Art by Marianne Monto

Originally published 19th of August 2023

Omg I have not written pretty much anything about my first solo exhibition! I have been pretty overwhelmed with other stuff, as in the same time I have been part of preparing for an international exhibition, that kind of did take everything out of me. But I told something about that in my last post, now: my solo show!

I thought I had an ample time to prepare for it, but dang it, I was so wrong. One piece took me a couple months. It just wouldn’t come together, there was always something lacking. Colour wasn’t vibrant enough, balance was off, etc. Of course, at the same time I was on holiday with kids or working by day, so there was really small amounts of personal painting time. Oh, to be a full time artist!

All the stuff about invitations, advertising, media coverage… I did only a quarter of what I should have done. I had no opening, as I realized too late that it is an option. For advertising: I made some social media posts, distributed some flyers and the exhibition was added to Hämeenlinna’s “where to go, what to do” page. But no, I didn’t send notification to local newspapers on the off chance that they would cover it.

Hanging went quite well, but next time I need to bring some sort of stick with me for measuring. I think I got the sequence and flow quite correct. I have a guest book, but some lowlife stole the first pen I provided! The second pen I tied to the guest book. And third also, in case the other pen will dry up. I know, I know, for some reason my life has been centered on some freaking ball point pens 😀

At first I checked the exhibition daily, then every couple days, now it’s been a week. I definitely need to pay a visit. In the first week pretty much nobody had signed the guest book, but I think quite more people have seen it than have made a mark on the book.

There is still a week to go, so if you have a chance please go and check it out. It’s in a magazine room: from the main doors, follow the left side of the upper gallery towards, wait for it, magazines and newspapers (I know, what a shocker. No one could have guessed what was in the magazine room). On the end wall you can find vibrant hillscapes. And a guest book. Sign it, tell what you think. I would like some honest opinions, so I can grow. Or praise, praise is always fun.