Where to hang, baby!
After they created art, artists need to think about whether they want their art to be seen and where. Although there are exceptions, many artists work their way up in the art food chain and start small… hoping to hit it big and show in ever more enviable and “reputable” places. Of course, an artist does not even have to show their work to be an artist, do they? But most of us want people to see what we make. And for artists who want to sell their work, or even make a living from it, the question of where to hang their art is even more important.
Most of us don’t have a Theo Van Gogh, Vincent’s brother who continually loaned him money and supported his work. Even more of us are not Picasso, who could pay for dinner by doodling on a napkin. So we have to think more and work hard to get our work seen, and hopefully appreciated, by others.
So where to hang? Well for me the answer to that question has been answered through one important concept: networking. Networking isn’t just for bankers and lawyers. Artists benefit from networking, as well. You can learn from other artists, and even your non-artist friends, about places that display art.
In Charleston, there are a variety of venues for exhibiting your work. Gallery Eleven, an artist cooperative at 1033 Quarrier St., displays work by a variety of member artists. Art Emporium, 823 Quarrier St., displays work and even has an exhibit space in its 2nd floor loft. One of my favorite places, which doesn’t even have an art focus per se, is Visions Day Spa, 238 Capitol St. With a new 10-week art rotation schedule, artists can get their creations seen by hundreds of people each month who are getting massages, manicures and hair cuts. Hey, don’t laugh. Even if you’re shown in more serious places, locations like Visions can be a good place for new and/or experimental works. And with the better commission rates, you can keep 80 percent of your sale price compared to 50 or 60 percent in other galleries.
Of course Taylor Book’s Annex Gallery, Callen McJunkin/Steve Payne, the Art Store are more accepted and often respected locations for exhibiting. It can be much harder to get into these galleries, but they provide great support for artists and valuable support and guidance as well. Galleries often take more of a commission, but they also give more to the artists they choose to represent.
There are all kinds of creative and innovative ways to have your art shown as well. On two occasions, I’ve used the Covenant House Art Space, 600 Shrewsbury St., to stage shows. They ask for no commission, although donations are welcome. Of course, hours are limited and the location is definitely off the beaten track so that’s the downside. But if you can create a big opening night, then it can be a success too.
Plus, there are a variety of competitive exhibitions that you can apply to. These often require a registation fee, but if you get a piece in it’s great visibility. Or ask your socialite friends to host a party profiling your art — this might be an unconventional, but lucrative way to show and sell.
When you have art you want shown, or even better a selection of multiple pieces, contact different people and ask if they would review your work. Do they want to see the original pieces or would they prefer images on a CD? If you have an artist resume, bring that too. The ideas of how to have your work seen are limited only by your own mind… so get busy hanging out.
Do you have ideas of where to show art? Send them to the LocalArt blog and we’ll include them online.
– By Amy Williams
