I started this group for people wanting to have an exhibition like me who never had one.
I started to paint about two years ago and my goal was to have some sort of exhibition and sales.
Because I live in a somewhat large city there are always plenty of events going on and they are well advertised.
First I went to a local church who were kind enough to give me the use of their function hall.
I advertised with posters and notices in the local papers. Then the day after the show, I hosted the church's coffee hour to thank themfor their support.
I sold about 5 -6 paintings and most of them were sold at the coffee hour. The church folk had come to the show, but having that extra moment to think about my artwork gave them incentive to purchase.
Next I signed up to be featured in a large office building downtown. The landlord hosts a different artist each month and last August my artwork filled the lobby. There was a table for me to post business cards and a price list. After the show I was contacted for a purchase, but all totalled I solf only one painting that month.
FInally the same thing applies at my bank. Each month they feature a business account holder's business in their lobby so next month my artwork will be on display.
You can pretty much set up your own art exhibition. Find a group, a location, offer something in return that the group can use. Advertise and go from there.
If you art is genre specific, like fantasy art, ask a comic book store if you can display. Sometimes art supply stores have a rotating display.
Or find the street in your nearest big city with all the art galleries and pound the pavement.
Deborah Ormsby 11 Dec 2009
Hi, love the group concept. I am featured at two galleries and it is the most anxious and energizing time of my life. My first gallery showing started in Aug of 2009 after many years of struggling. I would love to recieve advice and to give what knowledge I know.