Matthew
Hilltop
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Can anyone give suggestions on art galleries to approach with artwork? Preferably ones that don't charge outrageous initiation fees...
I'm not so familiar with the process here. I am hanging in two shows currently and I'd like to find a few more, perhaps get my name out there a lttle more.
thanks!
mightymighty
North Side
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That entirely depends on what kind of work you do. I'd say do an arseload of research, look for gigs that support artwork that's kinda-sorta similar to yours, and talk to the owner and see about exhibiting. And/or look into 'non-traditional' places to exhibit your work (like restaurants, or offices) again, talk to the manager, or owner about it.
& for the lurve of flippin' pete don't pay anybody to show your work! I am quad-zillion degrees against the practice of vanity galleries. Do that and I'll stab you with a stabbing thing, this is not a practice anyone should be stupid enough to support.
in short, have some balls and go out there and talk to some peoples. :) Worst thing anyone will say is no.
mightymighty
North Side
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Go forth and do your own research. Es more fun... besides there aren't -that- many here in Columbus, they're more common in New York or Chicago.
I'll even give you a gentle nudge towards Myspace, many galleries have pages like musicians do.
rory
NW Short North
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Yes. never pay to show your art. Most vanity galleries are in New York. I can't think of any in Columbus. Remember the main goal is for you to be paid.
My advice would be to compile a list of galleries that show work that you think you would fit in with or a gallery that shares your works philosophy (or yours) in which case it doesn't have to "match". Then start bugging them. This is what pares down the potential artist scene. The gallery is hip to your scam and they're waiting to shoot you down. They're usually understaffed and people bug them all the time. Getting rid of you quickly and efficiently is foremost in their mind. Then they can get back to work. Go to openings and get to know people in the gallery you would like to represent you. Don't be shy, thicken your skin and prepare to feel like a worm, but eventually it might work. If not there's alway investment banking.
Don't forget in your research that we're within four hours of Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Indianapolis. So don't short change yourself right off the bat. Check them all out.
If you think your art would fit in the festival art scene don't ignore that either. "Real" artists might poo-poo the whole scene but a good run at something like the Columbus Arts Festival can get you $12,000-15,000. A couple shows like that is enough to send your real artist friends a postcard from Belize while you make stuff on the beach.
Showing in bars and restaurants can be ok but they can be greasy, literally. The smoking ban cut down on a lot of funk but count on your art being dirty when you get it back.
Enter a couple juried shows, but don't go crazy. It's somewhat of a scam too. The State Fair has great prize money and the Ohio Art League show looks nice on your resume when they have it at the Columbus Art Museum. Out of town ones are a waste of time in my opinion. You can show at a small college instead and maybe get an honorium rather than pay a jury fee and shipping.
good luck
idkwtflol
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Join the Ohio Art League! As a member, you get many opportunities to show your work in their Short North gallery and museums all around the state! They also keep you informed about calls for entries around the country. Well worth the measly $50 membership fee.
CDS sherman
East Franklinton
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rory wroteIf you think your art would fit in the festival art scene don't ignore that either. "Real" artists might poo-poo the whole scene but a good run at something like the Columbus Arts Festival can get you $12,000-15,000. A couple shows like that is enough to send your real artist friends a postcard from Belize while you make stuff on the beach.
my mother has been traveling doing shows around the country for 25 years or so. it was fun growing up as summers were spent on the road exploring some city. the money can be great but with gas on the rise and the economy in the dumps, i hear people just are not spending the money like they used to. thats coming from long time crafters. but shows like winter fair and the other holiday ODC shows seem to still hold there own. the columbus arts festival is notoriously known for never letting in local artists. my mother has applied for 20 years or so and has only been in 3 times. and ray hanley lived across the street from us. my buddy and i must have cut his grass "all wrong". :lol:
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