My First Major Art Show

I had a previous post discussing organizing an art show/exhibition. I have to tell you that it has been such an experience to actually co-ordinate a show, for myself and a large group of included artists. I learned a bunch about how to set one up, and a bit about the Art Gallery business. All of it being very useful to me, and my long-term goals.

My title “My First Major Art Show” is just that. I entered my photos a couple of years ago into a small Buffalo gallery for holiday art show. I entered two of my favorite pieces, the show was juried, and the fact that I was accepted into it was such a big thing to me. I was super happy about it. The show was up for a month, but I didn’t sell anything. That kinda broke my heart to be quite honest. I was super green to the whole fine art world. I couldn’t expect to sell anything that quickly…right?

A lot went through my head. I had a number of questions. Did I price my items too high? Did I make the right decision printing them on canvas? Did I pick the right photos to print to begin with? I feel as though all of this is a hit or miss. Could I even say it’s a lot of trial and error maybe? What I do know is everything takes a lot of practice. The one thing I like about myself is I keep going, and even if I feel down and out about what happened in the past I still press on, and try something else. I cant give up, and whatever it is you’re doing(or want to do) you shouldn’t either.

Why do I classify this art show coming up in September the “First Major” one? I tend to think NYC has higher standards. As I should, right? It’s the epicenter for art. Some can argue that, but if you want to test your art in a market NYC is the one to do it in. Buffalo is great, but in the art realm??? I’m not sure to be honest. I don’t know how competitive that show was. If they accepted everyone, or if they actually selected certain people. Who knows? I saw that as no big deal, even though I was still happy to be in a juried show for the first time.

I have certain anxieties going into this new show for sure. Them being similar to what I thought after the Buffalo show. Did I pick the right photos to exhibit? Am I going to frame them in the best or most flattering way? Will I price them right? Will I sell anything this time around?? Will people like my work? Will I be anyone’s favorite? The group I am exhibiting with consists of mostly painters. Which could be to a disadvantage, or a major advantage. That one I have no clue how to predict. It’s definitely a lot to think about.

We recently just got the postcard/invite done, finalized, and printed. My name printed among the artists exhibiting. There’s always something so special about that. I keep down playing it, and the whole art show altogether, but the other artists are extremely grateful I stepped up to co-ordinate, and secure this show for all of us. The president of the club I am associated with through this show also is very excited about this. Once I saw this: