Squeaky Wheel Keeps on Turning

Why do galleries bother to ask an artist to sign a contract, agree to an opening and closing date, a commission? Why do galleriests invite the public into their salons, complain vigorously about the lack of support for the arts and then discontinue their programs or exhibitions before the end of the PUBLISHED run? If there were a natural disaster or socio-economic calamity I would certainly understand the need to take down artwork prior to a scheduled closing date. New Orleans gallerists had good reason to close shop and head for the hills. Most gallerists can attribute such situations to bad planning and everyone winds up looking bad when a potiential collector shows up to see an exhibition and the walls are blank.

Never mind the fact that everyone is busy and that making time to look at art is a real committment: it is INEVITABLE that people will show up to see the exhibition during the 11th hour. Why would a gallerist risk having to turn someone away? or show white walls because the regularly scheduled exhibition has been taken down early? I don't get it. I've experienced this more times than I want to think about and in galleries that are considered to be very professional. Not!

This is a giant pet peeve. I am embarrassed when people make an effort to visit my or anyone's show and there is no work for them to see. I don't know why so many galleries choose not to follow a standard of professional practice that is so basic. I am so frustrated about this and am uncertain as to what to do about it. If I were a magazine or newspaper I would print a retraction regarding the opening and closing of every gallery that is guilty of this.