Preparing For Your First Art Show or Exhibit

Congratulations on being asked to display your artwork in a show or exhibition. What a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and receive accolades for your artistic efforts!

It can be daunting for first-time exhibitors to decide which pieces to exhibit, how to transport their art to the venue and how to take care of so many other details. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, but with proper planning and consideration, you can make your first show a happy and rewarding experience.

This post contains tips from our team at The Stackhouse Printery to help you prepare for your first art show so that you feel more confident. 

As a budding artist, your first show is a significant milestone, and we want it to be joy-filled!

Understand the Audience That Will Attend Your Art Show

It's essential to consider the audience that is likely to attend your art show or exhibit before deciding which pieces to display or whether to create additional ones.

Even if the event is open to the public, it may attract a specific demographic of people and it is a good idea to try to cater to their preferences when you choose which of your pieces to display.

A good place to start might be to ask the event organizers for information about the potential audience so you can better tailor your approach. Doing so will likely lead to increased recognition and sales.

Choose Your Best Art for Your Art Show

As an artist, you likely have a piece of art that holds personal significance to you, but it may not resonate with others. Ideally, your personal favorites are also your best works, but that's only sometimes the case.

When preparing for an art exhibit or show, being self-critical is essential. Remove anything unnecessary and eliminate your weakest pieces. It's crucial to detach from your emotions and evaluate which pieces are technically impressive and have broader appeal.

Be honest with yourself and focus on showcasing your most significant works of art. Doing so will increase your chances of making sales and receiving professional recognition.

Choose an Overarching Theme for Your Art Show

Deciding on a theme for your exhibition and then choosing pieces that align with it will make your show more compelling to viewers. A strong theme will also help you  choose which pieces to showcase as well as enabling show attendees to identify and remember your work.

Plan Out Your Assigned Gallery Space in Advance

Visiting the gallery in advance of your art show is an essential. Doing so will help you understand both the size and appearance of the space so you can plan how to set up your artwork in ways that catch people's attention and create the atmosphere you most desire. 

Understanding the gallery space will also enable you to place your most captivating pieces in the best location to encourage people to stop and view your art and eventually make a purchase.

Focus on the Small Details

When displaying your artwork in a show or exhibit, paying attention to minor details is crucial to making a lasting impression.

Framing is one of the first things you need to think about because simply showcasing your raw artwork won't be enough. It's surprising how many artists show up with improperly framed artwork. 

Framing your artwork is just as important as the artwork itself and preparing your art for exhibitions may require a different approach to framing than you're used to.Most art curators will not frame your artwork for you, so you should be prepared to do it yourself or hire a professional to help you. 

Consider investing in high-quality frames to enhance the overall appearance of your work. It's best practice to use sturdy frames, appropriately sized picture mount inserts, and secure hanging wires.

Ask the gallery or curators how they would like the work presented if they have not given specific instructions.

Sign and Label Your Artwork Before Submitting It

Remember to sign your artwork, as it is an essential part of the presentation.

On the backside of every piece you submit to a show write the work's title, the year it was created, the size and the medium or materials used. If it's for sale also include a price and your contact information - especially an email address. Use a Post-it Note if you don't want to write on the back of your pieces.

Many artists forget to label their pieces, thus confusing the show curators. The easier you make it for the curator, the more successful your show is likely to be.

Promote Your Presence in the Art Show

Many artists find promoting themselves and their work challenging. Nonetheless, self-promotion is a critical aspect of a successful art show. One effective way to increase attendance and reach a wider audience is to advertise the exhibition on social media before, during, and after the show.

Socialize at the Art Show 

Many artists feel their work speaks for itself. However, it's important to remember that your audience may be interested in your perspective and thoughts on your creations. 

Being approachable and open to discussing your work with others can help build a connection with your audience and potentially lead to more support for your art. While everyone may have their own interpretation of your work, engaging with your audience is valuable.

Update Your Marketing Materials & Online Presence So People Can Connect After The Show

It's crucial to remember that what happens after the show is almost as important as making the physical space look perfect. Ideally, the show will be a success and you'll gain a devoted following of people who appreciate your work and want to see more.

These individuals are likely to search for you online, so it's essential to take some time to polish your online presence before the exhibit. Be sure to update your website, bio, and artist statement. A paragraph about who you are, where you come from, and what this exhibition, series, or art collection is about will suffice in most cases.

Ensure your online portfolio is current, reflects what people saw at the exhibition, and is easy to find. Make sure your social media profiles are current and showcase your best work.

Printing business cards and leaving them at the gallery when you are not there is a good idea.

The Stackhouse Printery is your ideal printing partner if you have an upcoming art show or exhibit. Our Giclee Fine Art printing services will make your art look its best so that you shine and we're here to support you every step of the way.