ARS POETICA

I (and we) believe in poetry as a way of life. Given my interest in visual art as well as poetry, I am creating a new performance project based on the Art Gallery as a Poem.

The challenge intrigues, given the flaws of the professional "art world" -- which I've sometimes often found similar to such in the "poetry world." As regards poetry, I founded Meritage Press. As regards art, I plan to create Poem Fine Arts (PFA).

Here are the notes from my first meeting with "H," whose support is integral to PFA:

1/8/05, Lunch at Galatea, St. Helena:
Hope to open an art gallery in 3 years in San Francisco.

After various discussions, agreed that the gallery will be named "PFA" which stands for Poem Fine Arts. I didn't want to name the gallery after myself (though many peeps in the art world believe in that practice) for several reasons, including that I wanted the gallery to be an extension of the Galatea concept. I mentioned the gallery name of "The Project" and H suggested "The Space" (which I thought boring). To extend Galatea, I suggested just naming it "Poem" but then that term also would engender preconceptions (if not baggage) in the art world. But the gallery would be about creating a gallery as a Poem -- so I suggested Poem Fine Arts....which we then agreed would become PFA.

To be in 49G or same such location.

H (&M) will guarantee all the operating costs. Consequently, the gallery won't be forced into making decisions based solely on making money even as we shall attempt to maximize money since artists must be fed. Which is to say, decisions as regards which artists to represent and which exhibits to present will be made poetically. N.B. There is only one true definition of a poem: a poem is a poem.

At least two rooms in gallery (hopefully more). One room to be for new exhibits. Another room to be a "project room" of sorts that more overtly features links between poetry and visual art. Examples could be poet-artist collaborations, exhibits curated by poets, exhibits themed around poetry, etc.

Find core stable of artists to represent (at least three) by the time the gallery opens. Need to have first three to six exhibits determined before gallery opens.

Focus on emerging artists from around the world, though with particular attention to Bay Area-based artists. Curate exhibits that present together emerging and established artists. N.B. Detest the terms "emerging" and "established" as applied to "artists."

Before gallery opens, find staffer. Hire that staffer ahead of gallery opening. Staffer must be able to set up and operate web site. At this stage, should the person be "staffer" or "Gallery Director"?