Building Special Memories in the Washi Sisters Exhibit
Sara Nazemoroaya (she/her)
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| Washi Sisters at Propeller Gallery. Photo by Kenya Mathlin. |
I note all
the efforts made by Propeller Gallery in running a successful independent
gallery. I want to speak to some of the things they are doing that contribute
to this success and that were so evident at the recent Washi Sisters exhibition.
To be
successful, galleries must create meaningful experiences for their viewers (Hein & Alexander, 1998). In
referencing Richards (2009), I refer to these as “special memories”.
How do we each commit these “special memories” to heart and
hold them close? I wonder, if I was asked, how I would remember my sister’s
wedding ceremony? Would she remember it in the same way that I remember it? I might
recollect the dinner I had at the ceremony, but my sister might recall the colour
of the flowers at the altar and the beribboned decorations along the aisles. My
sister loves interior design and decoration holds her attention. My mother would most likely remember the
wedding gown in all its complexity because she likes to sew. Sewing is how my
mom expresses her creativity.
Human beings are inherently social and visiting a gallery
can be a social activity – especially at openings or when there is a
performance. The Washi Sisters recently on exhibit at Propeller Art Gallery did
both! How, I wonder, though can
one increase the sociability of the gallery, continue to make visitors feel
welcome, and create “special” gallery memories?
Here are
some activities I observed that Propeller Art Gallery does quite well. It
explains why they have such a close community.
The artists/performers introduce themselves, mingle, and initiate conversations. I believe such interactions have many results – bonds are formed, friends are made, and ideas are exchanged. Joyful chats and celebratory sharing – as one often finds at weddings – are wonderful ways to create a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone likes to laugh (Shatz, 2019). By expressing and sharing humor, fun, and joy, the artists invite opportunities for intimacy and closeness. Visitors become more open and more receptive.
The gallery
wants visitors to remember their visit – and to remember this visit as special.
Each time the visitors return, they become more deeply invested in the gallery
and the experiences it provides. The relationships become stronger and the
gallery more valued.
Online website
engagement such as process videos, images, interviews, and activities such as
putting questions on a whiteboard create enjoyable follow-up moments for
visitors which can extend their gallery experiences. Social media, for example, can also invite the
visitor into the event and into a more intimate relationship with the artists.
Museums and galleries need visitors to post favourably about their experiences
on online platforms. Such activity increases gallery interest and the number of
visitors. Conversations happen!
To conclude, I would like to go back to the example of the wedding ceremony. People may recall many specifics at a wedding - the wedding gown, the flowers, the smells, the food, the music, or the food. These individual moments act as hooks that are attached to a memory. As Richards (2009) notes, “Each recall seems to trigger additional aspects of the event.” The more pleasing moments people have, the more details they remember. These stay with them.
Each memory creates the overall experience of the gallery visit. The more “special memories”, the longer the event will be remembered.
Works Cited
Hein,
G. & Alexander, M.. Museums: Places of
Learning. Washington:
American Association of
Museums, 1998.
Richards, Regina. “Making It Stick: Memorable Strategies to Enhance
Learning.” Reading Rockets, 31 Mar. 2009. www.readingrockets.org/article/making-it-stick-memorable-strategies-enhance-learning.
Shatz, Itamar. “The Humor Effect: How Laughing Helps You Remember – Effectiviology.” Effectiviology.com, 2019, effectiviology.com/humor-effect/.
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