Social graces, good manners, and etiquette are important social skills that establish expectations for polite behavior. They include rules for interacting respectfully in various social and cultural situations, such as dining etiquette, communication etiquette, and etiquette at social events like art exhibitions. Mastering basic etiquette makes interactions more comfortable for all parties, protects people's feelings, enhances clear communication, and makes positive first impressions. Following etiquette guidelines is especially important for artists to succeed professionally and build relationships.

1. Social Graces
and Etiquette
for the Artist
Definition
Importance
Example

2. Social Graces and Etiquette
Social graces are skills used to interact politely in social
situations. They include good manners and etiquette, which are
specifically accepted rules within a culture for the application of
universal manners.
Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for
social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms
within a society, social class, or group.
Good Manners is the treatment of other people with courtesy
and politeness, and showing correct public behavior.

3. Basic Social Etiquettes
There are certain accepted behaviors in all social situations that you need to
learn. With few exceptions, putting them into practice can make a big difference
in your social life.
– Easy to have good manners – These basic rules of proper etiquette are mostly
common sense with a healthy dose of the Golden Rule thrown in for good
measure.
– Be on time – No one likes to wait for others who are chronically late.
– Personal space – When you see someone squirming as you step closer back off
a bit. Every culture has different comfort levels of personal space, so before you
travel, find out how close you can get to people without being rude.
– Men’s manners – This one is simple: All you have to do is be a gentleman.
Rudeness is never manly.
– Women’s manners – You can be a lady and still show strength.

4. Basic Social Etiquettes
– Teens’ manners – Show everyone how grown up you are by demonstrating good
manners.
– Children’s manners – Be the kid everyone wants to play with. Even grownups
will want to be around you if you're polite.
– Host and Hostess Gift - Never show up empty-handed when you're a guest in
someone's home.
– Dealing with a Flaky Friend - It's difficult to deal with someone who is always
late or forgets to show up.

5. Etiquette in Basic Communication
Regardless of who you are, you’ll have the need to communicate throughout life.
Being a good communicator can do a variety of things for you, including sharing
important information, winning people to your side, and raising your children.
– Conversation – Learn how to hold a decent conversation, with back-and-forth dialogue. Never
monopolize a discussion, or you may find yourself stuck in a corner trying to figure out why
others are walking a wide berth around you.
– Gossip – Never gossip. Not only is it bad form, if word ever got back to the person you were
talking about, you can pretty much be assured you’ll be the subject of the next gossip session.
– People’s names – Everyone has one, and most people appreciate your effort to learn their
names if you spend more than a minute or two talking with them. This applies to social and
business contacts.
– Cell phones – In a nutshell, use your cell phone sparingly in public. No one else wants to listen
in on a private conversation or wait while you text someone the latest Internet joke. And
whatever you do, ignore your phone while you're checking out at the cash register. Texting or
chatting on the phone is rude to the cashier and the people behind you.

6. Basic Communication
– Email – Think before you hit “send.” Most electronic mail can never be taken
back.
– Social media – Facebook, Twitter, and other social media are part of most
people’s lives. Remember that not only can your friends see what you post,
others can repost, copy, share, or retweet anything you put out there.
– Rude questions – We have all gotten them. There are ways to deal with them
and not come across as snarky. If you're not sure how to answer a rude
question, don't say anything. Just smile and change the subject.
– How to Graciously Change the Subject - There are times certain things shouldn't
be discussed, and it's up to you to shift the conversation.

7. Basic Etiquette in Dining:
If you share a meal with anyone, learn proper table manners. No one wants to sit
across the table from a slob who talks with his mouth open or snorts milk
through his nose.
– Basic table manners – Follow the basics that apply to almost every dining
situation. If having your elbows on the table makes it rock, take them off the
table. Put your napkin in your lap, use the flatware starting with the one
farthest from the plate, and don't talk with your mouth full.
– Restaurant manners – Learn all about how to conduct yourself when dining out.
Arrive before your scheduled reservation, be polite to your server, keep your
voice at a conversational level, and be a generous tipper.
– Formal dinner party – Know how to act at a formal dinner party, including which
utensils to use for each course. If you're ever in doubt about which fork goes
with each course, look to the host or hostess and follow them.

8. Application on Art Exhibition:
The Open Bar
1. Don't complain about lack of choices.
Okay, so they don't have your brand of top-shelf vodka. It'll be fine — you can drink
non-premium alcohol for one night. Or, gasp, there's no vodka at all and your
options are limited to just beer and wine? WE WON’T HAVE ALCOHOLIC DRINK
DURING THE ART EXHIBITION
2. Don't get too crazy with all the free drinks.
No one wants to be that guest. Art Exhibitions are fun and all — as are open bars!
— but act like you've been there! This probably isn't your first time drinking and
you know your limits. Don't go too crazy just because it's free!

9. Application on Art Exhibition:
The Open Bar
3. Get in line.
You see all of those people standing at the bar? Yeah they're waiting. Just like you
should be. Get in line, yo. No one likes the guy (or girl) who skips everyone and
elbows up to the bar. Really, how long could the line take? Five minutes? Just wait.
This way, the rest of the guests will still like you at the end of the night.
4. Be polite.
The bartender is spending her Friday or Saturday night on her feet serving you,
your friends, and family … most likely without having eaten. Yes, they're getting
paid. But you should still say please and thank you. Manners are always
appreciated!

10. Application on Art Exhibition:
The Open Bar
5. Tip your bartender or Compliment!
Not all couples allow bartenders to set out a tip jar (instead, they handle the
tipping on their end), but if you see one, put some money in it! You're drinking for
free, so slipping them a 10 or 20 won't break the bank. Plus, it should guarantee a
generous pour and extra-good service for the rest of the night.

11. Importance of Social Graces,
Good Manners and Etiquette
Etiquette provides personal security. Knowing how to behave appropriately in a given situation
makes you more comfortable.
It protects the feelings of others. Proper etiquette requires that you make others comfortable and
protect their feelings. You do not point out their errors or draw attention to their mistakes.
It makes communication clearer. Etiquette enhances communication by breaking down barriers,
not erecting them.
It will enhance your status at work. In any working situation, you are perceived as more capable,
more professional, and more intelligent if you are familiar with the proper code of conduct for the
workplace.
It makes good first impressions. The first five to seven seconds after you meet someone are
crucial. Your first impression lingers in the other person's mind long after you are gone. If you use
proper etiquette, that first impression will be a positive one.

12. Sources
http://www.artfulthinkers.com/9-social-graces-and-business-etiquette-tips-for-
building-relationships
https://www.thespruce.com/social-etiquette-tips-1216646
https://www.thekitchn.com/the-etiquette-of-the-open-bar-243835