Eclectic Visions 2015... Debriefing Notes

[Margaret C. Benmore]

Eclectic Vision’ Debriefing

July 8, 2015

 

Quick Stats:

 

Year	Location	Attendance	Days Run	Sales	Participants
2013	ArtSpring	900 +	10 days	1334	28
2014	ArtSpring	600+	13 days	673	26
2015	Gallery 8	950+	10 days	1768	33

 

How people found out about EV’15

• The downtown location, walk by
• Sandwich boards, strategically placed
• Word of mouth
• SaltSpring Exchange
• Gallery 8 mailing
• Driftwood
• Email notice

 

Comments/suggestions/observations:

 

Viewers feedback:  from chats, comments, the guestbook and reviews was very positive… they were impressed with the quality and variety of the work… and that our little island had so many wonderful talented imaginative photographers… (pat on the back to all of you who helped organize, sit and participated in EV’15) – it was a great success and we just seem to get better and better each year… Let’s see what we can do in 2016…

 

Marketing:

• Let’s look at reducing the mailing costs; either more selective mailing to cut the number of mail outs and use more email invitations
• It was noticed the EV’15 was not promoted on the Gallery 8 website… this would be helpful…
• It was suggested that MarketPlace and Fish Bow are both good at getting the information out on SSI

 

• Change SSI Exchange banner ad (which costs $ ) for a free event ad
• Not found on Gallery 8 website ?
• Driftwood was difficult to work with, expensive and cut the copy they were given to a minimum and did not do a show review…
• Facebook was also suggested as a good source of marketing…
• Enlist the younger club members to up our profile on social media…
• It would be useful to have a second week booster shot of marketing, reviews, etc…  just as a reminder…

 

Sandwich boards were good, locations good, visibility, and branding seem to be good… people are recognizing the EV look…

Downtown location had lots of walk-in traffic…

Thanks Dave for your help… you are great…

 

Sales:

Much improved over previous years…

45 cards, 2 shrinks, and 6 wall pieces

Total sales about $1768

 

• It should be noted that a red dot indicates the sale of the framed image on the wall… however others are usually available making arrangements with the photographer… so a work could be sold multiple time…
• It was also suggested that when sitting we promote each others work, read the bio’s and know something about each others work… perhaps a preshow briefing on each of the works..

 

Inventory System: worked well’ish, however some of the sitters forgot to write the alphanumeric code on the receipts which resulted in Pat Page spending hours and hours late into the night trying hard to figure out who had sold what…  We need to be more careful on this front… Thanks Pat for you patience and forebearance… you too are wonderful….  The participants were however very good about their labeling of inventory…

 

Location: was generally felt to be good, in the centre of town…

• There were some who prefer ArtSpring for both the space, big and open and the feel of it as a community space/environment for the club…

 

Space:

Hanging: again generally positive reactions, liked the variation, the new hanging arrangements and the lighting (except for a few reflections from the windows)…

The colour of the walls also worked well with our images…

Thanks Razali and his helpers for a beautiful hanging…

 

Reception: as usual was great, the food, the attendance, the community involvement/contributions and of course Fifi’s management of the whole thing… oh yes the club members tasty treats add to our reputation for the Best Opening… well done my dear… you are indeed Wonderful !!!

• Some suggestions: moving it to outside the mail gallery space as it was noisy and crowded with the milling about the food tables…
• Somehow make more working/prep space available… it was impossibly small…

 

Accessibility:

• there was concern about the stairs and the lack of accessible entry for the mobility challenged… suggested renting a ramp for the back door…
• the noise level, especially at the reception, it was very difficult for those with trouble hearing or who have hearing aids… 

 

Theme: Eclectic Vision… people seemed to appreciate the versatility  of the club members… no restrictions on choices for the show…

• Have a more themed show was discussed, as it is every year, and will again be discussed before 2016 I suspect… it is always food for thought…
• There was discussion about the concern as to whether some content is deemed appropriate for public viewings, with concern about children… it was generally felt the present standard of monitoring is adequate – which is basically none on content, as it has not yet presented an issue to date within any of the club activities…

 

 

Job Posting:  the position of chairperson for Eclectic Visions 2016 is available…

• It is a position of great power, high esteem and much gratitude from the masses…
• It is a position that requires the patience of a Saint, the wisdom of the Oracle and the many arms of an Asian goddess…
• It is a wonderful opportunity to work for the Club, the Community, your friends and most of all to develop new skills you didn’t think you would every possess…

 

No Really !!!! Okay maybe a bit of verbal overkill… however the position is really open…  Avril has been actively involved for many many years on Eclectic Vision… the last two as the chairperson and now feels it is time to pass the baton --- She has many other obligations which require her attention, energy and time…  so it is time for a break…  

Avril will of course help with the transition (though everything is very organized, systematized and documented)…  she will also help support the new chairperson in anyway she can…   Thank you Avrll so much for all of your hard work, worry, inspiration and cajoling… Love you my dear – you have done a wonderful job…

 

If you are interested in taking this on (great) or even two people taking it on as a team… please let Avril, Wendy or anyone else know… we would love to talk to you…

 

Thank you to all of you who make EV2015…   FANTASTIC…  you are all Wonderful… and what a great group of lovely people… Well Done Everyone!!!

Cheers... 

MCB 

 

 

 

 

[Curt Firestone]

Thank you for posting and sharing

[Avril Kirby]

Thanks, Margaret--good job!