Are these all local artists?

Well, no one commented on "How to Buy Art", so here is a new idea to discuss: "What is meant by the question asked as people walk into the gallery, "Are these all local artists?"

It is by far the most frequently asked question in this gallery. And the answer is obvious to me, but what we don't get is why the question is asked. The artists in the Vault gallery live all over the state and in a couple other states as well (Montana and New Mexico for example.) Many, but not a majority live in Tuolumne County. When I spend time answering the question accurately I see the eyes of the person who asked the question begin to glaze over. Yet, saying simply either "yes" or "no" doesn't seem truthful enough.

The artists and I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what is meant by the question and how to best answer it. So if you have any insight please let us know.