How to Curate Your Own Art Show

A Guide to Self-Representation for Artists

‘Tis the season when we start thinking even more about sales…and about our new year’s goals. One way you can do both is to make your own art exhibit. Curating your own art show is a great step in taking control of your career and presenting your work on your own terms. Think of it as an opportunity to tell your story and show your audience exactly what you’re about as an artist. From finding the right venue to organizing your work and promoting the show, the journey involves a lot of planning and hands-on work, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. Here’s a guide to help you take charge of your art career and bring your own exhibition to life.

Finding the Right Venue for Your Art Show

One of the biggest decisions in curating your show is picking the right venue. Think about the kind of space that would best fit your art and the vibe you want to create. Sometimes, the traditional gallery space isn’t the right fit, especially if you’re aiming for a more intimate or unique feel. Explore options like local cafés, community centers, or even unconventional spots like empty storefronts or parks (I’ve even had “Yart” sales—yard art sales…depending on weather, of course!). These places often add a unique energy to the work, bringing out new dimensions in how viewers experience it.

Approaching potential venues can feel intimidating, but having a clear proposal makes all the difference. Be ready to introduce yourself, explain your vision, and share how you see the show coming together. Venues want to know that you’re serious and organized, so a little prep goes a long way. Your proposal doesn’t have to be elaborate—just be authentic and show your enthusiasm for making it work.

Planning the Layout of Your Art

Once you’ve secured a space, the real fun begins: planning how to display your art. Take some time to get familiar with the space. Walk through it, notice the lighting, the wall space, and how people naturally move around the room. You’ll want to place your work in a way that feels inviting, creating a visual flow that makes sense. Try to picture how visitors might move through the exhibit, and set up the layout so it guides them along that path.

When selecting which pieces to include, aim for a cohesive collection. Think about which works will complement each other, or perhaps provide a contrast that adds depth to the show. Each piece should add something to the overall experience you’re creating, giving viewers a look into your creative journey. Curating your own show means making tough choices about what to showcase, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to tell a story through the selection and arrangement of your work.

Getting the Details Right: Mounting, Framing, and Lighting

The technical details are a big part of making the show look polished and professional. From mounting and framing your pieces to adjusting lighting, these elements can make a huge difference in the final presentation. You might need to get hands-on with some of these tasks yourself, which is all part of the learning process. If you’re not familiar with certain skills, don’t hesitate to ask for help or do a bit of research.

This is where preparation really pays off. A well-lit piece can have a completely different impact than one that’s shadowed or positioned poorly. Take the time to experiment with lighting and make sure each piece is shown in its best light. It’s these little adjustments that can bring out the details and make your show look professional and cohesive.

Promoting Your Art Show: Getting the Word Out

Promotion is one of the most critical steps in curating your own show. After all, your work deserves an audience. Start with the basics: create an event page or press release that includes the venue details, dates, and a few words about what visitors can expect from the show.

Social media is your best friend here. Share your journey leading up to the show—behind-the-scenes snapshots of your setup, sneak peeks of specific pieces, and updates on your preparation process all help build excitement. Use social platforms to connect with local art communities, bloggers, and any media outlets interested in covering arts events. This outreach can broaden your reach and attract people who might not otherwise know about your work. Even if you’re not used to promoting yourself, think of it as a way to share the excitement and invite others to celebrate with you.

Making the Most of Opening Night

The opening night of your show is a great opportunity to meet people face-to-face and engage with them directly. This is your time to connect, to answer questions, and to share insights into your work. Being present and open can make the event memorable for your audience and give you a chance to see their genuine reactions. It’s a mix of celebration and learning experience. I chat a lot on this site about building community, and something like this is a great way to start building up those steps.

Having some practical items on hand, like business cards, price lists, or a pamphlet about your work, can be helpful. This way, people can easily take something with them to remember the show or connect with you later. Also, consider having a guestbook or sign-up sheet to capture contact information from interested viewers. This is handy, also, for building up a newsletter, which many artists and makers do. These follow-ups are invaluable for building relationships with potential buyers, collaborators, or simply fans of your work.

Reflecting on the Experience

Once the show wraps up, take some time to reflect on the experience. Think about what went well and what you might want to adjust next time. Curating your own show is a huge learning opportunity, and each one will teach you something new. Review everything from the layout to your promotional efforts and consider what made the biggest impact.

Curating your own show is ultimately about telling your story, connecting with an audience, and building your confidence as an artist. It’s hard work, but seeing your art on display exactly as you intended it is deeply satisfying. You’re in control, and you get to create a space that fully represents who you are as an artist. This is your chance to share not just your art but your vision, making every step of the journey worth it.