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Hi Michal,
I got into my next solo exhibition by emailing the gallery owner who followed up to make an appointment. I took in samples of my work which she loved and she offered me an exhibition on the spot. I think it helped that she knew the woman where I have work on consignment in a nearby town, which I mentioned in my second email. She was the first gallery I had shown this new work too, which she appreciated as well. Other solo gallery opportunities have been through a formal submission process. The biggest thing that has helped with that has been having professional photos taken of my work since art school, having this documentation there and ready. Group exhibition opportunities have come through Instagram, getting involved in community art projects and through other artist friends.
I must admit that as an emerging artist moving to mid career in some situations (fourth solo next year, planning to do two per year from here, doing community projects regularly and building an new portraiture arm of my business) that I have been pretty careful not to approach galleries that are out of my league. That are more focused on solid mid-career artists. Though I’m starting to wonder about this….am I waiting too long? I’m thinking it is good to be steady and patient and build the relationships over time. I’m interested in your thoughts.
Helen
