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Making Your Own Opportunities: Alternative Art Spaces

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.” – Francis Bacon

Submitting proposals to galleries is a competitive process, with a lengthy wait time before receiving an exhibit offer.  In the meantime, you want and need options to introduce your art to the market. So what should you do? Make a decision to create your own exhibit opportunities by using alternative art spaces.

Many artists have benefited from showcasing their work in places like coffee shops, dental offices, and book stores. Such spaces are an excellent compensator for the traditional art gallery because they increase artists’ chances of reaching potential buyers.

Want to have your next exhibit outside of a gallery? Here are 10 ideal places you should consider:

• Bank lobbies
• Libraries
• Corporate buildings
• Medical offices
• Law firms
• Churches
• Culture centers
• Store windows
• Restaurants
• Banquet halls

Another resource to consider contacting is art consultants. Art consultants advise small businesses, corporate real estate planners and many other institutions on acquiring art to display in office and public spaces. They are constantly seeking artwork to full-fill their clients needs; so it would certainly be worthwhile sending your portfolio to several consultant firms.

These helpful tips will have you well on your way to making new opportunities to exhibit your art.

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Friday Art Chat: Do You Know Your Niche?

Michael, a portraitist, decided to express his love for canines on canvas. He completed a series of paintings of various canines, and submitted it to numerous galleries and art fairs. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the number of sales he anticipated. Michael created beautiful works of art; so why didn’t he reach his sales goal? Because he missed an important step; he didn’t define his niche in the market.

Michael’s series of canines could have been marketed to more than just art enthusiasts. He could have considered reaching an audience that shared his love for dogs. Dog owner groups, local dog shows, and breeders associations, would have been very receptive to his paintings, not because of an interest in art, but because of their interest in dogs.

At times, to gain more sales, artists have to practice thinking outside of the box. Certain themes and subject matter can be marketed to an audience that doesn’t necessarily include just art collectors.

Do you have a success story of how you researched the market to determine your niche, helping you expanded your exhibiting and selling options? Share your story with us.

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Friday Art Chat: Are You Willing to Take Risks?

“Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take risks.”  - Mark Rothko

As an artist, do you play it safe, or would you rather push the envelope?  Do you stay in your comfort zone, or do you dare to create without boundaries?  Share with us your thoughts and experiences on choosing whether or not to take risks in art.

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Artist Interview: Diane Clement

By Lauren Cronan

Diane Clement is a local artist living and working in Richmond, VA. She began as a self-employed sign writer and graphic artist, but in March of 2003 she began a fine art career as a self-taught painter. Primarily working in her yard, she produces oversized abstract paintings inspired by her surroundings. Since the switch from commercial to fine art, she has taken part in over 40 juried group shows and over a dozen solo shows.

Garden Art by Diane Clement

Nature is Clement’s biggest inspiration. Recurring themes in her work include flowers, winter trees, clouds, the sky, moon, and sun. Sometimes naming her pieces begins the process, and other times her children will recognize shapes amongst the abstraction and name the piece. Clement’s mother was a realistic painter, but Clement prefers abstract art. Since a young age, she has been throwing paint on walls and painting outside the lines. She has experimented with many kinds of art, but painting is the apple of her eye. Continue reading →

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Friday Art Chat: Connecting to the Art World through Social Media

Nearly five years ago social media became a part our lives and changed the way we communicate.   It seems everyone, regardless of social status or age, has joined the social media revolution.  You can find just about anyone’s profile on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.  It has been reported an estimated 234 million Americans are members of at least one online community.   Continue reading →

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