“I feel so bad I couldn’t talk to you!” was the message from my friend Maite Agahnia this morning. She and her fellow artists of the art group Art6West had an amazing opening last night at India Street Gallery in Little Italy here in San Diego. I was thrilled she didn’t much time to talk to me, but not because I didn’t want to talk to her.
Maite Agahnia, 5th Ave., 9:44pm
To my thinking, it meant that she was sharing her work and inspiration with people who didn’t already know her or know her work. That’s the point of an opening – it is a chance to share your work with new people. I’ve been lucky to watch the work progress over the last several months. I know about as much as a third person could know about the work, which is a real privilege. Last night was the chance to share it with others and by the crowds that were there, plenty of people now know her and her work and I couldn’t be happier we didn’t get to sit and chat for very long!
I also got the chance to briefly talk with the other ladies in the show, three of whom I know as well. Cree Scudder has some amazing new work that is pushing into new territory. Brenda York continues to inspire me with her smart whimsy, both in her work and her life. Bronle Crosby blew me away with her technical skill in her portraits of the other 5 women in the show. I had to laugh as my husband and I walked over to see them. I had introduced him to Cree and Brenda, both women he’d never met before, and when he saw their portraits on the wall it was great to hear him react, “Hey, that’s the Brenda we were just talking too! Oh my god that’s good! And the other woman you were talking to!! And there’s Maite’s portrait!!” If I ever needed a portrait of someone, she’s the one to do it without a doubt.
It’s an amazing show. Go see it if you can, it’s up until February 20th. They’ll have a closing event on the 17th from 5-7pm if you want to chat with them in person which I highly recommend. So I am curious, who do you talk to at openings?
AMBER GEORGE 
February 13, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Yes, you are right. One must talk to new people, meet, greet, share. Still though, I wouldn’t be who I am with the constant support from my friends and coleagues, who come to every event , who allow me to share my work with. I am just really thankful for that, and you can’t help but feel guilty when on occassion you don’t have even 2 minutes to stretch your arm so say a quick hi.
I have said this before, but I’ll say it here too. You have been instrumental in my developing of this series. An excellent sounding board, a fantastic friend, and an incredible mentor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all those.
I love that you have been present for every step of this; from my original idea, and throughout the development of technique and concept.
February 14, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Maite, it’s been a honor for me to watch as this series was born. I knew the minute you started to talk about it that it would be something amazing. I am proud you chose me to witness it and can’t wait to see where it goes next! I have a feeling there’s more in store my dear!
February 14, 2011 at 2:54 am
Amber, what a generous, kind lady you are to post this and to sing our praises! Yikes, I am humbled by your review of the show and of my portrait work. I would be thrilled to do one, if indeed you ever do need a portrait of someone. And thanks to your husband as well!
I am also grateful for these sage words about what an opening is for; I too felt that I had not spent enough time with friends who were supportive and came to the event. You are right, it is the time to meet, greet, and share with new acquaintances. THANK YOU for the review and for taking good care of my friend, Maite.
February 14, 2011 at 3:05 pm
The work is really good Bronle! It was great to see you and chat, and everyone had a great time at the opening! Can’t wait for the next one!