Summary: <p>Rebecca is preparing for an upcoming exhibit in Atlanta, Georgia. She talks with Ross about her process and shares tips for artists preparing for a first show. </p> <p><a href="http://www.rebeccacrowell.com" rel="nofollow">www.rebeccacrowell.com</a><br> <a href="http://www.squeegeepress.com" rel="nofollow">www.squeegeepress.com</a><br> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast" rel="nofollow">www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast</a></p> <p>Podcast notes—exhibit prep</p> <p>Focus for the podcast on a show where you have 8+ pieces; a small group,<br> two person, or solo show</p> <p>Getting a show:<br> Are you ready??<br> Request from your gallery if not asked<br> Proposal to non-commercial space = find out requirements, write<br> proposal/statement<br> Consider how much time you need to produce the work</p> <p>Exhibit categories:<br> Group show with colleagues at non-commercial space<br> Group/2 person at a gallery --they will probably choose who you show with<br> More and more common to NOT have solo shows<br> Be open minded about who they pair you with</p> <p>STEPS to a show:<br> How much lead up time are you given, varies from over a year to a few months<br> Maybe a theme or just a selection of your work</p> <p>Early on:<br> Find out the expectations for the size and number of pieces; this is usually<br> flexible; if you want to include something you are already working on<br> Ask for a timetable of when the gallery will want certain things: these include list<br> of pieces, prices, artist statement, publicity photos (work and you) put these into<br> your own calendar<br> Ask if you have any $ obligations for the reception/costs/announcements<br> Will there be an artist talk<br> Date of opening reception--Think about whether/if you can attend. Lay some<br> groundwork for travel, clear the dates, etc.<br> Publicity: Usually they will want some advance publicity materials even if you are<br> still working on the paintings—send image you think will be included (anecdote)<br> Always good to have some bio pics on hand/you in studio etc.<br> Send Updated resume and bio—check to see if they are using something out of<br> date; sometimes they don’t ask just take from the web</p> <p>Closer to the show, or according to the timeline:<br> Self-promotion on social media; don’t rely on the venue to do it all<br> Artist statement specific to the work; is there a theme, something that ties it<br> together? Listen to our podcast on the topic,<br> Choose the work or the venue to do that—if you do it, you want cohesive but<br> with some variety; try not to include anything you don’t consider as good as the<br> rest just for the numbers.<br> Price list—consistent with prices elsewhere and within the list itself<br> Double check for accuracy<br> Mention to gallery if you are raising prices from what is in their current<br> inventory<br> Most galleries can adjust numbers/sizes to what you want to send, don’t be afraid<br> to ask</p> <p>Prep the work:<br> Framing works on paper/unless frame is part of the overall aesthetic, keep it<br> simple/neutral<br> Preparing panels and stretched canvas—framing not usually necessary for<br> anything but small work; small work maybe/maybe not, consult with gallery<br> Wood panels—sand and clean up, wood treatment up to you<br> Canvas—touch up stains and splatters, somewhat optional depending on<br> the aesthetic of the work, clean vs. expressionistic, opinions of gallery<br> Wire the back, use good wire and d-rings, no clip type hangers or cup hooks<br> Sign work somewhere, back/front options<br> Title<br> Copyright symbol and date/optional<br> Wrap for transport of shipping/nonstick paper or foam over the front; encase in<br> bubble wrap ---allow plenty of time<br> Can just use blankets if transporting in car but best to wrap in plastic at least.<br> Consider how you would deal with the work if your car broke down or was in an<br> accident. Will you need to bring it into a hotel overnight if travelling in extreme<br> heat or cold?<br> Decide what to wear to the opening!</p> <p>At the reception: do your best to be friendly, chatty<br> Be on time<br> Look nice<br> Don’t be discouraged by lack of sales at opening<br> Ask gallery person to introduce you to people/ they don’t always think of this<br> It’s tempting due to social anxiety, but do not just ang out with your friends or<br> drink too much<br> Do not pass out your own business card</p> <p>After the show is underway:<br> Check in with the gallery once in a while but don’t bug them; sales take time<br> Continue some self-promotion</p>
