Midwest summer poster tour

[Quackrel]

Someone had started a thread about a summer Midwest poster tour. I may have a really nice location for September in St. Louis and would really like to see something happen here. This area is dying for something like this. Sales would be really fantastic.

I'd be happy to coordinate. There are 3 schools nearby (Washington University, St. Louis University, Webster University) with good fine arts programs where the show could be promoted as well as all the usual hipster spots (record stores, tattoo shops, coffee shops).

If anybody would be interested let me know. I don't know what kind of timeline needs to be followed since I haven't done this before, but the sooner the details can be confirmed the better.

[Quackrel]

Am I on everyone's ignore list? I am still going to try and plan this for September and would appreciate any advice. PM me if you prefer.

I am talking to some local poster printers and I have a poster artist from LA lined up through a friend, but would love to have as many represented as possible.

What are the expectations from an artists perspective of a gallery show? Sell posters? Get more gigs? Is anyone interested in speaking about their design/craft? This gallery is opening in 2 weeks (June 4) so after that I'll be able to post images of the space. Will that encourage anyone? Should I contact artists individually? Is the calendar crowded for September or is that further out than you all normally plan?

[Shad]

I've heard St. Louis is dangerous.

[dennyschmickle]

Too bad there's not a "Legendary Bad-Boy of Poster Art" in the area.

[Quackrel]

I've heard St. Louis is dangerous.

St. Louis is for Lovers (of posters).

[piemel]

September might be tough for some artists because Flatstock 7 will be happening in Seattle during Labor Day Weekend...

As far as expectations go, it has been well documented from the very first days of Flatstock 1 that people expect to see topless chicks on rollerblades handing out donuts....

If the previous is not possible then I reckon people would need to have TRUST in whomever is organizing this... we have seen some bad apples in the past screwing things up

However dont let that stop you... if you can organize a space where posters can be hung in a somewhat professional manner and where sales are possible I would hope that you would find a lot of interest from people to get their posters in that show

Make sure you communicate clearly what the expectations are regarding sales, pricelevels, who is in charge of sending art back, how long the art will be on display, what if any the opening reception will be about, how will handle the cash

Also try to get the interest of the local media and see if they are willing to do a short write up. Put flyers in coffee shops and the like

Seriously, people have been burned in the past and not everyone will just mail their art for a show without getting all the details and assurances....

Either way,... go for it!

Art Chantry lives in your neck of the woods and by all means try to contact him and see if he is willing to have some of his posters in a possible St Louis show... He of all people will however not do anything until he knows he will not be ripped off so make sure you have your ducks in a row before you contact any artist.

For sure posts some pics of the space whenever you get a chance

Most artists would love to see their work in a nice gallery space but, again, some of them got burned in the past so take that into account

[Quackrel]

September might be tough for some artists because Flatstock 7 will be happening in Seattle during Labor Day Weekend...

Great bit of info. I may choose to reschedule. Or maybe Flatstock should reschedule!

As far as expectations go, it has been well documented from the very first days of Flatstock 1 that people expect to see topless chicks on rollerblades handing out donuts....

We'll get Nelly's Applebottom girls to hand out Budweisers. That's about as close as we can get.

If the previous is not possible then I reckon people would need to have TRUST in whomever is organizing this... we have seen some bad apples in the past screwing things up.

However dont let that stop you... if you can organize a space where posters can be hung in a somewhat professional manner and where sales are possible I would hope that you would find a lot of interest from people to get their posters in that show.

I'm not going to assume trust. I did kind of assume people would respond to my initial post though. I won't do that again. Thanks for the helpful advice. It will definitely assist me in forming my plan on how to get people involved.

[bob h]

I will be an hour and a half away at that time
but most of my work is a little old (96,97)

[Quackrel]

I will be an hour and a half away at that time
but most of my work is a little old (96,97)

Oh Yeah, you'll be in Columbia, MO then at Mizzou. If you don't participate you should definitely attend. I'll keep you in the loop as things progress.

[andydiesel]

It's gonna be crazy on the west coast in september. I know i have three poster shows that i am doing three weekends in a row.

I'm planning a big one in Portland right now.