Somewhere,
near you, is an exhibition hall.
Not
necessarily a fancy exhibition hall, or a committed to massive
quantity and impressive quality exhibition hall. Instead, a place
where exhibits and showcases and more can be held. Think a library,
town hall, or just some recognized facility such as a museum or
a church.
These
are places where local artists can display their works, and people
can gather to experience such a display. And… often… places so
familiar, and perhaps even hidden in the community’s background,
that its presence is almost taken for granted. You get in the
car, drive by, and may not even notice announcements on the boards
out front.
The
place is just there. Almost always has been. You know what it
offers. You check it out when needed.
We
take them for granted.
My
professional endeavors led me along a new route recently. Had
to spend time at a different location. Drove along roads I do
not usually frequent. One morning, while waiting at a red light,
a display off to the side briefly caught my eye. The light changed
and traffic began to move, with my thoughts only capturing the
notice of an exclusive engagement.
But
that first sighting was not the last. A few days later I was driving
the same route, stopped at the same light, and with a bit more
time to look around my gaze eventually reached the display again.
It
was a limited engagement from a local artist.
Nice.
A
switch to green and moving traffic prevented me from learning
any more.
The
next day, as I was approaching the intersection, I remembered
the signage. Despite a green light meaning traffic was moving
without a pause, I was able to spot that the exhibit was available
by appointment only.
And
that was the first moment when things seemed a bit strange.
But
not that strange.
Have
you ever looked for a rare or unique musical instrument? For one
example, consider a guitar that’s expensive or not readily available
in the country where you live.
Over
the years—to continue with such an example—I’ve been trying to
find a place where I might be able to see, look over, and perhaps
play a Rickenbacker electric guitar or a Maton acoustic guitar.
Neither is commonly available to see, however. And because of
the… if you well… combination of scarcity and cost, even places
that are able to offer these instruments to the public don’t like
to make them available to the public. At least they don’t like
making them available to the general, unsupervised, not really
a serious buyer public. And so, many times they have viewings
by appointment only.
Along
a different path, but similar idea, some artists would like to
be there when others view their work. To answer questions… collect
feedback and opinions… and perhaps consider a purchase offer.
Viewings by appointment only.
And
so… a local exhibit, at a small facility, with a schedule organized
around appointments.
Curious.
That’s a good word for it. (But not that strange. Until…)
After
a few days off and some tending to other concerns, it was roughly
five days later that I found myself approaching the host establishment
of the by appointment art exhibit. It was not at the forefront
of my thoughts. Ah… but the light was red.
As
the bottom line of text for the display—and given my experiences
with this display, what we might consider the fine print of the
exhibit—was an interesting little tidbit.
Adults
only.
An
exhibit, available by appointment only, at a smaller place off
to the side of what would be considered the main road for a very
quiet town. Adults only.
The
announcement has since been changed. A local photographer’s work
featuring waterfalls in regional state parks is now in the space.
At least, I think in the space. I never made an appointment for
the adults only review, and I haven’t seen the waterfall exhibit.
However, perhaps strangely works here, I find comfort in the fact
that both exhibits found a home. (Albeit temporary.)
There
tends to be an approach toward potentially controversial materials.
A NIMBY approach. (Not In My Back Yard) It’s an approach that
often results in extra attention being given a subject simply
because someone wants to make a point that has absolutely nothing
to do with the specific item involved. An approach that defies
change the channel or look a different way. An approach that claims
freedoms and censorship and more.
In
this particular moment, it took me four passes to get to the fine
print of the matter. No one was demonstrating outside in opposition.
No one was on a pedestal claiming brilliance. It was a simple
invitation. Come along if you wish and make a reservation, though
not suitable for the younger audience.
The
fact of an exhibit by appointment. A passing exhibit I could have
easily never known existed.