Most of the art events I organized in NYC were so popular they were featured in Crain’s New York Business, Show Business, New York magazine and The New York Times. They were announced on radio and cable TV and made the evening news. They ranged from informal gatherings to large televised celebrity galas at which I worked with political delegates, cultural dignitaries and nonprofit organizations. In this article I share 10 simple ideas to help you create successful art events. These ideas should help you make your next opening reception, whether in a gallery, your studio or an alternative space, a memorable experience. You will also find some money-saving tips.
Here Are 10 Simple and Powerful Ideas
1. Pay attention to how the art work is displayed. Make sure it is well lit, easy to view, engaging and maintains a high level of interest.
2. Assign someone to sit or stand at the entry and welcome guests with handouts — for example your brochure, name tags, etc.
3. Have several copies of price lists and promotional materials easy to find in clear view.
4. Plan an “advance party” for V.I.P. guests. This is where dignitaries, top collectors and the press and media can congregate before the general audience arrives.
5. Approach new local small businesses that moved into your town to donate food and beverages. They will be eager to get the extra publicity if you can guarantee them promotion locally as well as through your social media network.
6. Be creative and stand out at your next Open Studio. I know an artist who paints western paintings and dresses in cowboy attire to look as though he walked right out of his paintings. Another artist, whose signature color is purple, wears a purple dress and hat to all of her openings.
7. Try to get a local printer to print your invitations and programs at their cost or at no charge, in exchange for letting them print their company and website on the printed materials. Offer them social media promotion as an extra incentive.
8. Offer art in three different price ranges. When giving advice on selling art I use the “rule of thirds” – low, medium and high prices. At art events have plenty of affordable works of art under $500. Known as “cash and carry” pieces they don’t require much thought for the buyer.
9. Ask a few gregarious friends and associates to be your co-hosts to make sure your guests enjoy themselves and learn how they may purchase your art. Ask your helpers beforehand to diplomatically rescue you from people who are deterring you from spending valuable time with potential art buyers.
10. Look for interesting venues to place your art event. Think of alternative spaces, as I did. Some of the best exhibitions I organized took place outside galleries. Consider such locales as cultural centers, bank and corporate lobbies, and health and wellness venues that offer a lot of space for your art and guests and excellent lighting.
Also Read
How to Create Successful Art Exhibitions Using Themes. This article offers ideas to help you enhance the mood, increase attendance, attract publicity and get financial sponsorship for your Art Event.
How to Invite Members of The Press to Attend and Publicize Your Art Exhibition. The sooner you begin working on getting your press list and press release in order the better. This article shows you how.
I have a friend who lives in Louisville. (actually we both do.) she’s a sculptress. she has already created several sculptures in Louisville. she wants to create a life size sculpture of enid yandell. she’s not sure how to raise money to complete her project. if you have any advice for her just email me and i’ll pass it on. I did suggest she open a gofundme account.
Hi Joe, I think it’s wonderful that your friend wants to do a sculpture of Enid Yandell, an extraordinary sculptor and the first woman member to join the National Sculpture Society. I think you gave her a good idea for her to raise funding. Suggest that she research the best way to go about doing it starting with this article: 6 Steps to a Successful Campaign. She should also research and approach all businesses, individual patrons and organizations that would have a strong interest in seeing such a portrait come to fruition for their financial support and publicity. I must add, it will be easier if your friend has obtained significant career credentials, awards, and other achievements as a sculptor. I wish her success!