On my 1st Anniversary....

                             I GOT DUMPED!!!

Well, I shouldn't say dumped, I should say let go. January 9th celebrated my one year anniversary as gallery assistant here in Philadelphia. Much to my surprise, I was told that the gallery would be switching to "Appointment Only" and would no longer be needing my services as of January 26th.  (January 26th seems a bit tentative, he may just decide to stop paying me immediately.)

I had a feeling I wasn't needed anymore, when in October, my boss decided to cancel my upcoming exhibition. I was expecting over 20 artists to have work on display. This high number of artists usually leads to an opening with about 50-70 people. That many interested people usually leads to a minimum of ONE sale. If it is a very sucessful show, we expect 6-10 sales. Those 6-10 sales usually take place during the opening reception. If the show stays the entire month, we may expect more.

My marketing ideas and my wide variety of artistic taste (its more a matter of knowing anything will sell if you sell it), didn't seem to coincide with the owner's ideas. I could see him begining to pull away from my thoughtful ideas and suggestions when he threw away my open sign. I am not sure who in business believes they will be sucessful with sales if the people passing by do not know when you are accepting their money, but again I don't own the place.

At one point in time, just before a very big and very sucessful opening, the owner wandered over from the bar across the street and told me he " couldn't wait until all this JUNK was gone."  He later apologized for being unsupportive and thanked me for a job well done. Despite his last minute change of heart, something still changed and he felt his image in the "NEIGHBAHOOD" was somehow damaged by the art in "HIS" gallery. From that point on, he no longer took my word on what would be good for business. He seemed  disinterested in the bottom line and was more interested in potential gossip. This of course brings us to now, judgement day.

I am unsure of my schedule, but believe it will be the normal routine until the 26th,  nonetheless, I am not waiting around until the end. I have already sent out my resume to another local gallery.