If you have ever curated a group exhibition you know there are many steps involved. For some, it may seem like a tedious, time-consuming project they look forward to completing at a rapid speed. Not me! I love the process. Positive thoughts about the rewards of online exhibitions that bring people together from around the world stimulate and propel me forward.
Every online exhibition, from the initial “call for artists” to viewing the entries, reading their statements, visiting all of the artists’ websites, and to the final steps of selecting and arranging the images on the website is a new and wonderful adventure. The hundreds of hours spent working on the project are extremely satisfying. After the exhibition goes “live” I jump into an ongoing promotional process to attract as many viewers as possible. During the process I am motivated and energized knowing the exposure will have a positive impact on the artists and the thousands of viewers.
Rewards for Artists
Many participating artists have told me as a result of the exhibitions they have developed new relationships and connect with people they lost touch with. They report an increase of visitors to their websites, social media pages, art sales and many other surprising opportunities. As a result of having their art in the exhibition they feel a surge of confidence and a creative awakening.
Watching artists congratulate each other on social media and share each other’s artwork from the exhibitions is also joy to behold. The positive energy, even if only a few months during the exhibition, is a healing modality during these challenging times.
As you can imagine I am proud of having organized dozens of exhibitions — in physical spaces and online — and look forward to producing many more. Once an exhibition is published, I’m already contemplating the next theme.
How My Passion Developed and Expanded
My passion for curating exhibitions started when I was an art student. To help fellow art students get exposure I started an organization “Artopia” and set up exhibitions in major public venues throughout NYC.
In 1983 I launched the Manhattan Arts International art magazine as another venue to promote emerging artists and promote the exhibitions. I published the magazine until 2000, when I launched the Manhattan Arts International website. It is where we continue to promote artists in three different online galleries, present the annual “HerStory” exhibition, and publish a range of articles about art and artists.
Having the website opened a whole new vista. It has offered the opportunity to curate online exhibitions so I could promote more artists to wider international audiences. Early on we coordinated exhibitions related to Art and Healing, which to my delight has since been a popular topic for many arts organizations, galleries, and museums.
The Art and Healing focused exhibitions led to establishing a separate website in 2015. It is The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website with a very unique and important focus. It is there that we devote the website to art, artists, and exhibitions related to art that heals individuals, society and the environment.
Exhibitions with Positive Themes
The exhibition “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience 2022” featured art by 79 artists and their statements about their artistic interpretation of resilience. We selected a wide variety of expressions, different styles and mediums that express the meaning of the word and it’s importance in human experience and in the natural world.
Inspirational Art Video Created to Promote the Artists
Creating the video for every exhibition and loading it on my two YouTube channels is another positive experience. Watch “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience 2022” Video on my YouTube Channel. It was also fun to select the 22 artists and the right type of music to accompany the viewing experience. I chose the classical composition “Morning Mood” by Edvard Grieg. You’ll want to turn up the volume while you watch the video and watch it on the largest monitor you own.
The Rewarding Journey
Since the first “Artopia” exhibition as an art student I have loved every step of the creative curatorial process and especially the rewards of helping thousands of artists. In fact, along the way I decided being an artist was not my passion so I gave up painting and exhibiting and focused on being “The Artrepreneur Coach”.
Articles to Help You Organize Successful Shows
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.
Read “10 Ideas to Help You Create Successful Art Events”. In this article you’ll read about ideas to 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.
Article About My Curatorial Process
Read “Why I Love Curating Online Art Exhibitions” You’ll read about my curatorial objectives, the steps of the process, and the criterial I use for selecting the artists for the exhibitions.
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