Showing Elsewhere

It is good for artists to show their work outside of the city where they live. It increases their exposure to galleries, artists and trends. It also allows them to seek new and different patrons and representation beyond their hometowns. (Some artists actually find more support outside of their communities, depending on how well their work fits in where they live.) However there are different challenges to overcome when exhibiting elsewhere, and it isn't for everybody.

From an artist's standpoint, it can be harder to research venues to determine whether or not you'll be a good fit. It is also harder to determine how professionally the venue presents itself or the artists it exhibits when showing out of town (a lot of places work hard to make themselves look good whether or not that is an accurate representation). The further removed one is from those he/she is working with, the harder it is to judge character, honesty and integrity - this goes for both the artist and the gallery representatives. Likewise, there can also be a disconnect between the artist and the venue which can cause miscommunication on both sides. (Non-local artists and gallery reps do not always have opportunities to meet one another in person, and many conversations between them happen via computer or phone and are too easily misconstrued.) All of these factors can play off of one another and cause undue frustration.

It can also be difficult to network from afar, as the artist may or may not have the resources or money available to travel for the reception. Some artists do not show out of town solely because they know that they would be unable to attend their own exhibitions. I have written about the necessity (or lack therein) of attending receptions in an earlier post here. However, the difficulty in seeing out-of-town shows and attending such receptions can have a great impact on whether or not an artist wants to show elsewhere.

Above all, when showing out of town artworks will likely need to be shipped, increasing the risk of loss or breakage and adding to the costs associated with showing one's work. Some venues are very specific regarding how works are to be shipped, through what carriers and when they can arrive. Very few carriers are as accommodating as either the artist or the venue would want. Artists need to consider the return shipping of their work after the show as well. Many venues prefer that return shipping labels be included with the work when shipped, but some carriers will not honor those labels after one month or two (and some shows can go longer than that by the time you factor shipping to the show, unpacking, curating & hanging the exhibition, the duration of the show, repacking and return shipment.

Because I want to connect with as many people as possible, I prefer not to limit myself to showing solely where I live. I have found that I really enjoy the input and exposure gained from showing outside of my hometown. When I first began showing my work, I was almost as active outside of my local community as within it. I have yet to take on a solo show beyond the local art scene due to the amount of work, expense and preparation that can go into such an event, though.