Hiring a space in which to exhibit takes quite a bit of preparation … this messes with my studio time where I’m actually creating the work for the exhibition ! Is it worth it? We will see. Here’s a brief list of what I can think of that needs to be done. I’m sure there will be more but …..
Trying to choose an image and style for a group exhibition - ugh so tricky.
When organising a group I’ve had to ask each painter to send through;
JPEG pictures of their paintings that are clear, taken straight-on, and cropped to show only the paintings - no backgrounds. Make sure each image is a decent-sized JPEG. And label jpegs with your name and the title of the work.
Wall Labels: Each painter needs to send through the name of the painting, the size (height and width in cm) of each piece and price.
Descriptions of paintings.
I need to';
Purchase Public Liability Insurance for the exhibition
Fill out the contractual agreement for the venue; it's a long and complicated form
Apply for a liquor license; the form is long and complicated
I have to design and arrange postcards and posters
Create Wall pricing cards that include artist information for each painting
Do online promotions and arrange any other advertising
Set up a page on my website where people can see all the paintings for sale for MESMERISE EXHIBITION
+ complete my own paintings for the show.
WHEW... I'm exhausted already and we haven’t even started. For the long weekend of the show we have to do everything ourselves;
Hang and curate the exhibition
The Warehouse Gallery Space
Be at the venue during opening times to sell and show paintings
Set up opening night Bar and Nibbles
Send out Invitations to opening night
Arrange photography
Be responsible for the opening and closing of venue
Bump Out and clean venue
So you see, setting up your own exhibition is a very time consuming option. But at least you have control of it and for me that is a great thing.
ALSO and what makes all this worth it….
This venue does not CHARGE COMMISSION on sold art work, which is incredible in this age of 40% to 50% commission that galleries and cafe’s are charging!
Image of a previous exhibition in the main gallery space by it’s owner Susan Jones