Exploring Alternative Paths: How and Where to Show Your Art

This post aims to empower you to take action on showing your art. You have the work, the photos, the words, and a price. Now, where do you go? My hope is that this guide will open up the world of possibilities beyond the traditional gallery.

You have a body of work you’re proud of, professionally documented, with statements and prices at the ready. The studio walls are getting full. The big, daunting question arises: “What now?” The traditional gallery path is just one road on the map. Let’s explore the vibrant, alternative paths available to today’s artists.

1. The Local & Social Scene: Art Markets and Pop-Ups

   

• The Vibe: Energetic, direct, and personal.
• The Pros: You get immediate feedback and sales, build a local following, and keep 100% of the profit (after the stall fee). It’s fantastic for building confidence and connecting with your community.
• The Cons: It requires an inventory of smaller, lower-priced works and can be weather-dependent.
• How to Start: Search for local artisan markets, school Christmas fairs, or pop-up events in cafes and shops.

2. The Digital Store front: Online Shops

• The Vibe: Accessible, global, and open 24/7.
• The Pros: Your audience is the entire internet. Platforms like Etsy, Instagram, Pinterest, or even having a shop on your own website allow you to sell from your studio anytime.
• The Cons: It requires you to drive your own traffic through social media and marketing. You’re also responsible for packaging and shipping.
• How to Start: Choose one platform and start by listing three-five of your strongest pieces. Use the high-quality photos you’ve already taken! Don’t try and do all of the above at the same time. Pick one, run with it until it is successful before trying the next platform.

3. The Personal Invitation: Open Studios

   

• The Vibe: Intimate, authentic, and powerful.
• The Pros: There is no better way to sell the story of your work than by inviting people into the space where it’s made. It builds deep connections and allows you to show a large body of work. For the past 15 years I have taken part in Open Studios, made fantastic connections and also gained students for classes I deliver in my studio. It has also allowed people who have attended classes I have taught at their art groups an opportunity to see all the work I create. I tend to give generous discounts to these visitors. A win-win for everyone.
• The Cons: It requires opening up your private space and involves significant preparation and “hosting” energy. I tend to enlist my husband on these occasions. He serves drinks and snacks and helps me to locate works packed away which might be of interest.
• How to Start: Participate in an organised local open studio tour, or simply host your own weekend event for friends, family, and collectors. Find other artists in your area and put on a trail show, produce maps showing the trail and drum up interest by collectively showing this way.

4. The Collective Spirit: Join an Exhibiting Group

   

• The Vibe: Collaborative, supportive, and consistent.
• The Pros: This path offers the structure of regular exhibitions without having to organise everything yourself. For a modest annual membership fee (often £50-£100), you gain a curated exhibition calendar in local venues, a dedicated page on a group website, and, most importantly, a ready-made community of peers for advice and support.
• The Cons: The success of the group depends on a positive and collaborative spirit. In a small group, personality clashes or differing expectations can sometimes lead to friction, so it’s crucial to find a group with a good, professional dynamic. Spaces are often limited to maintain a close-knit feel.
• How to Start: Look for local art groups that are actively recruiting new members. Don’t be afraid to ask about their exhibition plans for the year and the overall ethos of the group to ensure it’s a good fit for you.

The beauty of the modern art world is that you don’t have to choose just one path. You can sell originals online, offer prints at a market, and host an open studio once a year. By exploring these alternative paths, you take control of your artistic career, one connection at a time.

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