Holding an art exhibition is a unique and enriching experience. However, bringing so many disparate aspects together in a cohesive and relevant way can be difficult. That’s why having a plan is so important when putting on your art exhibition.
The Theme
Pick a theme that will tie everything together. A successful exhibition & event set up should have a noticeable subject that connects the many pieces and helps them feel like they are part of a greater whole. Consider the statement you want to send with your display. It could be a visual method, a mood, or an image or phenomenon.
Your theme should be as specific as possible.
Give your exhibition a title if you want it to stand out. A catchy name will help draw attention to the theme and make it more evident.
Choose Your Best Art
To put on a show, select a couple of your finest works. If you’re putting on a solo show to showcase your work, you’ll need anything from 10 to 30 different pieces to show. Each of them should reflect the subject of the exhibition.
Spend the time leading up to the show making unique things that you’ll be able to show off on the opening night.
If the art you do is on a small scale, plan on presenting more than a few pieces.
The Venue
Begin looking for an appropriate venue for your exhibition. Renting out studio or gallery space is one obvious possibility. But you’re not limited to typical art venues—ask around at cafes, restaurants, community centers, churches, and local businesses to see if they’d be happy to assist in organizing your exhibition & event set up. Having your first show in a more relaxed environment, such as a restaurant or coffee shop, can help you overcome your nerves. Make sure the space you select is clean, well-lit, and big enough to accommodate all of the artwork you intend to display.
Engage With Your Audience
Make yourself ready to answer inquiries and explain the artwork that awaiting them as guests begin to arrive. For most artists, this is the most exciting aspect of the exhibition. It allows them to meet people who will be purchasing and reviewing their work, talk about the elements of their style, and throw some insight into their creative process.
If you have work on display, make an effort to be visible as the artist.
Art exhibitions are, at their core, social events, so don’t be afraid to mingle and have a nice time.
