Exhibition Preparation

works in progress for 2014 exhibition

Today was the deadline for a publicity photograph for an exhibition I will be having in July 2014. It seems such a long time away but with this week's deadline, I have been thinking about the preparation required for an exhibition.

early PR photo for 2014 exhibition

I have been very naive about preparing for exhibitions. After the first one I had in 2012, I feel I know a little more, but am always seeking good advice. I found this article very useful . I used the headings from this article to put together a plan for myself.

1: Objectives and expectations
There are many reasons for staging a solo show. I need to be clear in my own mind what I'm hoping to achieve from it. Be realistic about what to expect from it.

- sales?
- publicity?
- networking?
- new commissions?
- workshop promotion?

2: “Gallery” Space
I am very fortunate to know my gallery space, Timeless Textiles which has published a guide for exhibitors. All I need to do is follow the guidelines and deadlines.
- location?
- clientele?
- costs?
- opening times?
- previous exhibitions?
- exhibiton checklist with timeframe

opening night - 2012 exhibition

3: Costs
The most difficult part of the process for me is the pricing, so I will seek advice on this.
- gallery hire?
- advertisting?
- framing?
- transport ?
- photography?
- advice on pricing?

4: Create
My plan involves creating a number of works per month. The theme and concept have already been completed.
- theme?
- drawings/plan
- range of work?

- 'wow' factor
- time frame
- project plan

opening night - 2012 exhibition

5: Marketing
Balance between marketing from gallery and personal contacts.
- gallery marketing strategies?
- personal marketing strategies ?

6: Exhibition
Keep to the deadlines!
- gallery responsibilities?
- artist responsiblities
- pricing?
- hanging?
- catalogue? photos/descriptions
- opening night?
- associated activities?

Now... back to my work area to try to meet some of those deadlines!

#SeptTextileLove26 Day8

SeptTextileLove #stl26day8 ‘Inspiring Exhibition’ … earlier this year , the Wednesday Makers Group at Timeless Textiles ( Newcastle, Australia) celebrated International Women’s Day with their exhibition, “Inspiring Women in Stitch’ - congratulations - inspiring women honouring inspiring women . link to video

#SeptTextileLove26 Day 9

‘ Craft or Art?’ … a continuing complex question, with, I guess, has no definitive answer. I’ve often wondered about traditional practices especially … as an example , temari ( Japanese stitched thread balls ). Even authorities on temari have called it ‘an ancient folk craft ’ as well as a traditional, highly artistic culture and skill in that each design shows the unique characteristics of the maker’s free ideas and creativity. ‘ (Japan Temari Association)… My mother taught me to make temari and she would always consider her own creations ‘craft’ and to me they are ‘art’! Craft or art? Does it really matter what we call the techniques or the outcome of what we create ?

Giveaway - Gifts for You on My Birthday

Giveaway Gifts T his week is blog giveaway time! Last week I celebrated my birthday. I’ve had far too many to count the candles, but I had a wonderful party on the weekend with my family - with an indulgent birthday cake, favourite foods cooked by my husband and great company. ( In case you were wondering about the writing on the cake , Por Por = Chinese grandmother) I also got great gifts from my family and friends. There seemed to be a bit of a theme this year – with many of my gifts and cards depicting matryshoka ( babushka) dolls and tea drinking. As it is also winter here in Australia , it was easy for me to decide what I could offer as gifts in this birthday giveaway. All the gifts are handmade by me. Gift 1 - two little fabric matryshoka dolls Gift 2- a little bag made from colourful teapot and teacup fabric . The design is called a jester bag, but it is suitable for carrying s...

Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Search This Blog