Juried Shows – Selling Art
Structures #55 ©2006 33" x 74"
Stuck
I’ve talked about them before. On and on. Saying I won’t enter them, or limiting how many I enter. All the drawbacks, etc.
Then I went and entered a bunch last fall in the midst of me feeling like I wasn’t getting anything done in my life and I was feeling pretty down. Given that my dad was sick and passed away in October and my boyfriend of 2+ years broke up with me a few weeks before the funeral, I am going to say in hindsight I was probably WAS being way too hard on myself.
But enter the shows I did, and as usual, I got accepted, which is, of course, why I entered. I knew I’d get in, I knew it would boost my ego and I’d feel better.
So I ask myself – If I knew I would get in – why was I entering these shows? It sure sounds like the behavior of someone that is stuck in an easy comfortable place and not challenging herself.
I know, I’ve said it before. This time I’m going to listen. A few weeks ago I was ready to swear off every juried show out there and declare that I would never again enter any juried show ever.
I decided to let these thoughts sit for a while and see how it feels.
Selling Art
I came to the conclusion that there are a couple of juried shows that might still be worth the expense. There is something that seems so wrong about the artist paying to exhibit their art, but if the benefits out way the costs it can be worth it.
Today, for me, that means the show needs to sell a lot of work, and more specifically my work. If I believe the show can do that, then I will enter it. Right now there are 2 shows that I have this faith in – one is Quilt National and the other is Art Quilts Elements. And I’m open to the shows I entered this last fall giving me the same faith by selling my work during the show.
The above piece is currently traveling with Quilt National 2007. It didn’t sell at the opening but I’m ready for it to sell now. I think this is one of my really excellent pieces so I believe it will find an owner that will love it enough to purchase it.
I love being an artist but I am done paying to be an artist. My art is going to sell, and I am going to get unstuck and move my art career forward.
Other Thoughts on Juried Shows
I’ve been planning on this post for a few weeks, waiting for my thoughts to gel. Then today Alyson’s newsletter and blog post over on art biz blog were on this exact topic. Some of the very questions I was asking myself about juried shows. A highly recommended read.
[The newsletter link will only be current until Jan 21, 2008 - read it quick because it's a really excellent list of questions to think about when entering juried shows. Her weekly newsletters are an excellent source of art business advice - worth much more than the price - free! You can sign up through the newsletter link above.]
Posted by Lisa in: Art Exhibits
Tagged: Alyson Stanfield, ego, juried shows, selling, structures series
I love being an artist but I am done paying to be an artist.
I LOVE that statement. I was reading my favorite blogs this morning looking for a bit of strength. I found it. I will put those words on my bulletin board.
I am so happy I stumbled across your website from a google search today. you have some wonderful pieces and great ideas! I love your perspective!
I would just add that a reason (from a viewer’s perspective) for you to enter a show or two is for the opportunity for other people to find out about your work. I first saw your work in Quilt National (both earlier and this past year); it is a gift to your viewers to be able to see your work. I will never be in a position to buy one of your quilts (except for one of your art cards, which I’m delighted to have!), so I’m grateful to have an opportunity to occasionally see one of your quilts “in person.” That said, I entirely understand and am in sympathy with your reasons for not entering a multitude of juried shows.
Enjoyed the link and yes, it bring up a lot of very important questions. I don’t mind paying a fee when I feel there is a genuine interest by the gallery or group etc, in promoting art and said show, but there have been so many that are just doing it to make a buck off the artists and they are shams really. My last experience burned me (and I didn’t even have to pay to get into the show) from juried shows indefinitely (unless I really really a respect the juror or the venue).
My recommendation for you Lisa is to write a book. Your style is unique, recognizable and absolutely spectacular. You have a real talent with the written word. Your workmanship is flawless. I’d love to see your techniques in a book. How you dye fabric, your inspiration, construction techniques, all sprinkled with your art journey. Anyway, I’ve never heard you discuss that option and I would love to own that book!
“So I ask myself – If I knew I would get in – why was I entering these shows?”
Because you are a smart woman who knows that a little ego boosting is needed when life is hard and loss strikes. I do not mean to correct you in your assessment of your choices, but it truly seems to me that seeking an opportunity for easy success after great loss is so constructive and smart.
In any case, you make a good point regarding the need to be picky with or even completely avoid juried shows. The fact that the sale of actual quilts is not the economic motor of the art quilt field spills over to art quilt juried shows. They are a good marketing tool for those who sell derivative products such as workshops and, as Penny says above, they are a gift to the viewers.
“I love being an artist but I am done paying to be an artist”
BRAVO!!! You’ve given me my war cry of the year!
After gathering all my financial facts for the end of the year,the
only debt I created was the poor business choice of doing a show to help out
the bottom line of a friend’s gallery. No more decisions that put me in debt.
The juried shows, not calculating the true value of my costly framing,and most importantly….pricing my work so I can support myself! I have the credentials .I have the sales….I need the resolve. Thanks Lisa!
Helen
http://pineshorestudio.blogspot.com
Love hearing your thought process, as always, Lisa. And it’s been interesting watching your metamorphosis–the change from being ambivalent about sales to your new desire to stop losing money. (I’m sure you never WANTED to lose money in the first place.)
BTW, the Art Marketing Action newsletter is just up for a week, but it’s podcasted at http://www.artbizblog each Wednesday. AND, the newsletter archives will soon be available to all on ArtBizCoach.com. Thanks for the mention.
I fully agree. I cut down my list of competitions to a very small number (3). I only will submit my work to shows that (a) I respect, (b) I respect who they pick as winners, and (c) are able to give me something more than just a line on my resume.
Yes! Write a book!
Alyson – hurray the archives are coming back!
Julie and kathy- I’ve thought about a book like you mention. First plan is just a book of images of my work. By the end of the year.
Daniel – yes – C is key for me now – I have more than enough lines on my resume – I need something more.
Helen – yes – hurray for you – no more paying to be an artist.
Angela – thank you for the reminder – you are right – it was a good thing to do. Although now I’m paying the price with the packing and shipping and it’s not making me smile so much.
Jafabrit – sorry you got burned – that stinks.
Penny – thank you! I will keep looking for places to show my work as I do love sharing it (you are right – that is important) – but I don’t think I should have to lose money to do it.
Denise – thank you – I appreciate comments like yours quite a lot.
Kim – cool – I get to be a quote :)!!