Art Show To Do List (+ hints)

18" x 12" mixed media on heavy cardboard
SOLD


ALREADY DONE:

• write proposal and get the show
• make lots of art
• choose what goes in the show
• document art work (scan & photograph)
  
• design invitation postcard, send to printer
  
• discuss mailing list with gallery
• frame shadow box assemblage pieces
  
• make decisions about matting and framing everything else, choose a framer
  

MAILING LIST:

• compile Mailing list (friends, family, colleagues, clients)
  
• enter names and addresses into excel spreadsheet (instructions here)
• transfer to Word to print onto sticky labels (same instructions apply)
• make appointment with gallery - have them print out mailing list labels ahead of time
  
• when postcards arrive from printer, apply my mailing list labels
• go to gallery to add their mailing list labels and bulk mailing stamp to cards

MORE ON PUBLICITY:

• design email version of postcard invitation
• design poster version of postcard invitation
• send out postcards, e-cards, put up posters
• post announcement & e-card on Facebook
  
• ask gallery what they're doing re: press release (so as not to duplicate efforts)
  
• possibly write press release and send to local papers along with art image
• pick art image for press release - print hi-res on glossy stock (if mailing hard copy)
  
• send press release to local college radio, and to one dj friend in particular

ART:

• look for response to follow-up email from framer re: price and wire hangers (I spoke to him yesterday - all of the 2d work - 43 pieces - have arrived safely. All matting & framing decisions are done)
• set prices (taking into consideration: materials, framing & shipping, gallery fees, postcard and postage expenses, size, and time to create each work )
• make labels for each piece and decide how to hang them
  
• finish last two pieces
• finish framing last shadow box (add glass)
  
• follow up with company sending clear sleeves for unframed daily collages - make sure order has shipped and will arrive on time
• follow up with framer to make sure they ship on time (I am using P.S. Art Company for the first time - very good prices, good reputation - hopefully good results!)
  
• hang everything on the appointed day (find a friend to help and then to take out for a celebratory meal?)
  

ETCETERA:

• plan for reception: food, drink, what to wear! (note to self: comfortable shoes)
  
• make personal phone invitations, and plans for dinner after reception
• check over contract with gallery to make sure I'm not forgetting anything
• make/get guest book for show, ask for: name, address, email, comments
• print list of art pieces: titles, size, media, price
• print artist's statement and bio
• compile statement, bio, art list into single document to leave with gallery front desk
• take it all down twenty days later
• rinse and repeat - at another venue!