Exhibitors, Be Aware (and Sometimes Beware)

Professional artists, you can skip this entry. But all of you artists just starting to venture out there with your wonderful work -- you might want to read this. I'll try to be short.

Writing the Report to the Field newsletter for the NJ State Council on the Arts impressed on me this simple fact: Exhibition opportunities are all over -- but they're not created equal. If you see an exhibition opportunity that looks interesting, step back for a minute. Take off your 'artist hat' and put on whatever helps you tune in your common sense. This is an imortant job for an emerging (and established) artist to take on for him or herself.

If you're not familiar with a venue or an organization, spend some time researching. Nine out of ten opportunities but that 'tenth time' can be a tough lesson for an artist. Some things to look into: Is this a real organization? What's their history? How long have they been holding this exhibit? Where are they located? Is there press information online about this group? Are there any negative reviews or comments that you can find?

Has the organization/gallery listed contact information? Is there a legitimate street address? Is there a person's name associated with either the organization or the show? Juried shows should post the name of the juror/s. Look them up. Are they legitimate? Are there prizes associated with the exhibit? Is there an entrance fee? How much? Think twice about entering shows where the entry fees seem unusually high, especially with new organizations -- even if the prospectus lists generous awards.

What's the small print? Does work have to be for sale? What is the gallery/venue's commission? Who's responsible for getting the work to and from the exhibition space? What kind of marketing do they do? Is there a reception? Do they send postcards? Emails? Is the work insured? (You'd be surprised how many spaces are not insured for art. Artists may choose to exhibit in an uninsured space if they really like the venue, or if they know/trust the exhibiting organization. Still, this is information you should know, in advance.

And the new world of on-line galleries and juried shows is yet another brave new frontier that I know too little about to be able to comment intelligently. Anyone?

If the exhibit, venue, organization appears to be legitimate, how do you decide which shows to enter? Bottom line: it's up to you. But I'll offer some considerations in a separate post.