extravaganza

the few days i had to set up the exhibition were taxing. there was still a lot to be done, framing the prints, picking up the flyers, mannequins, refreshments, projection equipment.... and taking down the previous exhibition. these are unusual circumstances. the artists whose exhibition ended a week before mine were out of the country, wouldn't be returning any time soon, and happened to be friends so i agreed to pack everything up and remove the acrylic paint covering the front window. not the most enjoyable task, but i was able to finish the take down by monday afternoon and immediately begin setting up our show. with the help of friends the exhibition was ready by wednesday night, leaving thursday free for all the last minute things that inevitably come up. which included warm tights, fake eyelashes for one of the mannequins, and forcing myself to eat two meals even though i felt like i was going to vomit.

i arrived at the gallery by 5 pm, one hour before the opening, to set up the projection equipment, attempt to apply the false eyelashes on the mannequin but eventually give up, and prepare the gallery. by six pm sharp we were ready, people were arriving, and drinks were being poured. the only thing left being my opening speech. without mikko there to take at least half the attention if not more, i was forced to stand on my own and address a crowd of about twenty. i've never been comfortable speaking publicly so i prepared a short but informative speech and had notes on hand, without them i probably would have forgotten the name of the collection or at least how to pronounce the names of the photographer, tanja muravskaja, and videographer, joonas kolehmainen. even with the notes i was nervous, though at least feeling less nauseous at this point, my hands were shaking and my voice cracked a few times but i said what i needed to say, thanked everyone that needed to be thanked and was even complimented on my sweet and sincere delivery later in the evening.

after my speech i was ready for a drink, fearing that had i had one before i would have inevitably spilled wine on my blouse or at least had some nice red teeth for the photographer. i was then able to relax and enjoy the evening. in all about thirty came and i loved talking to people about my work and the collection, one on one anyway. the feedback was positive, people were having a great time, and i was getting tipsy. by 830 there were just 10 of us left so i locked up the gallery and we headed out to a nearby poshy bar/restaurant named moskva for some pricey but delicious appetizers, dessert, and mojitos. yum. in all a great night.

now that the excitement of the opening is over, three and a half weeks lay ahead of gallery sitting. a-gallery is open wednesday through sunday 11-6. after three days i'm already looking forward to mikko's return from new york on tuesday so that i'll get at least half the hours from now on. we can opt to pay for a gallery sitter, it isn't very expensive, but i like being able to speak to the people who come in and answer their questions or at least say "tere" (hello) and motion that they are welcome to come in and take postcards with them when they leave (since my grasp of the estonian language is still questionable).

not to jinx anything but we've had a few visitors to the gallery that are interested in the work. one couple owns a gallery outside of tallinn and might like to have the exhibition in the spring. another gallery in helsinki is considering our exhibition as well. and my favorite yet, an estonian dancer who wants costumes and wearable art made for her that will inspire and inform her work. we'll see over the next few weeks where this takes us and i'll be sure to keep you all informed.

"aitah ja head aega" (thank you and good-bye)