Over the next several weeks I hope to share my experiences getting ready for a local art exhibit where I hope to display at least 16 original works. In today's post I'll bring things up to speed.
Being Prepared:
Like many of my artist friends I was not prepared for a cold call from a gallery asking me if I wanted to have an exhibit in a few months. For one, it was short notification (many galleries give 6 months to a year as notice). I have read many posts from other artists who say have a good inventory of work so you can fill a show at a moments notice. Well, I wish I was more prepared! Even though my inventory is good, I want more impact, and I don't have as many "ready to hang" as I would like to have. Which means I have to spend more money on frames, matboard, etc. than I really wanted.
First Steps:
I told the representative of the gallery I would do the show and I was looking forward to the experience. We exchanged information and had a few things to take care of right away.
- Gain a clear understanding of the gallery consignment/commission terms.
- Determine the required number of pieces.
- When was the exhibit? When is the opening reception?
- Clear up additional questions/concerns and start planning.
Within a day the gallery rep sent me an email (we are using email as our "best method" of communication) requesting a piece for advertising purposes. He asked if I could email a picture of one of my paintings. I sent a print ready (300 ppi, JPG) file to him with additional questions and comments.
Keeping Organized:
I like to keep files organized on my MacBook Pro to help me with events like this one. I created a folder (Named: November Gallery at Ninety-Seven Exhibit) to keep everything for this show in my "2009 Exhibit Schedule" folder. I put a digital press kit together, filed email correspondence, and created a planner for the show. I have also added dates and deadlines to my Google Calendar (I recommend Google Calendar because you can access your appointments from any computer and you can even sync information with your MAC).
I did a preliminary inventory of work for the show and I do have plenty of work but some of it needs framed, and a few even need documented for my own record keeping.
Next Steps:
This coming week I hope to visit the gallery and talk to the rep face to face about hanging the show and what we are planning for advertising and the press (I have already been to several gallery events there - I would not recommend doing a show at a gallery you have never visited). Essentially, I hope to finalize the expectations portion of the exhibit so I can focus on framing, documenting, and being prepared to deliver the work to the gallery.
- Michael
