Planning my first solo art exhibition has been an exhilarating and demanding endeavour. Drawing from my recent experience preparing for an exhibition at the Spout Yard Gallery in Louth, I can attest to the multifaceted nature of the planning and execution of such an event. From January this year, over the course of a two-month period, I navigated the intricate processes of creation, selection, production, and administration, and in hindsight, a three-month preparation period would have been ideal. With this whole process being such a learning curve, I thought I’d share some of my observations and insights along with some tips to assist fellow artists in their exhibition journeys.
Spout Yard Gallery
Situated in a corner of the lovely market town of Louth in Lincolnshire, Spout Yard Gallery is a purpose-built space dedicated to nurturing local arts. Nestled within Spout Yard Park, a community-run haven featuring a children’s play area and a kiosk offering refreshments, the gallery provides artists with a modern multi-use venue to showcase and sell their work.
Having visited an art exhibition by Jason Carlisle in October last year, I was encouraged to book a date to have my own solo exhibition, and when booking this, March 2025 seemed a very distant dot on the horizon!
Month One: Creation and Selection
Rolling in January meant I really needed to get my head down and start the long process of planning the exhibition.
The initial phase focused on developing new designs and curating existing pieces for inclusion.
My key considerations were:
- Thematic Coherence: Ensuring the collection conveyed a unified narrative or concept.
- Diverse Appeal: Incorporating a variety of styles and mediums to cater to a broad audience.
- Spatial Awareness: Aligning the number and size of artworks with the gallery’s dimensions.
- Researching Print Companies: Exploring various printers and testing sample papers to ensure the prints met desired standards.
Tip: Visit the exhibition space beforehand to visualise the display and make informed decisions about artwork selection and arrangement.
Month Two: Production and Framing
With the artwork finalised, the next step involved producing high-quality prints and framing. This stage encompassed:
- Selecting Frames: Choosing frames that complemented the artwork and adhered to the exhibition’s aesthetic.
- Framing Process: Meticulously framing each piece, a task that proved more time-consuming than anticipated.
Tip: Allocate ample time for framing, as precision and attention to detail are crucial. Starting this process early can alleviate last-minute pressures.
Month Three: Administrative Preparations
My final phase should ideally have taken place in month three. However, as I’d only allowed myself two months, I had a VERY busy final few weeks in the Month Two phase, and found myself involved in a series of comprehensive and labour-intensive administrative tasks to ensure a seamless exhibition experience:
- Artwork Documentation: Labelling each piece with its title, medium, and completion year.
- Certificates of Authenticity: Preparing these for originals and limited editions to authenticate the artworks.
- Inventory Creation: Developing a detailed inventory to track artworks and sales efficiently.
- Artist Statement: Crafting a compelling narrative to provide visitors with insight into the exhibition’s theme and the artist’s journey.
- Commissions Book: Setting up a sketchbook of bespoke and semi-bespoke designs for potential customers to look through at the event.
- Wall Labels: Designing and placing informative labels alongside each artwork to enhance viewer engagement.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the time required for administrative tasks. Starting early and maintaining organisation can prevent last-minute stress.
Additional Considerations
Beyond the primary phases, several other aspects contribute to a successful exhibition:
- Promotion: Utilise social media platforms, local press, and community boards to generate interest and attract visitors.
- Pricing Strategy: Research market trends to price artworks appropriately, balancing accessibility with the value of your work.
- Engagement: Prepare to discuss your work and creative process with visitors, fostering a deeper connection and potential sales. As much as I dread face-to-face events, I loved this part – talking about my art with interested people!
- Contingency Planning: Anticipate potential challenges, such as delays or technical issues, and have backup plans in place.
Conclusion
Whilst I have a background in marketing that includes event planning and management, the preparation phases for my first solo art exhibition proved to be a very involved and labour-intensive process that demanded creativity, organisation, and huge bags of resilience. And, it was something I felt underprepared for, despite starting with a two month lead time. By allocating sufficient time (and this is key!) for each phase and attending to both artistic and administrative details, you can create a memorable and successful exhibition. Remember, the journey is as significant as the destination, and this is something I must remind myself of. Each step offers valuable learning experiences that contribute to your growth as an artist. I’ve learned a huge amount throughout this whole process and feel armed with a little more knowledge in preparation for future events.
