Showing Art in Alternative Spaces

Why show artwork in salons, spas, restaurants, lounges and the rest? Alternative spaces provide the artist with the wall space to exhibit their work and there are plenty of benefits for artists besides the potential for sales.

Good exposure, especially if the artist hasn’t exhibited their work or hasn’t exhibited in a while. This is a terrific starting place.

Good public relations. Most venues will allow time and space for opening and/or closing receptions. Artists get a chance to tell their story and the story behind the art, meet art lovers, greet your supporters, and get positive feedback.

Building a contact list for future marketing efforts. Having a guest book to collect names and email addresses is especially valuable in spaces outside the hometown, where new faces are eyeing the artwork.

Confidence building dress rehearsal for bigger shows. Artists can exhibit in alternative spaces between bigger shows to keep the momentum going, or build momentum for the entering the next venue. Don’t underestimate the power of momentum vs. the pull of inertia.

Freshen the resume. Artists can keep their curriculum vitae looking fresh by having fresh dates at the top of the page. 

An example of a great alternative show is Carolynne Gamble’s exhibit at Satori Yoga Studio. Carolynne is exhibiting her Altar Art: Art for Balance and Meditation series, which is inspired through her meditation and yoga practice.

Satori Yoga Studio is located in the heart of San Francisco’ SoMA District. Not only is it a beautiful, peaceful setting for her meditation-based work, it exposes her pieces to many people in SF who are open to the respite that beauty provides in a downtown location. It’s a great match for Carolynne and Satori.

“Sometimes art is not meant for decorating a home,” said Carolynne.  “Satori Yoga Studio is the perfect venue and audience for showcasing my spiritual paintings.  It’s a win/win for all concerned and well worth the effort!”

Make a Statement

Most artists have the toughest time talking about their own art, especially when it comes to writing their artist statement. How to describe one’s creative vision and method without being verbose or sounding obtuse is one of the biggest challenges.  Every gallery, competition or call for art asks for one, and so something gets put on paper.  Here are some suggested Do’s and Don’ts.

Before you write, read. Look at other artist statements online and find examples where you feel you “get” what their art is about by reading their statement.

Be concise. This is not your master’s thesis, but a description of what you’ve created and why. It should give the reader a sense of what your art is about.

Be real. Don’t use language you read in an art magazine or book.  I saw this in a statement the other day. “Forcing the viewer into the very beginning nodal points of comparison via juxtaposition of disjunct object.”  That’s just ridiculous mish-mash that doesn’t touch the reader with your genuinely personal story.

Get feedback. Have others read your statement before submission, especially friends and associates who are or have been gallery managers and curators. Their pointers may help you communicate the essentials and avoid any pitfalls.

Comments welcome!  Feel free to leave a comment below.

Get Your Art Business in Order

Happy New Year! Holidays are over and it’s time to get back into the studio and get creative. But what about all those finished works stacked in a corner, or proudly displayed in your home? You’ve gotten comfortable with them there, right? In fact, you may hate to part with some of them.

But surely you want most of them to light up the faces and hearts their public. If every pot has its lid, then I propose that every art piece has its buyer.

So let’s take the potential of the New Year’s energy to get organized and ready to do business. January is as good a time as any to refocus your online presence, get your portfolio up to date, and get in touch with your art’s market.

Let’s get everything current; artist statement, biography or curriculum vitae, web site’s images, look and feel, and high-quality samples of your work printed and on CD, with an intro letter to knock their socks off.

Who’s with me?  Comments welcome!  Feel free to leave a comment below.

More next time on artist statements.

Using Social Networking as Social Marketing

Social networks like My Space and Facebook have taken the online world by storm. The platforms are an easy, cost-effective way to reach a whole group of people and simply attach photos, videos or links.

But how do we use it for marketing our wares? By connecting with a circle of family, friends and colleagues for the long haul, on their terms, and sharing information and experiences together.

And what to say?

Before you draw, paint, sculpt, photograph or create otherwise – talk about your subject, how you came up with your idea, your angle, your direction, or your approach. Are you drawing first? Photographing first? Are you planning a location? What’s the appeal of the location? The light? The season? The openness? The crowdedness?

During your process – tell us about your progress, how the temperature, the dampness, the light, the medium, your mood, is affecting your piece. Is it turning out as planned? Or have there been surprises? Frustrations? Overcoming hurdles?
 
Afterwards – how has it turned out? How happy are you with the result? Are there more adjustments you could try? Do you have a place in mind for it? A certain patron you know would love it? A show you are preparing it for?

Have fun with it. Build your network of supportive allies online and have genuine two-way conversations with them by sharing photos and the stories behind the work.

Expand Your (Networking) Horizons

How do you get new people to see, enjoy, and buy your artwork?  Expand your horizons and network with new people to find people who love your art. 

Sure it’s great to hang out with your artist friends, but consider opening up to fresh opportunities. Here are a few suggestions to shake up the routine and get out of your comfort zone.

•    Go to places that foster your art. If you want to get into galleries, go to art openings, check out the galleries, find out where your art fits into the art world.

•    Talk about your art. Practice talking about your art by teaching your art to kids, or demonstrating your art to fellow artists in local arts councils, collectives or associations. These situations are low pressure and good practice for when you get the opportunity to talk to a curator or gallery director.

•    Use the six degrees of separation to your advantage. Chat about your art with everyone, your hairdresser, your mechanic, your dentist, and anyone who will listen. Make your intentions known with people you know and the people they know that might know someone who can connect you with a gallery, museum, interior designer or someone in the art business.

•    Have postcards or business cards with your artwork ready to hand out to people you meet. Physical pieces speak volumes and handing one over shows your level of professionalism and readiness.

•    Join groups that have nothing to do with art. Indulge in a little fun while you build your circle of acquaintances and colleagues. Join a cultural group, a non-profit volunteer group, an alumni group, or any group that supports your other interests or hobbies. Once you’re familiar with folks, don’t be shy about your art and your goals as an artist. 

Expanding your network and gaining new admirers doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact it can be really fun connecting with people who appreciate your art.