So, what art did you find in your own backyard? Last week I wrote about discovering art that’s around you. Taking advantage of the cultural riches your community and region have to offer can strengthen your art and your marketing. At the same time, you will begin to learn about art venues you never knew existed. Perhaps you might even hear of locations that could be turned into art venues for the right exhibition. Be alert to the possibilities. Art no longer exists only in white-walled galleries and museums--if it ever did. Art is everywhere. While you’re looking at all of that art, think about where and how it is shown. Learn to consider critically the context in which art is shown as you select your venues. To the final days of summer,

The Web Site Makeover

Next week! Online workshop August 27-31 only

NEW! This quickie workshop will help you improve your Web site. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer--or have a designer waiting in the wings-- this is perfect for you. Web guru Patricia Velte and I (along with others in the workshop) give you a good five days of feedback on your site and you can implement the changes on your own. Limited to the first 10 people who enroll.
http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/makeover.html
 

Promote Your Art With Confidence

Online class begins September 12

Invest in the basic knowledge for promoting your art effectively and with confidence. We cover networking, Web sites, using email, advertising, media kits, and much more.
http://www.artbizcoach.com/classes/promote.html
 

Are you floundering? Have you been looking for some type of ongoing, affordable support? Become a member of the Inner Circle community and gain access to monthly one-on-one consultations with me, a group discussion list, weekly audio recordings, a premium newsletter, and much more. It’s all just $10 for the first two months. Read the details and sign up: http://www.artmarketingaction.com

► View all upcoming classes and events.
 

Assess Art Venues

Nancy Tobin, Mum. Painted paper collage, 26 x 30 inches.  (c) The Artist http://www.nancytobin.com

How do you decide where to place your work?

Traditional exhibit venues include retail galleries, non-profit spaces, museums and artist co-ops, but exhibitions can be staged almost anywhere these days. More and more emerging artists are showing their work in alternative venues, online, and even private home shows. Your options are unlimited, but should be considered with purpose. What vision do you have for your career and are your venues matched to that vision?

At the beginning of your career you are focused on building your resume and exhibition record. You are dying to get your work out there and seen by as many people as possible, so you are less picky about the location. As you begin to settle into your career and where it’s headed, you should become more selective. Your goals have changed. You have accomplished much and are ready for new challenges. For example you might decide that you no longer need to show at coffee shops or in juried exhibits.

Consider these questions when assessing a venue . . .

• How long has the gallery, festival or owner been in business?

• What is the foot traffic like?

• Is it easy to find? Easy to park?

• Does the neighborhood appear to be attracting those who are interested in art and culture?

• Is the venue sympathetic to your style, medium, subject matter?

• How is the Web site?

• Is there a rental fee?

• What other events are organized there?

• Is there a commitment to maintaining regular open hours?

• Do you want your work to be shown in this context?

• Do the staff members respond to your phone calls and emails?

• Is the staff trained in art sales or installations?

• Is it a place where people go to buy art?

• Is your art safe and insured?

• Do you respect the juror, curator, or organizer?

• What promotion plan is in place?

• Is there advertising?

• How many people are on the mailing list?

• How are costs and commissions split?

• Does it appear in the newspaper reviews or calendars?

• Is it dependent on good weather?

There are other questions to be asked depending on the venue under consideration. See more on the Art Biz Blog: http://www.artbizblog.com