Blog Post #8

Toucan Gallery Visit

Functional considerations:

• Has traffic flow been planned for in the gallery space?
• Traffic flow has been planned for this space. I have been here during artwalks and although it can become crowded rather quickly, traffic seems to run smoothly throughout the facility. 
• 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?
• The owners of Toucan have designed a shelving system to display artwork, which I think is genius. Rather than having to hang up artwork every time an artist sends in new artwork, they place it on shelves at the front of the gallery so it is the first thing you notice when you walk in. Aside from the many ceramic art they have on display too. The space serves three main purposes: Art display, boutique, and framing. 

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?
• Due to the diversity of products the Toucan sells, there is no typographic aesthetics that detracts from the artwork. There is much to take in and observe. They mainly have one sign with the business name located in the very front display.
• 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?
• I noticed there is not much signage that reminds you that the establishment is called the Toucan Gallery. They do have small business cards and stickers by the registers next to the framing part of the gallery.
• 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?
• It is evident that the Toucan features specific artists that are very colorful and full of life. While they are not a typical Montana Western art gallery, they do feature some western designs such as horses, mountains, copper fish, etc. They are very diverse in their selection which includes a variety of wearable art like scarves, jewelry, and hats. 

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.
• Toucan Gallery offers a variety of attainable artwork made from local artists of Montana.
• 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?)?
• The gallery has a fluid sequence, in which a patron can enter the space and move about as they please. 
• Is the type of sequence effective? If not, how would you improve it?
• Sometimes it seems as though there is so much to look at and is exciting when you turn around and see another display you may have missed and can go back and explore through the gallery some more. 

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?
• The most interesting aspects of this gallery space for a visitor under 25 would most likely be the smaller ceramics, hand made cards, scarves, or hats. The jewelry would be too but might be moderately expensive. Least popular aspects would be buying artwork. Since most 25 year olds may or may not be extremely wealthy to afford a $500 painting or work of art. 
• What are the most and least popular aspects of this gallery for visitors over the age of 25?
• I imaging everything about the establishment would be popular for someone over 25. There's not even a least popular aspect I would imagine either. 
• Can visitors share their experiences of the art with others, or are they designed to be individual artistic experiences? Explain.
• Yes, and yes. Everything about the Toucan is an artistic endeavor! 
• If you could change one thing in this gallery space, what would it be? Why?
• I would change the layout of the entire space. I understand it is an old building that is also historic. But the layout obstructs their capability to house more art. If they had a separate room for framing with a workshop for it next to it as well, I think they would be able to house more art and boutique product.