Tips for Applying to Juried Art Exhibits

In October, MEG will host Success as an Artist, a six-hour seminar led by Catriona Fraser, owner and director of The Fraser Gallery and an expert on what it takes to develop a successful fine arts career.  

Below are some tips Kate shared with MEG ahead of time on applying to juried exhibits. 

Exhibiting your work in juried exhibitions is a quick and easy way to build up your resume, gain experience, expose your work to a new audience and with any luck, build your collector base. 

Work of David Febland represented by Kate Fraser

You will need to set aside a few hours each month to do research and prepare your materials. The following are some tips to help you make the most of your efforts:

1.    Check the deadline for submissions.
2.    Enter every exhibit that doesn’t have an entry or hanging fee.
3.    Enter every exhibit that is non-juried..open to all that submit.
4.    If there is a fee, do more research.
5.    Call the organization and ask how many entries they typically receive and how many do they typically select.
6.    Ask how many juried competitions they have each year. Having more than a few could be an indication that the gallery is using monthly entry fees to support the gallery…probably one to avoid.
7.    Enter competitions with well-qualified judges. A museum curator trumps an art consultant.
8.    Make sure that your work fits the theme of the competition..if there is one.
9.    Don’t send images of very similar work.
10.  Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your work.
11.  Write legibly and follow the rules regarding size of work and image files.
12.  Remember to include a SASE.
13.  When your work is selected, send a thank you note to the judge with your "packet."
14.  Send press releases to local media and to your mailing list.
15.  After the exhibit, send a thank you note to the organization with your "packet."
16.  Enter other juried competitions with the same judge.
 
For more tips, consider attending Kate's seminar on Thursday, October 25 and Thursday November 1, 2012 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Multiple Exposures Gallery. More details are available here. Register by e-mail: info@thefrasergallery.com or by phone at 301-718-9651.