I'm busily preparing frames and mats for my application to a local juried show for this Saturday. I have to pick from several of the dog paintings. Sadly, I used two of my favorites in an application for a different show, and I haven't done many I am as excited about in recent weeks. I am picking from PoMD 2, PoMD 3(the left hand half), PoMD 8, PoMD 9, PoMD 10, and would welcome any feedback on your top selections. I am trying to finish two others this week, but with framing I am rapidly running out of time.
Over the past weeks I've been reading several art marketing books, currently Caroll Michel's How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist. As I was reading last night, she takes a fairly dim view of the benefits of juried shows. The idea that they both collect entry fees from all applicants rather than just the selected entrants, and additionally may take a commission of any sales could rub an artist the wrong way. It's a fairly expensive way to get a bullet on your resume, and there will be minimal publicity for the individual artists.
In the case of the show I am applying to, I am a little (just a little) sympathetic with this gallery since they are an artist's coop gallery in downtown DC, and I am sure they have big rent bills and tight margins. Plus I'm at a point where I'm happy enough to apply just to give me some goals for my work.
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5 comments:
My top three picks of these five would be 10, 2 and 9 - in that order.
I recently ran across a post on Lisa Call's blog regarding juried shows. You might find the information there of use. You'll also find a link there to many artists' personal accounts of juried shows in the comment section of Edward Winkleman's blog.
Thanks for the picks, and the pointers to Lisa's blog. Though I don't feel like I know alot about fabric arts, she seems pretty insightful. I don't expect I'm going to spend long focused on juried shows.
My three picks would be 8, 9 and 10.
I will be following your quest with interest. I also am (or was until Nov 16th - outsourced...) in Information Technology and an artist. Started selling my artwork a few years ago and it's getting better every year.
Also have a dog that looks a lot like your Pappy. Maxine is a 1/2 German Wirehaired Pointer 1/2 Black Lab.
Nat: I agree that juried exhibits have a place in an artist's early career. They are comfortable places where you can introduce your art in a sea of other artists. But then you want to stand out! Look for the best juried exhibits with the best jurors. Good luck!
Hey Nat,
I like all of 3 the best, and then probably 8 or 10.
Good luck, 3dogs
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