Functional considerations:
- Has traffic flow been planned for in
the gallery space?
-
Yes, the layout of the gallery facilitates a
relatively high traffic flow.
- How has the space been designed to
serve multiple purposes (frame shop; openings; boutique, etc.)? Do you see
any potential problems with traffic flow or the exhibition of artworks? If
so, what are they?
-
It is pretty well organized in this respect. All
works are displayed in a touch-friendly way, and are accessible to anyone
potentially wanting to buy. The space is designed to display, sell, and frame
work, and is organized in that order. I don’t necessarily foresee any traffic
flow issues because of this.
Formal considerations:
- Describe the typographic aesthetics:
evaluate its effectiveness. How do the choices of fonts, etc. on the signs
and signage complement or detract from the artwork?
-
Overall I think that the typographic aesthetics
of the Toucan Gallery are effective. They are easy to read, not convoluted, and
well designed. Some of the signage inside the space goes a little bit beyond a
simple typographic aesthetic, but I didn’t personally think that it detracted
from the artwork.
- Is there visual unity of
elements/components within the displays in the gallery space and within
the window displays? Explain why or why not?
Is there a clear information hierarchy throughout? If so, how is this achieved?
-
Yes, there was a clear information hierarchy.
This was achieved simply by the way they’ve organized the work and frame shop
area. The Toucan actually had a very strong visual unity of elements and
components within the displays. I think this was due to the fact that this
gallery had a specific type of content they want in the artwork that they show.
This would ultimately have a sense of cohesiveness consequentially.
- Does the gallery seem to have a visual
style? If so, describe it. Is it appropriate to the type of gallery this
is? Why or why not?
-
The visual style of this gallery seems to be
contemporary “Montana Art.” There are lots of pieces with nature and local
wildlife mixed with aesthetic aspects of contemporary painting. Additionally,
the element of technical skill is prevalent through much of the ceramics and
crafts pieces displayed. I think it’s pretty appropriate given that it is
located in the downtown area of the biggest city in Montana.
Conceptual considerations:
- Describe the overall message of the
gallery (as you understand it) in one sentence. You may wish to refer to
the gallery website.
-
The overall message, I think, is that they want
art to be ultimately accessible (both monetary-wise and culturally) and enjoyed
to its fullest potential.
- Does the organization of the work in
the gallery have a linear sequence (a beginning and ending point), or is
it a fluid sequence (the visitor can start at any point in the exhibit and
move to any other point?)?
-
It’s a relatively fluid experience. The artwork
is organized, but the variety in each display allows and encourages the visitor
to look at everything.
- Is the type of sequence effective? If
not, how would you improve it?
-
Considering that they are inherently an art
selling business, I would have to say yes.
Visitor observations:
- What do you believe would be the most
and least popular aspects of this gallery space for visitors under the age
of 25?
-
Most: The accessibility and playfulness
of the merchandise and store. Least: Formal gallery aspects and frame
shop
- What are the most and least popular
aspects of this gallery for visitors over the age of 25?
-
Most: Diversity of the artwork and frame
shop. Least: Merchandise that is geared towards a much younger age
group.
- Can visitors share their experiences of
the art with others, or are they designed to be individual artistic
experiences? Explain.
-
I would say both. The gallery is set up as a
store and to be a social experience because it has an atmosphere of gathering.
However, the presentation of the merchandise (artwork) allows an individual to
have their own artistic experiences as well.
- If you could change one thing in this
gallery space, what would it be? Why?
-
I’m not sure that I would find it necessary to
change anything in the gallery space. All of the aspects of this gallery
(organization, message, etc.) work together and create a successful art gallery
environment.
