11 Steps to a Successful Fine Art Show Opening

These DIY publicity tips are mainly for visual artists who are scheduling their own shows and holding exhibits in small local venues.

How to Host a Successful Opening for an Art Show

1. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Ask the Venue

Before scheduling any kind of fine art show opening in a non-gallery venue, ask the venue first. Do not assume that because they agreed to an exhibit they will also agree to an opening.

2. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Set the Date and Time

The art show opening does not have to be on the very first day the show opens. It should be during the first third of the exhibition time. If this is not feasible, schedule on another time during the exhibit and call it a "Meet the Artist" night.

3. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Have a Portfolio

Have your portfolio of non-exhibited artwork available for attendees interested in seeing your other work.

4. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Have Business Cards

Also have a stack of business cards at the entrance and or exit, and at strategic locations in the venue.

5. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Publicize

You need to publicized the opening with posters, web site announcements, and in the local media.

6. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Price the Artwork

Pre-price the artwork before the show. If you do not want to have formal pricing below each piece of art, have a list of prices available for any interested parties.

7. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Be Prompt

Your art show opening is not the time to be fashionably late. You are both the guest of honor and the host.

8. Meet and Greet everyone

Make it a point to work the room. Greet those you know that have come out to support you. Introduce yourself to those you don't know.

9. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Pop the Cork

Any art show worth its salt serves wine. Depending on the venue, you may be serving coffee. Serve something to drink, anyway.

10. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Feed Your Guests

A large part of attracting guests and keeping them is to serve finger foods. A standard cheese and cracker plate with some grapes is fine to serve. Have friends bake up some cookies or brownies, too.

11. How to Host a Successful Fine Art Show Opening: Guest List

Have a blank book available with plenty of writing utensils of all colors for guests to write in. At the top of each page, write, "Name, address, email address." By collecting this information, you will continue to grow your list of people interested in your art.