At a gallery reception, the art gets first billing.
Hosting a private evening in a Main Street gallery or shop in Marshall? A small magic table gives guests who have finished looking around a reason to stay and talk. Two strangers watch a three-card con, disagree about where the winning card went, and suddenly they have something to discuss besides the weather on the French Broad.
I bring the cards, dice, and other implements of honest dishonesty. The work on display stays on display. Pick a spot where two people can stop and watch without blocking the entrance or backing into a piece whose price tag neither of us wants to read.
Make room for the person you’re celebrating.
For an artist reception, I’d work in short rounds during arrivals and close the table before the introduction. If guests are staying for a private supper afterward, we can save a piece of close-up magic for the table once the artist has had their say. You won’t need to choose between hearing the remarks and finding out what happened to the ace.
Send me the address, the time of the toast or talk, and the entrance the host wants me to use. If it’s a borrowed space, get the owner’s okay before we make a date.