A Quiet Gallery Experience with Simonne Roy (#75)

What is something special you can do for your subscribers and
collectors when your shows and large events are canceled because of
a pandemic? Give them a private viewing experience, of course.

This week, my guest is Simonne Roy, a contemporary American
impressionist painter grounded in the plein air painting
tradition. For years, Simonne has been inviting VIPs into her
home, which she had transformed into a gallery, for a one-night
party. The money and effort she invested in the event resulted in
good sales and relationships. Each year's success built on that
of previous years.


When Covid struck, her hopes for a successful home gallery show
in 2020 were dashed, until, like many scrappy entrepreneurs,
Simonne found a different way to make it happen. She decided to
hold the VIP appreciation without the party.


In this episode, you'll hear how Simonne gave people a private
experience that few people get to have with art, which she calls
the Quiet Gallery Experience. If she measured its success by the
amount of sales only, she could have counted it a success. But
sales were almost secondary because Simonne measures her success
by the goodwill she created with her subscribers and collectors.


Listen closely to hear what she did to set the stage and make it
special, what she would do differently next time, and how she
netted the same amount of money from the participation of fewer
people.


Highlights


 




Simonne Roy shares the journey that led to her art business
and her current income sources. (2:28)




Transforming a house into an intimate, personalized home
gallery. (7:10)




The inspiration that saved Simonne’s gallery experience
during Covid. (13:42)




How can greater vulnerability result in more meaningful
connections? (20:05)




Scheduling a full day of showings and Simonne’s goal for each
visitor. (21:51)




Preparing any space for a full gallery experience. (25:22)




Results from the gallery included sales, a teaching offer and
increased connections. (29:29)




Reducing overhead for an event can still result in positive
net sales. (34:10)




Marketing an event and creating a thoughtful gift for your
customers. (36:14)




Simonne shares the lessons she learned for next time. (38:11)




A peek at what is holding Simonne’s attention in the studio
now. (38:34)




 


Mentioned




Simonne Roy




Simonne Roy on Instagram




Marcher jusqu'au soir by Lydie Salvayre




 


Resources




Photos and full show notes




Art Career Success System




Art Biz Success Community




Intro and outro music by Wildermiss




 


About My Guest


Simonne Roy describes herself as a contemporary American
impressionist painter grounded in the plein air landscape
painting tradition. She is also a Francophile, and has lived in
France for extended periods over the years—adding quintessential
French subjects such as pastries, breads, and cheeses to her
nature-inspired paintings.


A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, Roy lives in Lewisburg,
where she maintains her studio and home gallery.