The main thing I will be focusing on in the first portion of my time at Access will be their Annual Auction Fundraiser. This is one of the gallery’s biggest events and their most important fundraiser of the year. It’s Access’ 25th anniversary this year and the auction will feature donated works by nearly 70 established and emerging artists, all of which will be displayed at the gallery between Nov 14-19th, with the main Auction event taking place on the evening of the 19th. I will have varying roles of assistance in the extensive preparation required to organize this event, as well as being present and providing support the night of the main event. I will primarily working alongside Access’ Kimberly Phillips as well as her assistant Jennifer Dickieson, maintaining communication via e-mail but also through working in tandem at the gallery office.
Some of the tasks discussed include:
-Helping in the development of the auction website (I’ve already begun inputting artist’s works/bios to advertise who will be participating in the auction)
http://accessauction.tumblr.com/
-Photographing artist works as they arrive at the gallery in the coming weeks.
-Helping in properly storing and labelling all artist work’s in Access storage space.
-Assisting Kimberly in writing/sending personal invites for the auction
-Exhibition installation. This will mean organizing and consolidating all works based on Kimberly’s curation layout, as well as helping with basic installation needs such as painting
-The night of the event I will likely be assisting with the bar and providing assistance with auction inquiries
These are details discussed in my first week with Access but other needs will likely come up organically as the project develops!
My current schedule to see out the project will involve working in the gallery office once a week for approx 3-5 hours. Closer to the event I can expect increased involvement and participation at the gallery. Some technical work (ie: website upkeep) can be done on my own time outside the office if I see fit.