Interacting with Guests

INDIGENOUS ARTIST

While you are working with the public, much of your time will be spent interacting with locals and tourists. Many will be excited to see your work and learn more about you and your art.

Tips for interacting with the public:

„ Bring completed pieces to talk about and use as examples of your work. „ Many will ask you about your creative process, and you may find yourself answering the same questions several times a day. „ If you produce work for the commercial market, some guests may ask, “Am I allowed to wear this?” Simply explain that your work is for the commercial market and is meant for others to wear. „ Guests like to be hands-on, especially children, so you may want to bring one or two pieces that they are allowed to touch. „ Guests enjoy hearing stories: ƒ Have some stories prepared, either about yourself or what you are working on. When applicable, try to include your history and cultural connections.

Tips from artists:

“Telling stories about your artwork helps people gain an emotional attachment to it. Storytelling also brings up further conversations and helps you make connections with the guests.” —Sarah Jim “When I worked at the Royal BC Museum’s Indigenous Summer Arts Studio, I held a drum-making workshop. This helped me share directly with the public and tourists information on traditions and philosophies, which was an important part of the program. It was really good to see the genuine interest from the public when learning directly from the artists.”

—Virgil Sampson

INDIGENOUS ARTIST

INTERACTING WITH GUESTS

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Tips from artists:

“I always enjoy sharing stories of who mentored me and how the teachings got passed down from generation to generation. It helps the public know how far back these teachings go.”

—Virgil Sampson

“Many times, artists tend to just concentrate on their work; make sure you also engage in conversations with guests.” —Doug LaFortune “I wish I could have learned to speak more freely and to not be so nervous about what I was speaking on earlier in my career. You just have to be yourself and people will be interested in that.” —Doug LaFortune “When you are out in the public, a lot of people will be your advertising with their word of mouth. How you make them feel and if you gave them information about yourself and culture and meaning of designs. Many people come back to me because I am informative.” —Virgil Sampson

“Learn everything about your lineage and history. A lot of what I create is directly related to me. Powerful work is work you are connected to.”

—Kevin Cranmer “Guests could look through a museum and see archaic examples, but they won’t see the person who made it. You are able to show them it is alive and breathing art.” —Kevin Cranmer

INDIGENOUS ARTIST

INTERACTING WITH GUESTS

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Virgil Sampson (Tsarlip and Nez Perce) held a drum-making workshop and interacted with the youth who watched.

Doug LaFortune (Tsawout) sharing the uses for his carving tools.