ArTips©-The newsletter dedicated to the business of art.

Sometimes practical, sometimes techy, always helpful.

Are you ready to REALLY start maximizing your exhibition opportunities? Here's a few tips to help make it go smoother.

1. Get a good, realistic target list together. Maybe it's art centers, maybe it's college and university galleries, or maybe it's commercial galleries. Your list should reflect wherever you currently are in your career.
2. Now get a notebook or some file folders. Dedicate one page or one folder to each of your prospects.
3. Contact everyone on your list (e-mail or telephone is fine). Find out their submission guidelines and the name of who you should send your package to. If your target is commercial galleries, also make sure they are accepting new artists and whether your art fits with the gallery's goals. Keep all this information in your notebook or folder. If this process is too time consuming, work with an assistant who can do it for you.
4. Organize your timeline. Smith University may be accepting submissions until May, but Jones College's cutoff date may not be until September.
5. Lastly, don't forget to send your slides (or digital images) at the appropriate time. Include a well written letter and any other information required (artist's statement, bio, etc.).

By organizing your efforts you'll appear more professional, there will be less chance of overlooking an opportunity, and the entire process will be easier.

If you're in the Philadelphia area, look for my ARTBiz column each month in Art Matters.