Episode 224: The Challenges of Exhibiting

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell

Whether it’s your first exhibit or you are a veteran of many, an upcoming show of your work can take you on a wild ride of emotions and expectations. In anticipating the planning, production, and stress involved, you may even wonder, why bother? Yet for most artists, being able to show their work in a public space is important to their identity as artists. In today’s episode, we’ll look at the benefits and rewards of exhibiting and the role it plays in an art career, as well as some of the emotional and logistical challenges.

Showing their work is vital to most artists because it completes the circle of communication, allowing others to receive and respond. Creating and exhibiting a body of your work is a significant event that allows your audience to have a complete and immersive experience of what you do.

There are lots of logistical challenges that we covered in our previous episode (#223). But there are other, more inner issues to confront. For example, expectations for an immediate response and sales can fall flat. The opening reception often does not yield even a single sale since many people who attend regard it as mainly a social event. Especially if you are showing for the first time, it is important to understand that it may take a while for results. And even experienced artists may have exhibits that for one reason or another, fail to produce sales or leads.

Exhibits typically last three weeks or more and the period while it is up can be stressful as you wait for news and wonder how things will evolve. And sometimes sales happen well after the show ends. So as with many aspects of an art career, patience is important, and if things do not go well, know that your art life will go on, and other opportunities will come along.

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What's new at Cold Wax Academy?
Rebecca and Jerry have just announced their topics for Fall Quarter which begins October 12. With a special focus on member participation, they are planning a couple of new features--one will be online mentoring to help with issues in creative practices, and one session this quarter will be devoted to members tracking their painting progress over the past year. The quarterly member critique and a painting clinic for works in progress will also be featured, along with further information on professional development. You can sign up for one of two membership levels at any time, and catch up on the past two years of recorded weekly sessions at your own pace.

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information.

Also-- stay tuned for information coming soon about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can learn more and make a reservation by emailing [e-mail]. A dedicated Espacio website is coming soon!

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

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For more from The Messy Studio:
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For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.