Solo exhibitions...an expierience!

Well, let me give my view on the subject. Solo exhibitions are a great way to get your work seen and admired. However, a great deal of thought must go into it before you display your works. Firstly, remember that a solo exhibition is just that...it is an exhibition of your work, for people to come and view, admire, assess, and critisise! So, ensure that it contains the very best of your endeavours, and that you work is presented in the best possible way..suitably framed etc. Secondly,choose a venue that will ensure goood viewing, in other words, a place where people will have easy entry to the venue (good passing trade!). Remember, although it is great to sell your work, primarily, the point is to get your work seen, a "coming out", if you will! Then, there is the cost! Yes, it will cost you an amount of money to set it up. Cost of the venue (gallery etc), framing of your works, printing of brochures/invitations, and of course, the cost of refreshment (wines) and finger food at the opening! Hopefully, a few good sales may cover your costs, but most times, for your first solo, you will probably have to bear the costs. Try and invite those who have a genuine interest in art, so that you will recieve genuine feedback, at least! Remember, a lot of viewers who will attend, are only there out of casual interest, and maybe to grab a free wine! So at least with your invitations, try and invite those that may be potential customers! The bottom line is, though, that if you really want to conduct a solo exhibition, (and I would encourage it), be prepared to run at a loss, so that if you sell, sell sell..then it will be a bonus! Professional artists who are known, and have a reasonable reputation, most times do well at solo exhibitions, but if you are new to the scene, as i said earlier, be prepared to run at a loss. But, hey, you gotta start somewhere! Go for it!