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Published in "Legacy Online" April, 2003 Gallery Ettiquette When we first opened, people would actually come to the front door, stick their head in and ask if it was OK to come in and look around.  (Um, yeah.)  Still today we have people who just aren't sure about how to 'behave' in our gallery.  We want you to enjoy yourself, to just be comfortable and relaxed.  So, for anyone who's still a little unsure, here's some "do's and don'ts": Do come in.  It's OK.  We like it when people come in.  Really. Don't stand there with your hands pressed against the front door, peering in.  It makes us feel like we're in a fish tank. Do enjoy the artwork.  Buy it if you can.  We're a gallery, not a museum, and only stay open through the sale of art. Don't touch the art.  There are some exceptions, which are usually obvious.  Ask if you're not certain. Do ask about the artists.  We know these people, like to promote them and their work.  We'll be happy to tell you a little bit about them.  But there is a limit; we're not a dating service. Don't loudly proclaim that you could do as well as some particular artist.  Maybe so, but it isn't your work on display.  Respecting the talents of others costs nothing, and is a quick way to earn respect yourself.  The obverse is also true. Do feel free to bring in your drink.  Just don't spill it on anything that you don't want to take home.  It sucks to have to buy a piece of stained art. Don't tell me that your 'kids could make that'.  No, they can't.  People have been saying this sort of thing about 'Modern Art' for about a hundred years, and they've been wrong.  If you don't like a particular artist or style of work, feel free to move along to some of the other great artists we show.  That's why we have such a large selection of styles and media. Do feel free to enjoy the food and drink during our receptions, readings, and so forth. Don't feel free to enjoy my lunch if it's sitting out because I went to help a customer. Do, please please please, keep your kids from touching the art, kissing the art, tackling the art, licking the art, kicking the art, hugging the art, et cetera.  No, it's not cute.  Trust me on this. Don't be afraid to ask if we have other works by a particular artist.  Chance are, we do, and we'll be happy to bring it out for you. Do feel free to chat with your friends in a normal voice.  We're not a church. Don't hesitate to buy a piece if you find something you love.  It's heartbreaking to tell people that the piece they’ve been thinking about for the last two weeks was purchased by someone yesterday. Do let us know if you have any questions.  No, it doesn't mean that you have to buy anything.  Even people who are 'just looking' can have questions.  It’s OK. Don't be afraid to heap praise on us for what we do.  As Twain said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." Well, there's a few things that hopefully make it easier for you to feel comfortable in our gallery.  Come in often.  Enjoy yourself.  Just leave my lunch alone, OK?