Thursday, August 03, 2006

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From: Byron King [mailto:byronking@gmail.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 10:23 PM

To: 'Vilar Pahey'

Subject: new work.

Good evening,

I am currently seeking gallery representation.

Thanks for your time,

Byron

www.byronking.com

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On 7/25/06, 'Vilar Pahey' wrote:

Dear Byron,

Thank you for your inquiry. We currently have a full roster and are unable to represent any additional artists.

Best regards,

Vilar Pahey

Tom Smith Gallery

524 West 24th Street

New York, New York 10011

Tel: 212-243-0200

Fax: 212-243-0047

-----Original Message-----

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From: Byron King [mailto:byronking@gmail.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 8:09 PM

To: 'Vilar Pahey'

Subject: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

Hi Vilar,

I simplified my site even more. Please take another look at it and tell me

what you think. Do you think I should have the digital work on there?

I'm really looking for venues to show my work. If you point me in the right

direction I will give you my next born child.

No really. I think the work is strong enough that I should not have to do that.

What do I need to do to get my foot in the door? I've been slugging away

at this for ten years now and have had no replies from any galleries. The

fact that you wrote me back took me by complete suprise.

Do you find any of my work interesting? Should I continue or am I kidding myself?

I really wish someone would tell me the secret to getting their work shown

and getting their foot in the door of galleries of your caliber.

Please help a brother out? Show some kindness and point me in the right

direction.

Honestly honest. Truly trying.

Byron King

www.byronking.com

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From: 'Vilar Pahey' [mailto: pilar@tomsmithgallery.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 11:44

To: Byron King

Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

Hi Byron,

I would suggest that you begin by showing your work at local galleries and becoming part of an artistic community locally before trying New York galleries. This could both foster interest and growth in your artwork.

As for the site, it's truly up to you to make it representative of your style. Once you have been in exhibitions, you should list those along with any press.

Good luck,

Vilar

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-----Original Message-----

From: Byron King [mailto: byronking@gmail.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 12:47 PM

To: 'Vilar Pahey'

Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

Hi Vilar,

Thanks for your input. I really do appreciate it. I did live in New York for several years

and could not get my work in any local galleries. I've tried all of the local galleries in

Jacksonville, FL even and they won't show my work either.

It's frustrating. If you know of any smaller venues looking for emerging artist I would appreciate

a reference.

Thank you for your time,

Byron

www.byronking.com

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From: 'Vilar Pahey' [mailto: vilar@tomsmithgallery.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 12:57

To: Byron King [mailto: byronking@gmail.com]

Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

Hi Byron,

I'm not familiar with the artistic community in Jacksonville, but surely there's an art class or studio space you can join and get involved with other artists. If there isn't, perhaps you could organize one?

Again, I wish you luck.

Vilar

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-----Original Message-----

From: Byron King [mailto: byronking@gmail.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 1:14 PM

To: 'Vilar Pahey'

Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

Hi Vilar,

So in a sense it's not about the work. It's about your art resume?

Thanks for your help. I will continue on as always.

Good luck to you too.

v/r

Byron

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From: 'Vilar Pahey' [mailto: vilar@tomsmithgallery.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 12:57

To: Byron King [mailto: byronking@gmail.com]

Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.


Hi Byron,

It's always about the art, but your question was how to gain gallery representation. I responded to that inquiry.

Vilar

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Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

From: Byron King [mailto:byronking@gmail.com]

Sent: Saturday, 2006 14:59

To: 'Vilar Pahey'

Subject: RE: Honesty. Truth. Integrity.

To tell you the truth. I'm just elated you wrote me back.

For that, in my book you are an outstanding individual.

So my last and final question is and I'll leave you alone:

So, if my work was something you guys were interested

in and I had absolutely no art resume, would you

show my work?

Have fun tonight in Chelsea. Wish I was there.

v/r

- Hide quoted text -

byron

www.byronking.com

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---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Byron King

Date: Saturday, 3:39 PM

Subject: gallery research

To: Byron King

- Hide quoted text -


No REPLY FROM VILAR AT THIS TIME.

Findings:

It is all about the art resume.

Or Vilar is not into answering hypothetical questions.

4 comments:

Lucky said...

What about coffee shops, restaurants, bars, etc. as venues for showing your work?

In writing a gallery are you conceiving of a solo show? If not, you could always inquire about the possibility of a group show where you could exhibit a few pieces.

A long time ago some kids from the Mississippi Gulf Coast moved to Oxford and brought an idea with them. The concept was to take local artists with little to no exposure and exhibit their works for a short amount of time in a space no one else was using. They called it "Space Available."

I've lived here since '99 and there's been a Space Available every year. The artists are always different, the venue is always interesting, the prices are always reasonable and the show is always a success. The founders have long since moved on to other cities, but by welcoming new artists in, they created something that is self-perpetuating and still attracts 15 or more artists every year.

Byron said...

I'm trying all venues. Even restaurants and record stores.

The concept you are mentioning is interesting, but I would like to know whre the Space Available gets there space? Does someone pay for it? Is the space volunteered?

I'd like to know how they did it. If you go to another one ask them if you don't mind.

thanks....

Lucky said...

The space is otherwise unused at the moment of the show. It is in between leases, scheduled for remodeling or simply vacant. I imagine that some sum is paid, however, it would be very nominal. The contributing artists would likely pay a small price (like a lease for their space).

The price would be nominal because the space is only occupied for around one week. They get in, set up, have an opening (cookies, punch and all that jazz), maintain it for a couple more nights, disassemble, clean up and move out. All purchased works are to be picked up on the last day.

Advertising is by way of hand flyers and ads in local free-press style papers. The incidental cost of this sort of publicity (and the cookies and punch) are likely part of the "lease" fee on the space. Again, this is grassroots stuff, so everyone does what they can and contributes what they can.

Byron said...

Thanks Lucky,

That's a great concept. I wondered how that was done. I suppose I need to get off my ass and make it happne. I do know some local artist that I would like to show with. maybe we could all go in on a show. Cut up the fees.

Now I need to find a space. Thanks for passing that on.

I guess sometimes you just got to stand up and make it happen for yourself.

Fuck the man and all that jazz.

Hope all is well.