So! You’re Having an Exhibition!

SO YOU’RE HAVING AN EXHIBITION!

by Val Johnson

It’s a big step and a daunting one to bare your soul to the world and have a solo exhibition. What can you do to ease the stress of it all? Firstly it’s a good idea to go in as many local competitions and exhibitions as possible. Here you will get an idea of how your work stands up amongst all the other works exhibited. Exhibit with a few friends- this will ease you into a solo and give you a bit of an idea about what you have to deal with. Take advice from other artists who have had plenty of experience in exhibiting.

What is involved?

First, you have to find a venue, or approach a gallery to see if they will hang your work. It is a good idea to have a resume and photos or a CD of your work to give to the director.

Then there are invitations and advertising. (The gallery will help you with this but there will be a cost). Are you having an opening with an opener? You must give the person plenty of notice, I would say at least three months or more. Have someone to introduce him or her and always plan to say a few words yourself. A gift for the opener is appropriate if they are giving you their time free of charge.

Refreshments? Again some galleries will expect you to pay for this- others will go halves. What are you going to exhibit? Are you going to have a theme? How will you price your work? Remember the gallery will take a commission so you have to add that on to your price. You must include the cost of the framing and materials used to make the work. Work out what these cost are and multiply it by at least three or four. Then you can adjust the price if you wish.

Presentation of work is important. It should be well framed and neatly finished on the back. You should have your work ready at least three weeks before to give the framer time to do it. Some framers require more time. Make a list of the paintings and prices for the gallery, and have a CV handy for people to read.

Do a press release about the exhibition and give it to the gallery for advertising. Have a hunt on the web or ask around to find places for free advertising you can do yourself. If you are on social media pages, advertise yourself here as well. Get yourself a website.

I find it’s good to plan ahead. Have at least half the work done before approaching the gallery and setting a date. If you are hiring your own venue, hire it at least 12 months in advance- this will give you plenty of time to do the work, but you should have an idea of what you want to do before you book.

Have a plan. Start working on it early- don’t leave it to the last three months, you will be working under pressure and may not be doing your best work.

Create an invitation list of your own and send invitations at least two weeks before the opening. Be confident even if your legs are turning to jelly. Answer questions about your art- people will respond to that. The main thing I have found to ease the butterflies when having an exhibition is to plan ahead, work hard and be disciplined, be organized and try to relax.

You are the artist so have confidence in your work and yourself.