WOMEN'S CAUCUS FOR ART - COLORADO CHAPTER

Depending on the complexity of the show, you will do all /or some. If complex, please set up a show committee to help you. The curator/s will oversee everything and be the main gallery contact/s. Your main job is COMMUNICATION and COORDINATION between you, the gallery, and WCA members. Please keep the co-presidents informed, plus attend meetings for updates.

COMMUNICATION:

A. Be in touch with the Gallery Director:

1. You'll need gallery rules, show title (which you may possibly plan), show dates, reception date/time, schedules, drop-off/pick-up locations, gallery address and directions, juror (art or slides, who?).

2. Who pays for postcard, poster, reception food and drinks? Who handles postcard prep, press releases, pr? Does gallery need digital images or slides for their website? Will WCA have panel discussions, gallery talks, and/or provide a show book? Who checks in the artwork, designs/hangs the show, makes labels, and provides the guest book? Do they want one general statement, plus individual artists statements, resumes? Do they have a contract? All of this varies from gallery to gallery (most provide many of the above.)

3. Later: Prepare show statement, press release information, check-in list… IF requested by director.

4. You should address gallery director with member's questions (electricity, weight, size, & safety issues), NOT the members.

B. Inform WCA Members.

1. Prepare information handout / resources and ideas/ schedules. Inform members through general meetings, show meetings, website, Yahoo Groups, snail-mail (to non-yahoo members). Include your name, phone, email address, + "WCA dues current to submit art." Advise members of WCA 'Show Entrance' Guidelines** so they are aware of the jurying process, rules, etc...

2. If there is an installation component and/or community involvement, co-ordinate / set up committee.

3. Depending on the show theme and installation complexity, you may need ongoing show meetings.

C. Send information to WCA Webmaster* for Upcoming Show page.

1. Include dates, handout, guidelines, schedules, diagrams, logos, dues, juror information…

2. Design show logo / image for website, or coordinate with Webmaster.

3. Send changes to Webmaster as needed. (This is different than the Yahoo Groups email, which is for additional information, reminders, requests, etc)

COORDINATE ANYTHING THE GALLERY DOES NOT PROVIDE:

A. Find an outside Juror, IF not provided by the gallery director.

1. Plan date/ time for jurying (NOT while artists are dropping off artwork). You may be involved, or not. If juror picks works to be hung together, please discus/inform the gallery director/hanging crew. As curator, you are NOT guaranteed entrance into the show. (The jurying may be by slides or by artwork.)

B. Postcard

1. If WCA is designing it, give correct information to Postcard Designer*. Plan appropriate deadline dates, and discuss what images to be used (slides, digital images from one/several artists, OR other design/logo depending on the theme of the show). Need WCA return address (see Mailing List Person). (1 ½ - 2 months before opening):

2. Pass out finished cards to participants (if juried - to everyone submitting artwork), encourage them to send at least 20 cards (many artists), and more if limited number of artists. (2-3 weeks before show)

3. Obtain WCA mailing list/labels from Mailing List Person*. Label, stamp and mail. Obtain reimbursement from treasurer with receipt for appropriate number. (Same for postcards.)

C. Other, see gallery #2.

D. Reception, talks, etc…

1. If WCA provides the food, all participants SHOULD bring adequate food OR make a monetary donation, even if not attending! They are in the show, and should help! (We had complaints about inadequate food - see gallery for number of attendees)

2. Coordinate talks, etc… Phone works best, ask for RSVP from participants - don't expect them to just show up for the event. Members need reminders!

3. Remind Show Photographer* to take digital images of show. Art only, plus some reception shots.

END OF SHOW:

A. Remind participants of pickup dates. They must make arrangements if they can't be there.

B. Prepare a short statement for WCA website and Artlines (national newsletter). Send to co-presidents to edit, and they will forward on. You do NOT have to coordinate photography for website.

C. Document show. Make packet of show items for WCA scrapbook. Include 2 samples of postcard, a poster, statement, panel discussion info, news reviews, price list /artist's list, photos of show (artwork, reception, participating artists, workshops ('sewing bee', etc…). Give to Historian to complete book.

D. Send thank you card to the gallery director and juror after show ends.

Other:

-See Show Exhibit Chair or Co-Presidents for Jobs List, Membership List, Show Entrance Guidelines, questions, timelines, advice.

-WCA logo is on Yahoo Groups under "files" section.

-Look at other show information (see website or Historian or former curators) to compare and learn.

-If emails don't work, use the phone… many members do not use email much.

-Remember to request HELP from the membership if it's too much! Ask artists in the show!

-If you haven't done it before, a co-curator is advised.

-Keep receipts for postcard, stamps (WCA only, not personal), WCA does NOT pay for food, and gifts are provided by Exhibit Chair. Other costs need to be discussed with treasurer or co-presidents.

HAVE FUN!!

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