venues « Art Biz Blog

Are You Decorating A Space?

I’m throwing you a curve ball . . . a Deep Thought on a Monday. Who knows where this unorthodox behavior might lead? When you loan images directly to a workplace, are you decorating it? [...]

Provide a Resource Guide for Local Artists

Attention arts councils, arts organizations, and anyone else serving local artists . . . Here’s a plea to put together a resource guide and member directory like the one I received from the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC). In addition to the staff and member directory, the OVAC publication includes local and national resources to help artists build their businesses, enter exhibits, apply for funding, or join a local artist organization. (Thanks, OVAC, for including Art Biz Coach!) [...]

Enlist Help Promoting Your Art

Non-art venues like restaurants, coffee shops, and bank lobbies can be challenging for sales, but there are plenty of people willing to help you promote your art. Here are 5 ways you can nurture a quiet army of fans on your behalf. [...]

An Idea for a Gallery or Studio Entrance

If you have a space that is open to the public, do they know they’re invited? Check out this photo and you’ll understand why I just had to walk up the stairs to the gallery. [...]

Starter Venues for Beginning Artists

Art doesn’t go from studio to museum overnight. Nor is art by beginners usually ready for fine galleries. So what are your options when you’re just starting out? It can be daunting to take the first steps to selling your art. You want to grow, but you also know you need to just get your feet wet. Think about these starting points. [...]

Stop Handling Your Art Like It’s Homeless

There’s much to learn in is video of Polly Apfelbaum installing her work at the Museum of Modern Art. In particular, pay attention to how she cares for the individual components. You have to start treating your art like it belongs in a museum. If you don’t, no one else will. [...]

Paying extra for viewing a single masterpiece

What’s it worth to you to view a masterpiece? Should art be for the masses and available to view free of charge? This is a follow-up to last week’s Deep Thought Thursday. [...]

Take over a vacant storefront–legally

Vacant commercial spaces make attractive exhibit venues for your art and benefit the landlords, the city or town, and the artists involved. [...]

Podcast: Appraise an online gallery

Every day there are new opportunities to show your art online, but how do you know which online galleries are legitimate? Appraise an online gallery by asking questions and assessing its components. Asking questions is not a sign of distrust, but a hallmark of a responsible professional.

Podcast: Promote an out-of-town event

Have an out-of-town event and wondering how you can promote it from afar? Today’s podcast (below) gives you 10 sure-fire suggestions for promoting your event without ever leaving your home.

Here’s the 11th idea: Start a countdown.

Build anticipation for your event by ticking off the days leading up to it.

It’s easiest to do this on a blog and on your social media profiles, but you could also do it with an email blast for people who have opted in. (If they opted in for monthly emails from you, don’t start sending them daily messages! You could start with weekly messages–being clear that it is only temporary and they can opt out at any time.)

Of course, you have to give people something new each day so that they will anticipate whatever is coming up.

For instance, if you wanted [...]