“Beware, it’s a scam!!”
As soon as I posted that I was going to go to London, well-meaning, but very dramatic artists started to “warn” me about the gallery. “It’s just a Vanity Gallery!” they exclaimed, “they’ll just take your money and run!”
Those were the “nice” comments. The Snootier Artists went off about how “you’re not a real artist if you display there!”
I thanked them for their concern and explained my choice to those that mattered… and just ignored the rest (Remembering that I was called out as “Ordinary” while I was preparing for the show in Beverly Hills).
For the rest of y’all, because you really mean the world to me, here’s what it’s all about…
IT’S PAY TO PLAY
What they mean by a Vanity Gallery is that the artist essentially rents the wall. The gallery doesn’t take a commission like those “real” ones. Their sole source of income is bringing in artists month after month.
There’s just so much to unpack here.
- I’m a curator of a gallery myself. I know just how much effort it takes to put on a new show every month. I admire anyone who can keep their doors open. They have more rent to pay than I do.
- They still chose me. They didn’t have to. They think I’m at least “presentable.”
- When I present, it almost always leads to a sale or a commission.
- Nearly all the shows I do charge a fee. Most shows I break even. One Beverly Hills show cost me $450 for a 10x10 space, and I ended up garnering over $3,000 in sales and commissions. I pay to play because I play to win.
- Did I mention… this wall is in LONDON!
THIS IS WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW
- Sotheby’s and Christie’s are not exactly knocking down my door to auction off my art for millions. I’d rather be in the game than sit on the sidelines feeling superior, calling myself a “real artist”, and running out of space in my basement.
- I do display my art in a gallery in Laguna Beach. They take commission on sales. So am I real artist down there, but not in London?
- Did I mention that my art is going to be displayed in LONDON? It’s going to be seen by passersby, by friends of the other artists… by a new audience for me. Is that not awesome just by itself????
THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE
- And a Trip of a Lifetime! – I’ve wanted to show my art in London since Stu Rosen Art was born… and now I’m going!
- I DON’T CARE THAT I’M RENTING SPACE. For two weeks it’s MY SPACE. It’s up to me to make magic happen. The Gallery is my PARTNER in this… and I will work it accordingly.
- I get to share this experience with MY SON. I get to show him where I spent my Junior year aboard… where I performed in a play at the Edinburgh Festival… and get to show him that my art made it all the way to a London Gallery!
- His friend is also joining us. Another child gets an experience of a lifetime, and my son will enjoy his time more because he’ll share these experiences with someone his age… and not just some uncool Boomer.
THIS IS HOW MANIFESTATION WORKS
- I’ve used the Law of Attraction for many amazing adventures in the past. It’s not magic, it’s magical. It’s not a bunch of magazines cut into a Vision Board (although those can be good tools if done right) … it’s A LOT OF WORK. It’s taking action and committing boldly. This London trip proves to me that it works and is great practice in making it work.
- If I can make this dream come true, what else lies beyond?
THERE’S ALSO A PRACTICAL SIDE TO THIS
- And for all the practical people in the audience … this is a business expense. Not the whole trip (I’ll have to consult my CPA next tax time) but I’m going there as a professional artist. Some of this is going to be written off.
- This also has established a new habit called “Find the Wall.” Anywhere I want to go in the world, just find a wall to display my art. More sales and more write-offs.
So, who’s the fool now?
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting my decisions and supporting my dreams. I’m still offering products and portraits to those who want to come along on this journey. Donate here: https://gofund.me/f6cfc391 or Venmo @StuRosenArt. Every bit helps.2/24/2022