UPDATE REVIEW IN RESPONSE TO ARTBLEND ACCUSATIONS:
I am a person of great integrity and compassion. No matter how you try to draw me out as a liar, you will NEVER succeed at that. All those who know me know that my integrity is paramount. I am a community leader and lineage healer of a thousand generations, backed by my ancestors who have travelled the seas and fought against colonizers who oppressed and tried to silence them. I will NOT ALLOW you to do that to me today.
So, to be called a liar by saying that I was being untruthful to save the face of your business is seriously uncalled for. Other businesses would have apologized and tried to appease customers such as myself in some way. I may take advantage of it or not. But at least, I received an apology. I received NONE. As an avid Yelper, I have every right to express my own PERSONAL experience with your gallery. I may not be a success story, but at least, I can tell others what happened to me.
I also want to encourage artists to believe in themselves enough that they do not need other galleries to see to their own success.
Very few fine artists in the world enjoy wealth and notoriety. Yet, many are so talented and go unrecognized. We see the world through our own unique lenses. I honestly believe that these events that exhibit artwork PREY on artists. They PREY on galleries...and galleries such as Artblend pass on the costs to the artists. It is true, it would cost more if we did it on our own to be at these so-called Hampton/New York/Spectrum Shows. ARTISTS, LOOK PAST all the pomp and circumstance of wealthy art seekers. You are out $5000, competing in a sea of other artists vying for space on the walls of some mansion. If you are so blessed to have a cushion of funds to invest, BY ALL MEANS, take the business risk.
Truth: You ARE a pay-to-play gallery
Truth: You do have a beautiful gallery and can make sales for artists who are lucky enough to sell their art.
Truth: I did pay $5000
Truth: I was foolish and stupid to think that this was the course of action I needed to take to get my art "out there."
Truth: I am NOT your success story
Truth: You did offer resolution. But if Michael's idea of resolution is to PAY MORE by offering me a discounted rate to exhibit my artwork in San Diego, that it NOT my idea of a resolution. By the way, he was a nice person in the beginning. I don't believe he is a customer service driven person. I actually liked your first lady dealing with me. After all email exchanges, he took over and definitely lacks the finesse of dealing with unhappy clients.
Truth: The Gallery was NEGLIGENT in the care of my art. PICTURES ARE EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE.
Perhaps you can find a nugget of wisdom in this whole experience, as I have done myself.
I learned so much about myself and for what it's worth, I am grateful. Artblend was a great teacher in what it means to believe in oneself. The experience taught me to keep it close to home and expand out that way when I am truly ready.
Blessings and salamat. read more