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April Updates
March was a busy month for HGC. Paula Lewis gave a thought-provoking talk on creating artist statements. True to my “yes, but” nature, I was reticent to give up some of the hard-won and (at least to my mind) well-crafted phrases in my statement. But after listening to Paula’s reasons for avoiding key words like “unique,” I saw the value in her suggestions and am making abundant use of my red pen to revise my statement. In mid-March our chapter was represented by five board members at the PGC chapter forum. I was proud that HGC is a strong leader not only in our region but also in the state organization. The board held is most recent meeting in person for the first time in several months. The energy in this meeting was intoxicating and brought many good ideas to the fore. We had become a bit complacent in our private zoom bubbles since the beginning of 2025, and we all look forward to meeting again soon in person. Special thanks to Rich Maxwell for hosting dinner and the meeting at his home.
Speaking of in-person energy, I am pleased to announce that our next general meeting will be be a hybrid meeting with both in-person and zoom components. We will meet on Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at St George’s church in Ardmore. Our own Christine Wright will be sharing tips and tricks for successfully applying to shows and how to avoid getting scammed by the Internet underworld. I hope to see many of you there in person as well as on our zoom channel. Look for details below in this newsletter.
I stumbled across a timely quote recently, which has prompted my personal message this month. I participated in my first three shows ever last fall. Friends in both artistic and other circles asked after each one if it had been a success. In responding to them I realized that I was frequently defining success in different terms from my friends. Were the shows financial successes? No. I earned back my expenses (both booth fees and transport rentals) in one of the shows, in the other two, I covered the booth fee, but not much else. But to me, all three shows were huge successes in terms of the people I met, the relationships I started, and the experience I gained as a budding artist and exhibitor. Conversations with several patrons resulted in a growing e-mail list to which I send an occasional “First Looks” message highlighting new work….these patrons get the “First Looks” at my recent paintings before they go out to my circle of friends and artists on Facebook and Instagram. Another conversation led to my teaching a class in fluid acrylics for that patron. She was giving a birthday party for her 30-year-old nephew with five other family members in attendance, at which I was the magician, as it were. Everyone was thrilled. I have another class coming up later this month, and I have been invited to teach a class at the PGC offices in Lancaster. All of these instances highlight the words I would like to leave you with here: “You are successful as soon as you send your work out into the world” (Rick Rubin). I’ll repeat what I wrote a few months ago: The world needs more beauty, and we are uniquely qualified to provide it. So send your art out into the world and enjoy garnering your success! (As an aside, send your success in to the Gazette to be featured in the Members’ Corner, se below!)
Peace,
Brian Middleton, President
We have a Facebook group just for HGC Members!
This is a private group for the Artist Members of the Haverford Guild of Craftsmen to meet and discuss their work, marketing tactics and to give and receive general business and artwork advice. To join us, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hgcartistmembers/