Released on = March 9, 2007, 1:19 pm

Press Release Author = Arlene Wites/The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = Tips to get your art work shown in a gallery

Press Release Body = Fort Lauderdale -- Ever wonder where to begin and how to
exhibit your art in a gallery for the first time? Award-winning fine artist and
instructor Mimi Botscheller, who has been teaching art for over 30 years at the
Florida design school The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, offers these tips for
getting your work on display.

1. Create a developing body of work. Consistency in style is important. To have a
one person show you must have 30 -50 pieces of completed current work.

2. Develop a resume. Unless your work is nothing short of brilliant, most dealers
are reluctant to offer a show to an unexhibited artist.

3. Shoot slides and photos of your work. Just get in the habit of photographing work
as soon as you finish one or two pieces. Split the roll between one or two pieces of
art, so that you have multiple copies to work with. Make sure work appears
professional, no visible backgrounds, i.e., tress, etc. Or better yet, have a
professional photo lab shoot your work.

4. Enter museum and college shows, or exhibit work in a not for profit space. This
will get your name, and work around. You may even be mentioned in newspaper reviews
through these venues.

5. Research galleries before any personal contact is made. Find out the type of work
the gallery is exhibiting, and determine if your work is compatible with the styles
of work the gallery represents. For example, if your work is representational, a
gallery that shows abstract art will more then likely, not be interested in your
work.

6. Attend museum and gallery openings. Observe the artists' presentation, gallery
clientele, and the way the dealer conducts their business. Introduce yourself. Over
a period of time your face and name will become familiar in the art community. At
this stage, do not approach the dealer about your work. A phone call or email during
regular business hours, to acquire and appointment is preferred.

7. Create a book or presentation of your slides and photos. Keep your samples down
to 6 - 10 pieces of available work. All of your samples must be consistent in style
and your best work.

8. For galleries that you have researched and are out of your area, you may mail
samples directly. Include a cover letter, resume, slides or color copies. If you
want your samples returned, include a self-stamped addressed envelope.

9. Call and make appointments to meet with your selected art gallery representative,
or dealer. Do not bring original works to the gallery, unless specifically requested
to do so.

10. Invite art dealers to your studio to review your entire body of work. By this
time the dealer should be acquainted with you and your artwork and will be ready to
consider you for an exhibition. Be prepared to be able to discuss your concepts,
style and pricing during this studio visit. Remember most dealers expect a 50% - 70%
commission for selling your work. Galleries are in business to sell your art. If you
start out by pricing your work to high, it will be difficult to find a client who
can afford it! Many times a dealer will offer you an opportunity to exhibit in a
group show. That way they don\'t have to make an exclusive agreement right away, and
can get reactions from their clientele. Once you are in the door, onwards, and
upwards!

Good luck in exhibiting your art work in a gallery.

Learn more about The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale www.aifl.edu.


Web Site = http://www.aifl.edu

Contact Details = 1799 SE 17 Street
Ft. Lauderdale FL 33316
1.800.275.7603

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