Preparing for and Art Exhibition without losing your mind

A no-fluff guide to preparing for your next art exhibition—from choosing your strongest pieces to pricing, framing, and promoting your work.


How to Prepare for an Art Exhibition (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you’ve ever felt the thrill of being accepted into an art exhibition—followed immediately by the panic of “What do I do now?”—this post is for you.

Preparing your work for a show doesn’t have to be stressful, but there are a lot of moving parts. From selecting the right pieces to framing, pricing, and promoting—it’s a whole thing. So let’s break it down.

1. Choosing the Right Work

The first question you’ll ask yourself: What pieces should I exhibit? And no, “my favorites” is not always the right answer.

Here’s what to consider:

  • Cohesion: If you're submitting multiple pieces, do they feel like a set? A strong exhibition often tells a visual story or showcases a consistent style.
  • Impact: Think about what stops someone in their tracks. Your best work might not be the most complicated or technically perfect—it might be the piece with the most presence.
  • Theme Matching: If it’s a themed exhibition (like “Resolution” or “The Wild”), make sure your work aligns clearly with the theme.
  • Objectivity: Ask a trusted artist friend or mentor to help you decide. You’re too close to your own work—we all are!

2. Framing & Presentation

This step can make or break how your artwork is received. Even the best painting can look amateurish if it’s in a cheap or mismatched frame.

Tips:

  • Frame Consistently: Use frames that suit your medium (e.g., deep frames for pastel under glass) and don’t compete with the artwork.
  • Matting: Clean, neutral matting can add polish—just make sure it doesn’t overwhelm smaller works.
  • Hardware: Double check hanging requirements. Most galleries want D-rings and wire, not sawtooth hooks.
  • Label Your Work: Include your name, title, medium, and price. Check whether the venue provides labels or if you should.

3. Pricing Your Work

Ohhh, the dreaded pricing section.

Here’s how to approach it without overthinking:

  • Base It on Size & Materials: Create a price per square inch/cm system if needed.
  • Don’t Undersell: Resist the urge to “keep it affordable” just to make a sale. Undervaluing your work sends the wrong message.
  • Stay Consistent: Your pricing should match what you charge elsewhere (website, previous shows, etc.).
  • Emotion-Free Zone: This isn’t about what it’s worth to you emotionally—it’s about what’s fair for the skill, time, and value.

4. Promoting the Exhibition

Don’t leave this part to the gallery!

Here’s how to do your part:

  • Post Early & Often: Tease the event in advance on Instagram, Facebook, your newsletter, and even local bulletin boards.
  • Show Your Process: Share behind-the-scenes peeks of framing, signing, packaging, or titling your work.
  • Tag the Venue: Help them help you. Most venues will re-share posts they’re tagged in.
  • Use Hashtags & QR Codes: Include local event tags and consider adding a QR code on your signage that links to your artist website or online shop.

5. Opening Night Energy

Even if you’re shy, try to show up—it makes a difference.

What to expect:

  • Talk About Your Work: Have a 1–2 sentence summary in your pocket about each piece.
  • Business Cards or Flyers: Don’t make people guess how to find you online.
  • Photos & Memories: Take a photo next to your work, even if you feel awkward. It’s a milestone.

Final Thoughts

Exhibiting your art is a powerful step. It gives you visibility, builds confidence, and connects you with other artists and collectors. Is it a little scary? Yep. But it’s also worth it.

So go for it—pick your best work, frame it beautifully, stand proudly beside it, and share it with the world.

You never know who might be inspired by what you’ve created.