circumstances be wasted. Owning the gallery has meant that I have to sacrifice my Saturday and replace it with a Wednesday. Imagine my horror yesterday morning at 7.45 am when Wessex Water started digging up the pavement right outside my bedroom window. To say I was unimpressed would be an understatement. It wouldn't happen on a Saturday. I just realized that this is not the first time this has happened, I wrote a blog 'Driller Killer ' just a week ago. I do hope that this is NOT going to become a regular occurrence. That's all I'm going to say about that.
There's always something that needs to be done when a new show goes up. Mainly, fretting about the minutiae and whether or not anything will sell, whether people will attend the Private View, if the work will stay straight or prefer to hang askew to name but a few.
I have been painting today as the scuff marks that seem to want to be present everywhere a painting is hung are an absolute nightmare.
It looks fantastic in the gallery, Jims' work has bought a sense of light into the space that actually makes it look huge. His work is also framed perfectly which just adds to the overall feel of the gallery.
I know I've mentioned it once or twice before but the show starts on Saturday and there will be two events that you might like to attend. The first one is a talk on Thursday 26th May starting at 6.00 until 8.00. The second one will take place on Saturday 28th May from 6.00 - 8.00. I know I always say it but you really should check this exhibition out as it looks stunning.
I am technically not open today but as I returned from doing my choredom I saw two guys doing a very good impression of 'window smudgers'. I invited them in to have a sneak preview and had a lovely chat with them. They are both painters and I hope that they visit again soon.
It looks like it could be an early bath for me today as I have finished all the tweaking that needed to be done.

I'm Absolutely Hanging Today!

The gallery has been denuded and is now awaiting it's fresh adornment. It is a little strange when you walk in and there is nothing at all on the walls. It looks huge. I am getting my blog written nice and early today as I will be busy later making sure that the work's well hung! I know, forgive my total immaturity.
I have got so much interest in workshops now that I am going to start booking people in.
They have to happen on a Saturday as that seems to be the most convenient day for everybody. I am going to be posting dates tomorrow so if you are interested or have already told me you would like to come please read tomorrow. I know it's officially my day off but I am going wade through a pile of admin which I have been successfully ignoring for the last week. I should also mention that I have quite a few busy Saturdays coming up what with Private Views etc.
There are a few people who read this who have mentioned submitting work for the Abstract Open show. Just remember that's just a few weeks away now. So pop them into the gallery when you get a minute.

Is there ever a good time to answer the question ' Do you think you could put my work in your gallery?'. I can tell you the quick answer but as I've mentioned before I hate to upset people and I would hate to discourage people from producing art even more. But.....and I'm afraid it is a big but I have to be honest and positive. Positive being the key word. There are definitely days when that is easier than others, especially depending on my split second reading of the person who is showing me the work. Artists, we are a sensitive bunch and that plays on my mind when dealing with people. Unfortunately though, rejection is still rejection. The worse thing about the whole experience is that my inner teacher is still lurking just below the surface. I want to tell them how to improve their work, the value of keeping a sketchbook and the importance of drawing. Do you think that is what they want to hear? Nope. They quite often ask me what qualifications I have and at this point I know I have over stepped the mark. Ooops!! I am hoping that I don't look old enough to have been an art lecturer for 15 years and that's the reason for the question.
Anyway, hanging is imminent so moustache!

I've Missed My Blog.

I have been unable to write my blog for a couple of days as the system was down. It has also managed to delete my last couple of blogs. Which is very annoying. It is something that has become so integrated into my day that when I don't write it I just get the nagging feeling that there's something I need to do.
I have to let you know that the wedding was a raging success. Mr and Mrs Suttle had a truly memorable day.
I must apologize for the lateness of the hour. I have been absolutely flat out today. I had to take the show down today which involves more work than I'd like it to. There is something about white walls and painted canvasses. They like to show that they have been intimate with each other. This necessitates repainting the bits of wall this happens to. Also all drilled holes need to be filled, then sanded, then painted. It was tedious and hard work. Then I had to take it all back to Christchurch this evening.
We all know that all work and no play makes me a dull person. So the newlyweds invited me to come and eat some of their surplus pate and cheese for lunch. That was two hours very well earned and well spent.
Then back to it and I am now ready to for Jim Hunters' show which is going up tomorrow
So as it's so late and I'm very tired I am going to leave you.

What's The Story Morning Glory?

I suppose it's only right to start with the Swanage High Street gossip. Well here it is........guess who I spotted across the road from the gallery? I know it's an impossible thing to ask so I'll put you out of your misery. Liam Gallagher and his wife. It's true they were outside and possibly inside at some point Smiths the antique shop. We have to do more to drag them up the other end of the High Street as that's where all the truly cool places are. Just kidding.
I have spent the entire morning trying to squeeze everything into a tiny box. Seriously, I don't know when 9.3 cm x 6.5 cm became so bloomin' tiny. In an attempt to save myself money I am endeavoring to do all my own adverts. It is a grueling task. It has taken every last ounce of patience to stop me from emancipating my mouse and keyboard from the computer and chucking them anywhere that isn't in front of me. You've heard of the term passive aggressive well the truth is I'm a passive passive so I merely think these things but never actually do anything about it. My advert is something I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to repeat/redo.
I really hope that I get more than 20 page views today as it will take me into 10,000 page views since I started. It is hard to believe that my ramblings have attracted that many readers. I keep meeting people who say they read my blog and my internal self censor alarm bell starts ringing. I know that I am totally honest about the ups and downs of my new life but I worry that I may be too honest. The reality is, that it is what it is.
I have  so much more to do on the computer that I really must get on and stop using my blog to procrastinate.

Invitation

Oh there's nothing like an early blog to loosen up your creative process. I enjoy having to rack my brains for interesting stuff to tell you about. I have been absolutely computertastic this morning. I have sent numerous emails and caught up on all my gallery correspondence. I now intend to spend the afternoon indulging in some drawing and maybe the odd thriller or two. 

The students came and saw Andrews' show this morning and I think they were all suitably impressed. I just sat and tapped away at my keyboard whilst he regaled them with stories of his cravat wearing art student days. 

I love the fact that Art College was this melting pot of people who without the restriction of compulsory school uniform tried an assortment of looks with varying degrees of success. I had a complete preoccupation with second hand shops and Dr Martens. I am pleased to say that there are no photographs of me in my possession but I have heard it rumored that they do exist elsewhere.

I remember vividly, everyone trying to figure out what it was they wanted to project and let the world see. The most adventurous thing was a nose piercing I know that today that is a very different story. In fact it is probably stranger to see a student without any piercing. How times change.

I know I continually bombard you with gallery related information but that is what this blog is for after all. So the picture is of the invite to Jims Private View.  If you can make it, you would be very welcome.

Day off tomorrow so that means that I have to go get a haircut in preparation for the wedding on Saturday.

I'll see you back here on Thursday! 

Driller Killer

I woke to the sound of drilling through brick this morning. It is not a pleasant sound and it was in fact so horrible that I sought refuge at the gallery. So for one week only, until my neighbours have finished their bathroom I will be opening at 10.00 and closing at 4.00 to dodge the crazy noise.
I'm fresh from the watching a double episode of a thriller called Case Sensitive. It was pretty good I didn't work out whodunnit. That's always a sign of a good thriller. I have had a productive day as I managed to get through a pile of jobs that I have been putting off.
I am getting some last minute interest in the Abstract show which is good it should be an excellent show.
I will just quickly report that the Hen Do was a roaring success and I think everyone that attended had a really good time. A note to one of my regular blog readers, I managed the pink perfectly, you'd have loved all the pink!
I just want to help publicize some of the events that are happening during Purbeck Art Week, some friends of the gallery are opening their studios to let people see their work. You can find all of this out on the website but you may just be looking at my blog on the random off chance.
The dates are from Saturday 21st May until Sunday 5th June.
Bonnie Brown and Brian Bishop are showing their work at  White Yard Studio which is 84 Kings Road West, BH19 1HR for all you Sat Navvers who like to be told exactly where to go. Georgina Fermer is also showing her work at The Crow's Nest, Cliff Place BH19 2PL.

Georgina Fermer

It would be great if you could go along and have a look, as the artists put a lot of work into opening their studios etc top the public and the more people that attend the more inclined they are to continue doing so. Please show your support by attending.
Now just another plug for Jim Hunters' show which will be held at my gallery also starting on Saturday 21st May with a talk on the Thursday 26th May.
I am looking forward to a visit from a group of students who will be coming tomorrow, to see their tutors show Andrew Piesley just before it comes down. I think it is good for students to realize that their lecturers actually practice what they teach.
One day I will reveal some of the random conversations that I have with visitors to the gallery. I know it will make a right riveting read which many of you won't actually believe.
Just a reminder for anyone planning to visit at the weekend, the gallery will be shut on Saturday as I will be wearing a skirt..........and attending a wedding. For those of you who know me and think my legs solely reside in denim they do come out on special occasions and this is a particularly special occasion.

With A Little Bit Of Cluck We Can Make It Through The Night!

It's time to reveal my geeky/guilty pleasure number two but I'm thinking that I might just save it for when I am struggling for something to write.
As I have just spent the last five minutes staring into space it would appear that time may well be now.
I have had another productive day at the gallery it would seem like I have hired the gallery space out for two weeks in October which is great. If ceramics are your thing you should definitely watch this space as I will be giving you all the details via my blog.
I have spent the best part of the day working on a pencil drawing that I think is going to take me as long as the other two that I did. I am planning to exhibit them as a triptych in the Abstract Open Exhibition. It is a big departure from my usual work but I am really enjoying the discipline of 'proper' drawing. I showed some friends my prints today that I forgot to mention that I did yesterday they made encouraging comments and I am hoping to start working on a whole new set of prints very soon.
I had to tell my friends about my imaginary business partner and they all thought it was hilarious but you just wait until I tell them about all my office friends........
With every wedding comes the inevitable Hen Do and what does a Hen do? Clucks apparently! I have the pleasure of dressing in pink(of which I own very little) and playing the dubious game pin the something on a someone. I have to leave work to go home and prepare some Tapas style dishes and then get pinked up. It should be a lot of fun. I'm just glad that tomorrow is my official day of rest.
I hope that you have all had a great Saturday, and have something lovely planned for this evening.

Guilty Pleasures

I want to start my blog today by telling you about one of the guilty pleasures that I enjoy at the gallery. Ever since I read my first Agatha Christie novel at the age of 11 (The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side) I have been addicted to thrillers/whodunnits. I have to read them and watch them whenever possible. I bet you're already wondering where this is going? Well, when I am producing my own work I often have programmes on in the background. Sometimes they are highbrow art documentaries but more often than not it's a thriller of some description. I watch them all, Columbo, Diagnosis Murder, Poirot, Miss Marple, C.S.I, NCIS I could go on but I know that you are already shaking your heads in dismay. I am so addicted that my sister has been known to call me Sharonica Fletcher, those of you who share my addiction will know which particular female sleuth that name pertains to. I get to listen/watch all of these without inflicting it on anyone else whilst drawing/painting or just generally being creative.
I'm going to tell you another one tomorrow, I don't want to fully reveal my geeky pleasures all in one blog.
Back to gallery news, I have had a chat with Neil my website designer about revamping the website as I want to be able to sell the art work on line as well. It looks like we have agreed to start working on that at the end of the month.
I have got some excellent work for what will be the revamped, repackaged Charity Auction and I am literally moments away from setting a date.
I hope that you all managed to check out the Purbeck Art Week website yesterday.
http://www.purbeckartweeks.co.uk/ Just incase you didn't get round to it.
I am very excited about being involved with it this year. I have already started to think about the next one. I think a showcase at the gallery of a selection of Purbeck artists could be great. We'll have to see.
I have got too many things to think about at the moment without adding to the list.
I am going to end my blog with a little story about my imaginary friend. I am notoriously bad at saying no. How about you? When you're put on the spot and you know that you should just say no but there's the nice bone in your body making you feel bad about it? Sound familiar? Well owning a business does tend to mean that you are quite often put on the spot in one way or another. How have I overcome this problem?, I know you are all dying to know.
I have at the tender age of 41 got an imaginary friend who I like to formally address as my 'business partner'. He/she has to be involved in all decision making processes especially where money is concerned. I kid you not. They are so silent they don't actually exist.
A thought just popped into my head about an idea for a thriller ' Gallery Owner Killed By Business Partner' or was it a cleverly staged suicide? Don't get me started.
Have a great weekend!!

Dates For Your Diary

I am happy to report that today has seen lots of people through the door. I have had some great conversations with all manner of people. It is refreshing to get some nice feedback and supportive comments.
There has been a lot less evidence of the window smudgers, having the door open seems to be working.
I have to tell you about the fact that there actually going to be two events during Jim Hunters' show at the gallery. The first is going to be on Thursday 26th May from 7.00. It will be a talk/Q & A led by Vivienne Light with Jim Hunter. You will need to visit the Purbeck Art Week site to get tickets for this free event. It's a definite must see as you seldom get to know the inspiration behind the work in a gallery and this is an opportunity to get it from the artists mouth.

Jim Hunter

Just to make it that bit easier for you I have put a link to the site here. Go to events and it should be there.
Whilst you are on there you could read about me too if you so wish as I have written an article about myself and the gallery. You'll find it in the 'latest news' column, I'd love to know what you think.
http://www.purbeckartweeks.co.uk/
There will also be a Private View of the work on the Saturday 28th May starting at 6.00 - 8.00. So there are a few dates for you to put in your diary. I hope that you can make it to at least one of them.
I would also like to give everyone advanced warning that I will be closed on Saturday 21st May as I will be attending the wedding of my right hand man Matt and his lovely fiance.

One Day I'll Fly Away!

There is always going to be a fly in the ointment at some point no matter how tightly you screw the lid on. That is true of this weekend. There has been a booking mix up and it has resulted in me having to postpone the Japan Charity Auction which is regrettable as I have only just received the posters and invites. Believe it or not that is the second lot I have had to throw in the bin. The first time it was because of a weird default setting that made them all skew whiff.
I am holding fire on setting anew date as I need to make really sure that there going to be no more hiccups. rest assured it will be as soon as possible.
For those of you who have been deliberating about whether or not you should put a piece of work in. You now have more time. Come and see me and drop something in. You know it makes sense.
I hope that you all had a good weekend. I did, I had to re learn a life lesson but the less said about that the better.
I would just like to urge anyone who hasn't been to see the current exhibition to do so. It is on for another week and the price of the work is very affordable to virtually every pocket. So please do pop in.
I have to also let people know my opening hours as people keep saying that they came to the gallery and it was shut.
I am open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 11.00 - 5.00, the only time that it might change is if there is a Private View as I will have to close for at least two hours in the preceding  afternoon to get the food and drink sorted. If in doubt just let me know or give the gallery a ring. I'd hate for you to have a wasted journey.
Obviously, Bank Holidays are an exception to the rule as it is usually during these that I get the rare opportunity to spend it with my family. So my opening times are a little more flexible then.
I am going to endeavor to produce my first work in nearly a week so no more blog writing for me.