art exhibit - how to start one?

Question

I am going to have an art exhibit this year! but not sure how to go about it!
I check google and i received a few great articals but maybe i need someone else to help me.
Should i have a cover charge? should other artist pay me to be in the exhibit? any other nice new ways with out putting holes in the wall to hang these works. . any ideas for a theme... Should i let the artist sell their work at this exhibit or just have a table for them to set up other options? Anything along these lines or any other help ful tips you can provide please share!
Thanks!

Answer 1

Generally artists pay a commission when they sell their work, but you could cover your costs by having a smaller commission (10%) then ask for a small fee from the exhibiting artists.

Ask artists to bring their own display tables &/or easels. Most venues won't let you hang anything on their walls, and many artists have moveable displays for this reason (a portable wall-like structure made for affixing art). Let the artists display their own work, but mark out a space in advance so they're all equally represented. This is how it's generally done.

Art sells best when the artist sells it - have the artists man their own space. They can do shifts if it's a long run - say, a week - and that's good for security too.

Definitely ask for some help - it's a big production, from advertising to set-up, refreshments to clean-up.

Have fun. and good fortune!

Answer 2

I'm guessing you're just starting out so i wouldn't charge cover. Most small galleries have a 'by donation only' policy. And since you're just starting and you want to make friends in the art community, i wouldn't charge an entry fee. Where are you doing this? for how long? Are you an artist? Generally you have to put some holes in the walls to hang the art, unless its all free standing sculpture or something else (all books? Interactive art? performance? music? a mixture? you could create a theme that forces the artists to create something that doesn't hang? all on podiums? on tables? on the floor? hanging from stands?) I would definately let the artists sell their work. We artists are a poor, hungry lot. The possibility of selling is always appreciated. Maybe don't post prices though? Not everyone likes to look at art and then see a price tag beneath it. Have prices cataloged in a book in case anyone inquires.
Get a few artists together and brainstorm some ideas of what, where, when, how to advertise, how to coordinate, etc. Make it a group effort. Make sure you listen and everyone is prepared to listen and be fair. Good luck. hope some of those ideas help.

Answer 3

There shouldnt be a cover charge, but the paintings should be available for a price. I would put the artists in different areas, where they can talk to people and answer questions about there work. As for a location, I would talk to a local restaurant, and ask them to host it, it would be free publicity for their venue. (it could be a nightclub, bar, restaurant, etc) Unless you are hosting it at your home? As far as the other artists paying you: If they sell a piece of their work, then you should get a percentage of it. and make them sign something prior to the show. Hope this helps. :)