How do you define a ‘successful’ art show?
My definition is quite simple, any show where people come, enjoy themselves and most importantly spend money, I consider successful. There’s a number of elements that have to come together for this to happen and I’ve written about those here and here.
This post has four other elements to consider and pictures from this year’s art show. The show is named, “Turning to Art” and featured me and three other artists. Regardless of the number of artists, your show should have:
A price list
Our shows tend to be on display at the gallery for a month and people visit during that entire time. The gallery owner needs to know how much each item is to be sold for. I strongly discourage bargaining, especially at an art gallery, but you might if the offer is reasonable.
Lidded Vessel by Jeremy Delancy
An E-mail List
As any blog owner will tell you, they’d rather lose all their money than their blog’s e-mail list. An e-mail list allows artists to make deeper connections with buyers. Artists can send out personal thank you’s to buyers as well as information on when and where the next show will be held. By keeping in contact the possibility of future sales is increased.
Flamingo by Quentin Minnis
Business Cards
Generally, I find business cards a waste of time, until they pay off. I spent hours designing and revamping my business cards to add pictures and my web address. I’ve distributed boxes of cards over the years, very seldom does anyone use a card to call about something I’ve made – hence the feeling that they’re a waste of time. But people who do use the card, are more serious about buying. This is when the time spent and the pennies worth of paper and ink pay off, big time. If you’re an amateur artist, take some time and design a really good business card.
Natural edged Mahogany ‘bowl’ by Robin Hardy
Selection of Items at Different Prices
All artists hope to have a wealthy patron who will buy everything at the opening of the show. Most of us will never find that person and so will have to make do selling our creations off one by one. Artists, particularly those just starting out need to have pieces that cover a range of prices. This range will help you test your market as it relates to pricing and better understand the tastes of your patrons.
Carved coconut shell lamp by Kim Deveaux
Conclusion
A’ successful’ art show goes way beyond just producing really good art. Follow these four tips and the others in the earlier posts and you’ll be well on your way to getting people through the door and money in your pocket.
Lignum Vitae cufflinks and box by Jeremy Delancy
To see more pictures from the ‘Turning to Art’ show, go here.
Thanks to David McGorrin and Kim Smith for the photos of our artwork.
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