I need to get some soap art.

What galleries or shows would an upcoming artist need to get their art in if they wanted more recognition?

• Or, do you know how I could find this information... I try to do internet searches but I can't find anything...and I don't really know what search words to use to get what I'm looking for. Thanks for any help you can give me. My art is realistic and impressionistic...very colorful, very bright....and I mostly do pics of women and children... I don't do abstract art (although I love abstract art)...

• Answer:

  Depending upon where you live, getting with other artists who know the deal is most helpful. In my case i was mentored in the beginning by two local but fairly well known artists who took me under their wing. I live in a small Midwest town, but it is well known for the arts and a national architectural location. We have an art association here rivaled by no town of it's size, i would bet. The nearest large city may be a place for you to start. Get a membership in whatever art organizations you can find. A festival and show guide for your region should also be available somewhere. Try your chamber of commerce or merchants association. Juried shows are the way to go for the kind of thing you do. DO NOT get mixed up in the craft venue if you can help it. You will likely never get what your art is worth and your reputation could suffer. You really must decide in the beginning what you want your image to be and then avoid the easy money route. Art show juries usually require slides and a brief application to enter. These shows are ones where the booths themselves as well as your work is often judged and prizes awarded in addition to sales you make. They often have other benefits as well such as pledged funds promised before hand by supporters who promise to spend a certain amount at the show which gives you an even better chance of selling. Once you get in with a few promoters of these events, you will recieve invites from others as well. Do photograph (and slides are better, as i said) all of your work before it's sold. If you cannot take high quality photos, have it done by a friend with decent camera skills, in your case, the color being very important. There are a million things to consider, from a canopy to marketing yourself, and i would suggest that you check out your local bookstore for many books now written for the amature artist. If looking on the web, start with your own state tourist board. They will often list shows and festivals, giving addresses for vender applications. Do understand that most shows are booked up to a year in advance and there are jury and entrance fees as well. i have paid anywhere between $40 and $400 to enter, depending upon the quality of the show. Your association with other artists is really the best place to start. Trying to do this with no suport is a lonely losing game. They are almost always willing to help a newbie, their success rarely a selfish thing. Email me for more if you like and i'll be happy to do what i can. Gentle thoughts...