CALL FOR ENTRIES -- Love, Lust, & Desire V

Better Than Caffeine, Holly Elkins, 2012

McGowan Fine Art is holding its fifth annual Valentine's Show: Love, Lust & Desire from January 29 - February 15, 2013. The theme is meant to be interpreted broadly - there were many entrants who focused on love of their pet, food or landscape in previous years. Don’t worry about being too literal with the theme!

Stuffed Puppy Love, Hannah Phelps, 2011

Submissions can be any medium, but must be no larger than 8½" x 11", should not be framed, and must be light enough to be held up by two clips.  The art is intended to be very affordable - so must retail for $300 or under.  (see photo for how we present the artwork.) 

If you are interested in submitting to Love, Lust, and Desire this year, please email jessica@mcgowanfineart.com for a detailed Call for Entries and guidelines, with "LL&D 2013" in the subject line. The deadline for email submissions is December 14, 2012.

First Date, Jean Stephens, 2010

Boston International Art Show 2012

Amanda and I headed down to Boston on Thursday, November 15 to set up our booth for the 16th Annual Boston International Fine Arts Show. McGowan Fine Art has not attended since 2004 so this was a big adventure for both of us.

It was a day of packing up two vehicles with art, pedestals, shrink wrap bins and all of the tools necessary to make transactions, unloading all the artwork, then arranging and hanging the artwork on the walls.  We had time for a late lunch and then back to the booth to put on our party clothes for the preview that evening.

Some of the fun of attending these events is the opportunity to talk with other galleries. We are able to indulge in a little shop talk and art world gossip, trade tips or just get a feel for the market in other parts of the country. Our booth neighbors were great.  From Russia With Art of Cambridge, Massachusetts shared photos of their pampered Westie. The women from Pride Gallery of Virginia had a beautiful display that Amanda has tucked away some ideas from.

It is also great to hear from the fair goers. Many approached us and said we had the best looking booth. It is gratifying to know that the artists we carry are well received by so many. People really responded to the new street scene Unloading by John Bonner. Vernalis by Gary Haven Smith was also a conversation starter. The portrait and still lifes by Stoney Jacobs,  kinetic sculptures by Bruce Campbell and bright abstracts of Catherine Bartlett Hirani were other favorites.

Saturday and Sunday were busy days at the fair with many people wandering through non-stop. We had a chance to play with the new ap that Amanda downloaded for her phone. Using Square we were able to run credit cards through her phone...with people using their finger as a stylus to sign on the screen. It was easy, fast and not nearly as complicated as calling in a transaction. My how things have changed since I last did an outside show!

As Sunday wound down many of the galleries started to pack away extraneous materials and get ready for the big move out. For all the time and care Amanda and I put into assembling the booth, we were able to disassemble it in less than 20 minutes. I think our efficiency was enhanced by our desire to get home after four 12-hour days. Unfortunately we were not the only ones to want to get home. We waited another hour for space to park in front of the building and  porters to help us schlep the art back out to our cars. You can see a photo of us lounging in front of our mountain of art. It gave us a little more time to chat with dealers. Some were starting drives back to Virginia or further that night. They are braver and hardier than I!

Thanks to all who visited and sustained us while we were there.

Corporate Project - Rivier University

McGowan Fine Art completed a multi-phase project for Rivier University, located 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH.

This project was coordinated by Amanda Lacasse - Corporate Art Consultant for McGowan Fine Art. Lacasse selected bright, colorful artwork for the recently renovated administrative building, Adrienne Hall, to reflect the energy of Rivier’s students, faculty, and staff. She also helped to update a historic list of all the sisters who have served on campus, helping facilitate a fresh design and presentation  to complement the contemporary building. The final product is a modern look at this one piece of Rivier’s history.

McGowan Fine Art has over 30 years of corporate consulting experience, and has worked with corporations and businesses of all sizes throughout New England. Corporate art selections have ranged from original art, to high quality reproductions, or historical photographs.

Please call Amanda Lacasse at 603-225-2515 for more information, or visit McGowan Fine Art’s website at www.mcgowanfineart.com, or contact amanda@mcgowanfineart.com.

Corporate Project - The Hematology and Oncology Center

McGowan Fine Art completed an installation of artwork for The Hematology and Oncology Center, located at 155 Borthwick Ave, Portsmouth, NH. The Hematology and Oncology Center is part of Appledore Medical Group: a multi-specialty group of practices affiliated with Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

This project was coordinated and installed by Amanda Lacasse - Corporate Art Consultant for McGowan Fine Art.  Lacasse selected soothing, peaceful images for the waiting room and hallway, helping create a comforting environment for patients visiting the office. She also rearranged and re-hung artwork moved from their previous location.

McGowan Fine Art has over 30 years of corporate consulting experience, and has worked with corporations and businesses of all sizes throughout New England. Corporate art selections have ranged from original art & commissions to quality art reproductions & historic photographs.

Please call Amanda Lacasse at 603-225-2515 for more information, or contact her at amanda@mcgowanfineart.com.