How to Have Your Own Art Show Without a Gallery

So you're dying to have your own art show, but you can't convince any galleries to show your work? Maybe you've had bad experiences with a gallery show before, or just prefer to keep everything under your control. Or maybe you just want to do it on your own for your own reasons. Whatever your circumstances are, there are ways to hold your own art show without having to rely on a gallery to do it for you. This article will show you ways that you can have your own art show without a gallery.

A common way for artists to show their work outside a gallery is to have an art show at a restaurant or cafe. Ask around, and eventually you will find a restaurant owner willing to help you. Some will let you have your show for free, to bring in customers, and for the free publicity your art show can bring. You can probably convince the owner to give you a discount on drinks and other refreshments for your show.

You can also have an art show in your own home. You probably wouldn't want to have your show open to the general public if your having it in your house. You can invite everyone you know, however, and ask your friends and family to bring their friends. Have lots of refreshments. Put your paintings up on your walls, or other works of art on display. Have a guest book where people can leave their names and addresses, and email addresses. Even if you don't make any sales, you will at least be able to start a mailing list, and get your work , and your name, out there.

Look for places you can rent or borrow for your art show. Maybe you have a friend or family member with a nicer and bigger house than yours that you can borrow for the night. Try asking friends who love to throw parties. You can also look around for commercial buildings to rent. In most cities there are community centers or halls that you can rent for a reasonable price.

You can also check out outdoor area, like parks or other community places. Just make sure it is somewhere where there is a lot of foot traffic. Ask the chamber of Commerce or other city official about it, you won't know what is possible until you ask.