Wednesday, March 4, 2009

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!

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