Are you an aspiring artist looking to showcase your work in prestigious art galleries? In this guide, I'll share my journey of successfully getting my art into galleries and provide you with actionable steps to do the same.
It all started with my Pop Art Lion (2016) painting, which I submitted to the Las Laguna Art Gallery for their Women in Art (online) exhibition in 2022. But how did I get my foot in the door? Let me walk you through my Art Gallery Submission Guide.
Initially, I uncovered the potency of call-for-artist platforms like CAFE (Call for Entry) and C4E (Call for Entry France). These free platforms curate a plethora of opportunities, from contests to exhibitions, furnishing comprehensive details like eligibility criteria, fees, deadlines, and event descriptions. Utilizing your free account, you can bookmark calls, organize your portfolio, track deadlines, and process entry fees seamlessly.
With CAFE, I tailored my search based on my location and artistic aspirations, leading me to the Las Laguna Art Gallery opportunity. Below is a snapshot of CAFE's interface, set to "California" to match my locale, yet it also offers international listings. Hopefully, demystifying CAFE's front page makes it less daunting. Boldly stating "Find Calls. Apply. Manage Entries," it truly is that straightforward. Dive into call listings via the "Find Calls" tab to explore opportunities and create a free artist account to save promising calls. Additionally, I've included a glimpse of C4E, the French counterpart of CAFE, showcasing global platforms for artist submissions. So whether you reside outside the U.S., don't let geographical barriers hinder your search for "calls for artists" or "art submissions." I'm equipping you with the artist terminology to navigate these platforms and the rest of the internet confidently.
But it didn't stop there. In 2022, I went down a CAFE rabbit hole and explored listings for murals, utility box paintings, and even dog art shows, all offering paid art opportunities. After careful consideration, I chose the Las Laguna Art Gallery because it aligned with my location, accepted existing artwork, and had an affordable entry fee of $31. I do not have a screenshot of the original call post, but here is a current CAFE listing example as of April 2024 with the location set to "California."
The Women in Art exhibition was hosted by the art gallery, both online and in-person. Although I opted not to submit my physical painting, my work was showcased exclusively in the online gallery exhibition. Artists had the option to request space in the physical exhibition through the call type, and once selected, they could either personally deliver or mail their artwork. Rather than mailing my physical painting, I opted to scan it, trace it digitally, and upload the image to my CAFE account. With my entry fee, I submitted my artwork through CAFE, marking my entry into the gallery world. In just a matter of weeks, the art gallery compiled a roster of all the artists showcased in the exhibition, and to my delight, my name was among them. Shortly after, the Las Laguna Art Gallery website proudly displayed each art piece, complete with artist names, piece titles, sizes, mediums, and pricing details. While I didn't experience a surge in Emmyteddy sales or followers, seeing my artwork featured alongside other established artists on the gallery's website was a significant achievement in itself.
Despite the opportunity to attend the opening night, I hesitated due to transportation challenges and lingering nervousness. Looking back, I realize attending could have been a valuable learning experience. Despite my initial reservations, participating in the online exhibition for a fee of $31 helped alleviate some of my artist imposter syndrome. Reflecting on this, I now understand the importance of fully engaging in such opportunities. If I could advise my past self, I would emphasize the significance of attending the opening night, embracing vulnerability, and fostering supportive connections with fellow artists. Sharing these insights, I encourage aspiring artists to make the most of gallery experiences by actively participating, asking questions, and showing support for peers.
What did I learn from this experience? You don't need prior experience to get into art galleries; they are spaces where you pay to display your art, with the potential to market and sell your pieces. While I didn't intend to sell my work, I gained invaluable experience and a sense of accomplishment.
For aspiring artists, I recommend platforms like CAFE and C4E, as well as researching "call for artists" opportunities tailored to your niche or location. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to local galleries directly. Many galleries have "art submission" info in their About Us, Contact Us, or dedicated "Art Submissions" header, where you can inquire about carrying your artwork. The screenshot below displays the Las Laguna Art Gallery's top header, featuring tabs such as "Home," "2022 Women," "Calls For Entry," "Past Shows," "About," "FAQ," and "Purchase."
If you can't locate an "Art Submission" section on their website, reaching out via email is another option. In the subject line, I typically use "Submission Guidelines for Artists?" My template includes an introduction: "My name is [Emily Cardiel], and I specialize in [surface pattern design]. I'm reaching out to inquire about any submission guidelines you may have for artists." Then, I briefly explain why we might be a good match, highlighting similarities in brand stories or art styles. Finally, I include quick links to my website, online portfolio, and Instagram for reference.
Getting your art into galleries may seem daunting, but with a bit of research, determination, and a willingness to invest in your craft, you too can see your work showcased in prestigious galleries. Your art is invaluable and the art world is incomplete without your unique perspective. While social media offers a platform, it may not always lead to gallery invitations. Take charge of your artistic journey by extending your own invitation. Remember, there's a gallery waiting for your art to grace its walls – seize the opportunity to showcase your talent.
As always, I'm cheering you on toward your artistic triumphs. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I trust I've provided valuable insights, and I invite you to explore my other articles. Stay tuned for next Wednesday's piece, where I delve into the process of assembling my art portfolio, followed by a feature on public speaking tips. Your continued support means the world to me.
Opmerkingen