TIPS FOR ARTISTS ENTERING SHOWS
- By Jewel Reavis

1. READ the prospectus (the rules). All entry forms are not equal. Rules may vary for the size and mediums accepted in a show. Is there a theme to the show? What are the framing requirements? Does it require the work to be for sale? Is there a commission charged if you artwork sells? You may not be accepted into a show because of a minor discrepancy on your part.

2. Know the type of show you are entering. Judged Art Exhibit – A Judge will view all the art and select pieces to award prizes to. The organization will exhibit all work entered that meets the criteria as described in the prospectus. If you follow the rules, your work should be exhibited. Juried Art Exhibit – A Juror will personally select all the work to be exhibited from the entries. The Juror will then select artwork to award prizes to. Work that is declined* by the Juror will not be exhibited. Juried shows are considered more prestigious to have your work accepted into. *Being declined from a juried show should not be taken as an insult nor is it meant to demean your work. Don’t take it personally if your work is declined from a show. Every Juror is a different personality, with differing opinions and guidelines. They may be looking for a specific statement to make with the art they chose to exhibit, or trying to bring in work they feel is something not seen before, outside the standards. Other Jurors may be looking for traditional works. If a show has a theme, they will work to honor that theme as they interpret it. Many Jurors and judges will offer suggestions to improve your work, and help bring out the best in what you want to do.

3. Fees and Sales. Entry fees are non-refundable. Most organizations are non-profits and rely partly on entry fees to subsidize their exhibits. Almost every organization and all galleries take a commission on work sold, at least 20% (or more) of your sale price**. **Many artists have a hard time pricing their work. Beginning artists sometimes aim to break even, to get their work out there. Decide on a wage to pay yourself, along with materials used. Look at prices on similar artwork in your medium, and size of your work. If you do not want to sell a certain piece of art, do not “over price” it, instead label it NFS (Not For Sale). “Over pricing” a piece of art, in hopes of Not selling it, discredits the value of your art and is misleading and confusing to potential buyers.

4. Framing and Presentation. Choosing framing and matting can either make or break your art. Some exhibits have specific requirements for framing. Typically you should have a simple frame that does not compete with your artwork. Exceptions would be historical paintings using a “period” style frame or traditional paintings in a more ornate frame. In any case, try to match the frame to the artwork. Simple is better. If your artwork is usually in standard sizes, say ½ sheet of watercolor paper, invest in a few good quality frames and reuse them for different shows. Also try to use plexiglass instead of real glass. This will make your artwork lighter and safer to transport and easier to install in exhibits, particularly if your work is large. Mats should be clean and cut neatly. If possible use acid free mat board and backing for your art. Do not put your signature or title on the mat. Sign your name within the art itself, with the medium you are using. You should always put a card with your contact information on the back of your art, along with the title, medium and price. Make a habit to put information on the artwork itself. For instance if you paint with oil, “paint” your signature in oil on the back of the canvas, along with the medium (oil) and the type of varnish used. Many venues now accept gallery wrapped canvas or masonite panels "boxed in" for paintings and collage. Make sure you paint or finish the edges with the same craftsmanship as the whole. And Please use an appropriate hanger for your work. Use heavy weight wire and hinges if your work large and has some weight to it. If you work in sculpture, make sure your piece will rest flat on a surface or make a complimentary base for it to sit on. If your sculpture is meant to hang, again make sure it is securely wired or able to be installed with minimal effort. Your work may be declined for exhibit if they cannot safely and securely install it.

5. Liability. You should insure your own work, either thru your homeowners or a separate policy. Non-profit art centers and smaller venues may not carry insurance on your work during the exhibit. Larger museums and galleries usually insure your work. Make sure you know your situation. Many organizations in their prospectus retain the right to reproduce your work for publicity or educational purposes. Don’t be surprised if you see your artwork show up in a future mailing or advertisement for the gallery. This is free exposure for you!

6. Keep an Inventory of your work. If you are a prolific artist, it may be hard to keep an inventory of all the work you have produced and sold. Digital cameras and computer programs are great now for that purpose. Try to at least keep a record of shows that you enter, awards received, where the piece is and the pick up dates for your work. Many a piece of artwork is still lying in a closet in an art center somewhere waiting for it’s creator to take it home! You may be charged a storage fee, or lose your art altogether!

7. Have Fun and Keep Trying. Many people create art because they “have to”. For some art is therapeutic. Art is a great form of self expression. Sometimes selling the art is not as important as the process of creating it. Art is about growth, inside and out. Learn new techniques, meet other artists. Take pride in the craftsmanship and quality of your materials, pay attention to detail. Look at what other artist’s are doing in your medium, style or subject matter. If you paint small, try painting larger and bolder. Experiment once in awhile. Paint blue grass and green skies. Don’t be afraid to grow. Art is a lifelong search to articulate how you view the world using paper, paint, clay, glass and stone. Don’t ever give up on yourself or your art. Art is your voice, keep it loud and keep it strong.