Getting Ready for a Gallery Show

It’s coming down to the wire as I get ready for my gallery show in October. I thought I would post some of the details and activities that need to be done in these last 4 weeks.

Me with my nice new frames

The most recent challenge was to narrow down the list of paintings I would be showing, along with pieces I am still working on and plan to finish, and deciding what I needed for frames.

Always order frames with enough spare time to account for any hiccups. I ordered 16 frames, and two of them were damaged. But because I have time I will get replacements next week. I will still need to check that my choices are good, and if need be, order new frames.

Have to re-order due to damage

Finishing work. While I would not recommend having to finish paintings just prior to a show, I imagine this is a pretty normal occurrence. There is always one more piece you hoped to get done and that is where I am now. I don’t “need” these final pieces, but I sure would like to get them done.

Postcards! If you are sending out postcards, better plan to have them at the printer about 4 weeks before the show. It will take a week to get them, and you want time to send them out ahead of the show.

Still working on finishing pieces for the show

Talk to your gallery, make sure everyone is on the same page with dates, reception details, food, announcements and the like. A good relationship with the gallery is essential. Knowing they will help you put on the best show possible is comforting, but don’t rely on them. Double check. Plan. Communicate and follow up.

Social Media planning and PR. Do you know who you want to reach just prior to the show? Do you have planned posts to your social media channels? Are you advertising (probably too late for that now). Have you contacted the usual outlets for listing your event? Have you enlisted friends and colleagues to help spread the word and generate some buzz?

Review your plan. Finally, on almost a daily basis, review your plan. What isn’t done that needs to get done. Where does your time and attention need to be over these next few weeks.

When this is over I will post my experience and some lessons learned. This is my first solo gallery show so I am sure there will be some surprises, positive and negative, that I can learn from the next time around. And if you live nearby (in the northern Vermont area) and want more details about this show, it will be at the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery on Barber Farm Road in Jericho. It opens on October 12th with an opening reception from 1-4 on Sunday October 15th. Come by and say “Hi”. I will be the tired looking guy probably putting finishing touches on the paintings on the wall 🙂

 

Painting Giveaway

I have an offer. It’s simple really, share my work with friends who may be interested and you could win a free painting by me!

In an effort to reach more people with my art I am asking my friends and loyal followers to help spread the word about my art. I thought, “What better way to thank those who have been supporting me over the years, than to give them a chance at winning a free painting?” So, that is what I plan to do.

I have a solo show coming up at the Gruppe Gallery in Jericho in October, and at the end of that show in November I will choose one painting to give away to a lucky supporter. Including shipping (in the U.S.) So even if you can’t make that show, or don’t live in the area, you could be eligible. How?

It simple really, all I ask is that you share my next newsletter, which will be out in about a week, with three or more friends you think might enjoy my art. That’s it. Simple. You will not only be helping me reach more people, but introducing my art to your friends. Thank you!

This next newsletter will have all the of the details on how you become eligible. Of course you have to be receiving my newsletter to be able to forward it to others. I only put out a newsletter a few times a year, and you can unsubscribe at any time. If you aren’t currently on my newsletter list you can sign up easily either to the right of this post at the top, or from the home page of my website here: Home Page (scroll down to the bottom.)

I thank you all for your support over the years and I wish you the best of luck. Who knows, maybe I will make this an annual event!