Best Free Art Exhibit Spaces You Haven't Thought Of

I just installed ten of my colored pencil art paintings at a local library, the St. Louis county library Daniel Boone Branch. for the month of April.  They were super nice and I love how my art looks among the book shelves!  The Greater St. Louis Artist Association has many opportunities for juried members to display their work in a variety of venues.

Call your local library to find out whether or not you can display your art - sometimes there is a waiting list, but they're very happy to have your work.

Last year I had an exhibit of my work at a local nursing home, Brooking Park.  This was also for one month.  The residents enjoyed seeing original art.  Many visitors came through the show as well as staff members - all potential buyers!  I was able to leave business cards and information about my custom house portraits.

I displayed my paintings in a local coffee shop for a month.  Unfortunately this one wasn't satisfactory for me - the owner took my paintings off the walls to put up another artist's work without telling me.  My paintings were sitting on a back shelf with the coffee for two weeks.  Ugh.  I still think this is a great idea, though.  I'm looking for a little restaurant or cafe next time.

I just heard an idea about showing art in a home - creating a private exhibit - on the Artists Helping Artists radio show with Leslie Saeta.  Sounds like fun, maybe wine and cheese?

So...think outside your art exhibit box...

Sold!

                                             ACEO  "Two Cherries"  Susie Tenzer on Etsy

Why Am I Buying This Painting?

I just sold three paintings at my first art show!  I met so many nice folks and it made me think about the three people who bought my art.  It seems kind of obvious, but the first question you should ask yourself is, do you like the painting?  You'll undoubtedly notice that the artwork has a certain artistic style that's appealing.. It might be brush strokes, a repeated image or a particular color palate that speaks to you.  Now, I've just got to make a personal comment.  A painting doesn't have to match your decor or color scheme - really!  Mixing types of art, contemporary and traditional, is what makes a room interesting.  At an art show, you can usually talk to the artist.  Ask about the piece - what's the process, the inspiration, the back story?  You'll often get entertaining and enlightening answers which will make the artwork more meaningful to you.  I sold a painting of a Koi pond.  I took several photos at a lovely Japanese garden in Seattle.  I spied an interesting looking duck being followed by a beautiful fish and voila, a painting was born!  Ask yourself if you like the artist and if you like the price.  Walk around the show to see if the piece you want to buy is comparable to other similar art pieces.   A note about bargaining - prices are sometimes flexible, especially at an art show.  Be courteous and reasonable, sometimes it works.  I was thrilled to have a successful show!  I'm looking forward to my next one at the Foundry Art Centre.  The Big Red Box holiday art show will be held in St. Charles, Mo. on Dec. 2 from 4pm - 9pm & Dec. 3 from 10am - 5pm.  Join me if you're in the area, I'd love to meet you!

                                                        Here's my booth at CraftOutLoud!