Normally an artist can stage an art exhibition once a year - make sure the location you select is right for you and your art. Email Article Print Article Bookmark RSS Related Content:   Artist Finances   Websites for Artists   Quit Job for Art   Create Your Blog

Once you've selected the places you'd like to exhibit your art, make sure you are prepared for the competitive market of securing an exhibition invitation. Art Rep and Lecturer Margaret Danielak provides insight on how to investigate and secure an exhibition space.

Investigating a Potential Exhibition Space

An important question to ask yourself: "Am I comfortable with the idea of exhibiting my artwork at this location?"

When you have decided upon a specific locale you like, you will need to do the following:

Introduce yourself
Notice if there is art on display. If so, introduce yourself to the owner of the establishment and inquire about her procedure for displaying artwork at that location. Make an appointment to show the owners or manager your portfolio. Leave a business card.

Reasons to want your work
Give the owner good reasons he should show your work at his place of business, somewhat like a movie "pitch." For example, my pitch to a local wine shop included telling the owners:

• I didn't mind if the shop didn't close for the event.
• I would coordinate the entire affair. All they needed to do was to provide the walls and pour the wine.
• I would promote the event by approaching the press.
• I would generate flyers for the event, thereby increasing the wine shop's name recognition in the community.

Consider both parties' needs
You may have to host your reception on a Sunday afternoon or Thursday night - a slow time for customers. You will need to work with the venue owner's schedule.
The wine shop owners were thrilled to hear that they would be generating additional business on a Sunday when they were normally very slow.

Put the terms in writing
Contracts are good to use, but keep in mind that they can be ignored and are virtually ineffective if you do not have the money to hire an attorney to enforce them.

• Leave a written inventory of your work with the owner.
• Take photographs of the display for your records.

Related Articles:

• Learn to Sell Your Art
• Psychological Tools for Fine Artists

Excerpted from Chapter 2 page 33 of A Gallery without Walls @ 2005 by Margaret Danielak. Ms Danielak has been repping artists for five years. She produces innovative art-related events in alternative venues throughout California. She lives in Pasadena, California. A Gallery without Walls is available at www.artmarketing.com or by calling the publisher at 800.383.0677. It is $19.95 + $4 shipping (California residents add $1.47 tax)