One thing I’ve been thinking about a LOT lately is exhibiting. (Carter has been listening to me debate. He is very attentive.)
I haven’t submitted to an exhibit in years. When I first starting making art quilts I submitted a lot but then my interest shifted to wanting to build a business with a focus on selling supplies and teaching and writing. Exhibiting went by the wayside.
But now, as I have made a full circle back to where I started, I find I want to exhibit my work again. I have two series started and then some that i call “one offs”. I’m a SAQA member and my goal is to work toward becoming a Juried Artist Member. I really like having a long term goal, it helps me to build a framework for what I’m spending time on.
I’m curious what you think about exhibiting?
Do you have a favorite show that you like to submit to?
Do you only apply to textile shows or do you go for all media ones as well? Where do you find out about calls for shows?
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When I am in “exhibit mode,” I try to apply to Form Not Function at the Carnegie Museum of Art and History in New Albany, IN, Quilts=Art=Quilts at the Schweinfurth Museum in Albany, NY, and (of course) Quilt National. I DO try to do some local shows to bring some textile art to this rural area. I apply to shows that include all kinds of art. I’ve never applied to be in an exhibit at the Visions Art Museum, but that’s another one I’d like to enter. It IS a lot of work and a lot of expense to enter exhibits–photography, entry fees, and mailing costs. I’ve taken a bit of time off from exhibiting since I have a quilt accepted into this year’s Quilt National. I’m just taking some time to soak that in!
I forgot to mention Sacred Threads. That is one of my favorite shows–a wonderful experience if you can go in person.
After caregiving for the last 5 years I too am gearing back up. I moved my studio a year ago and I am still in boxes. I’ve been indecisive about setup needs and refocusing. I just got a couple of stitched shibori pieces ready to dye; a first in several years. Dyeing is my absolute favorite thing to do. So I’m starting small with maskmaking intent: I have some yummy precious organic cotton jersey from Alabama Chanin. And now ready to go. An OK just do it attitude, but it took awhile to see that. To jumpstart, I’ve been reading my library of books, keeping a bit of a scrapbook/ a sorta sketchbook journal of ideas and thoughts (happy and grieving) and color and texture collage, watching all kinds of Zoom fiber webinars and rejoining my favorite groups and joined a new one, the national embroiders guild. I even joined a cheap promo for Craftsy just to watch Alabama Chanin segments. My favorite exhibitions/shows are everything: fine art with all kinds of media, fiber shows, traveling shows especially with SAQA, self-produced shows and competitive shows at art centers, museums, invitationals of all sorts and even little spot shows in quilt shops. You get to meet all kinds of people. It broadens you. My website is unfinished and a mess and needs attention; a couple of classes are needed now as so much has changed. I’m considering hiring help at this point too. The thought of all that energy output again scares me! I say just start somewhere and let it build. I liken it to eating an elephant except I have a herd. So one bite at a time. For incentive I do need some good but simple elephant recipes! LOL
Glad you’re writing about this Lynn. There are lots of floundering artists out there who don’t know that this is common and especially compounded with covid.
Lynn, I’m excited that you are thinking about exhibiting. I encourage you to! I’ve never been interested – feel like it’s too much trouble, my stuff isn’t good enough, I can’t ever finish anything. But just in this last year, I’ve made art quilts to be in two SAQA IN exhibits. Now, they don’t have a choice – they have to take my pieces – but it’s really given me the courage to think seriously about entering some shows. As Beth mentioned, The Form Not Function is an awesome show. I go see it every year.
I too need a little push. I wanted to make becoming a juried member my goal as well and you know what stumped me? Getting the resume done. It’s half done and I left it. I’ve exhibited in a some regional SAQA shows and I always donate to the fundraisers,