A solo art exhibition is a significant milestone, offering a platform to present a cohesive body of work and a singular artistic vision. It is an opportunity to communicate a larger narrative, engage directly with an audience, and gain professional recognition. The process, from initial idea to final de-installation, is a comprehensive undertaking that sharpens both creative and business skills. This marks a major step in an artist’s career.
Develop Your Exhibition Concept and Proposal
Before considering a venue, a fully formed exhibition concept is paramount. This begins with creating a cohesive body of work where the pieces are linked by a common theme, a consistent stylistic approach, or a shared conceptual foundation to tell a unified story. This coherence demonstrates a focused artistic vision. The number of works will depend on the potential space, but having a substantial and related collection is the first step.
With the artwork established, the next task is to articulate its meaning through writing. This involves both an artist statement and a biography. The artist statement is specific to the exhibition, explaining the “why” behind this particular body of workâits themes, inspirations, and what you intend to communicate. In contrast, the artist bio is a more general, factual summary of your career, including your background, education, and key achievements.
These written components become part of the exhibition proposal, a document that serves as your pitch to potential venues. A comprehensive proposal provides curators with everything they need to understand your vision and its requirements, and should include:
- An exhibition title and a concept summary outlining the show’s theme
- The specific artist statement for the show
- Your professional biography
- An up-to-date CV listing past exhibitions and accomplishments
- High-quality images of the artwork intended for display
Find and Secure a Venue
The search for a venue begins with research to find a space that aligns with your artistic style and show concept. The options are varied, ranging from commercial galleries and artist-run centers to community galleries and alternative spaces like cafes or pop-ups. Each type of venue has a different audience and atmosphere, so consider which environment best complements your work. For instance, a community gallery may focus on local engagement, while a commercial gallery is geared towards sales.
Once you have identified potential venues, understand their submission process. Most galleries have specific guidelines on their websites detailing proposal requirements, submission deadlines, and how they prefer to be contacted. Adhering to these guidelines precisely is a sign of professionalism.
When approaching curators or gallery directors, personalized, concise communication is more effective than a generic mass email. If possible, visit the gallery beforehand to understand its layout and the kind of work it shows. This demonstrates a genuine interest in the space. Building relationships by attending openings and engaging with the local art scene can also provide valuable connections.
Prepare and Price Your Artwork
Once a venue is secured, the focus shifts to the physical preparation of your artwork. Every piece must be “gallery-ready,” meaning it is presented professionally and is ready for immediate installation. This includes secure framing that complements the artwork without overpowering it, and proper wiring on the back for hanging. The goal is to ensure each piece is presented at its best.
Pricing your work requires a logical and consistent strategy. Common methods include pricing by size, where you might use a formula based on square or linear inches, or pricing pieces in a series at a similar point. Another approach is to calculate the cost of materials and add a rate for your time. Researching prices for works by artists at a similar stage in their careers can provide a benchmark. It is important that the prices are consistent not only within the exhibition but also across any other platforms where your work is sold.
Curate and Install Your Show
With the artwork prepared, the next stage is to bring the exhibition to life through thoughtful curation and installation. The arrangement of the pieces should create a deliberate flow, guiding the viewer through the space. Consider the narrative of your exhibition. You might arrange works chronologically, thematically, or in a way that creates specific focal points and visual connections between pieces.
Practical considerations are a large part of the installation process. A standard museum and gallery practice is to hang artwork so that its centerline is between 57 and 60 inches from the floor, which places it at the average person’s eye level. The spacing between works needs to be considered to allow each piece enough room to be viewed individually. Lighting can be used to highlight textures and colors, and to create a specific mood in the gallery.
Informational text helps the audience connect with the work. Some exhibitions also benefit from a didactic panel, a short text on the wall that introduces the overall concept of the show. Wall labels for each piece should be consistent and clear, and include:
- The artist’s name
- The title of the work
- The year it was created
- The medium
- Its dimensions
Market Your Exhibition and Plan the Opening
With the show installed, the goal is to attract an audience. A marketing effort should begin weeks in advance to build anticipation. Draft a press release to send to local media outlets, art bloggers, and publications. This document should announce the exhibition title, dates, location, and provide a summary of the show’s concept.
Use social media platforms to share behind-the-scenes images of your studio or the installation process, and create an event page with all the relevant details. An email newsletter is a direct way to reach your existing network of contacts, including collectors and fellow artists. Physical invitations or postcards can add a personal touch and serve as a tangible reminder.
The opening reception is the centerpiece of your promotional efforts. Simple refreshments and light music can create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. A guest book is a valuable tool for collecting contact information from attendees for future announcements. Be prepared to engage with visitors, answer questions about your work, and discuss your artistic process with potential buyers and supporters.
Manage Sales and Post-Exhibition Logistics
Before the show opens, it is important to have a clear contract or agreement with the venue. This document should outline the commission split on any sales, the schedule for receiving payments, and who is responsible for processing transactions. Understanding these terms beforehand prevents misunderstandings.
During the exhibition, have a system in place for handling sales. This includes having a price list available and a method for processing payments, whether through the gallery or a personal system. Once a piece is sold, there should be a clear plan for when the buyer can collect the artwork, which is after the exhibition concludes.
After the show ends, have the installed exhibition professionally photographed. These images become a record of the show for your portfolio and website. You will need to coordinate with buyers for the pickup of their purchased pieces. The de-installation process involves taking down and packing all remaining artwork and returning the gallery space to its original condition, which often includes patching and painting any nail holes in the walls.