There’s a moment in every artist’s journey when the idea of exhibiting your work becomes more than just a dream. It becomes a goal. For many, that goal is shadowed by doubt. "Am I ready? Will galleries take me seriously? What if I get rejected?" I’ve been there.
I remember the first time I walked into a gallery to speak about my work. My heart was pounding. My voice shook a little. But I also remember the feeling of seeing my artwork hanging on clean white walls, beautifully lit and surrounded by people genuinely engaging with it. That experience was transformative, not just for my confidence, but for my career.
In an era of Instagram sales and online marketplaces, it’s easy to wonder whether galleries still matter. But for artists who want to grow their reputation, increase the value of their work, and be taken seriously by collectors, exhibiting is still a powerful milestone.
Why exhibiting still matters in a digital world.
Social media has revolutionised how artists connect with audiences. I’m all for selling work online, I do it myself. But the validation and visibility that comes with gallery representation still carries real weight.
Galleries aren’t just retail spaces, they’re cultural institutions. When a gallery selects your work, it tells collectors, curators, and critics: "This artist is worth paying attention to". That kind of endorsement is hard to replicate through hashtags and reels.
There’s also the sensory magic of a physical exhibition. The scale, texture, light, and energy of a space can never quite be captured through a screen. When people stand in front of your work in real life, it invites a deeper connection and a far greater likelihood they’ll invest.
From hidden studio to gallery spotlight.
What makes an artist ready to exhibit? It’s not about being famous or having a huge social media following. It’s about having a clear artistic identity, a consistent body of work, and a willingness to show up professionally.
Too often I see artists with incredible talent stall simply because they don’t know how to take the next step. They’ve got beautiful work piling up in the studio, but no roadmap for getting it in front of the right people. That’s where exhibiting and knowing how to approach galleries makes all the difference.
It doesn't matter where in the world you're based, the gallery scene is incredibly diverse. From coastal co-ops to slick inner-city spaces, there are many opportunities - but they won’t fall in your lap. You need to know how to prepare.
What galleries are really looking for.
Contrary to popular belief, galleries don’t just care about your art. They care about your presentation, professionalism and your understanding of their audience.
A clear, well-designed portfolio and biography go a long way. So does knowing how to price your work with intention. If you don’t yet have a pricing model, get clear on your costs and what your work is truly worth. A gallerist shouldn’t have to guess where you sit in the market, that’s your job.
And then there’s audience alignment. Understanding who buys your work. Where they live, what they care about, and which galleries they frequent. It’s not about mass appeal; it’s about finding your people.
Rejection isn’t the end, it’s all part of the process.
Let’s be honest, reaching out to galleries takes guts. Rejection can sting. But it’s rarely personal. Sometimes it’s timing. Sometimes your style is too similar to someone already on their books.
I’ve had galleries decline me only to come back a year later with interest.
What matters most is how you handle the no’s. Stay gracious. Stay visible. Stay consistent. The more professional and prepared you are, the more likely a door will open when the timing is right.
Remember, if you don't ask, there's no chance of a yes, which is ultimately a default no!
Exhibiting is more than hanging art, it's a career building exercise.
Your first exhibition is about more than sales. It’s about learning how to prepare, how to promote, how to collaborate with galleries, and how to speak about your work with confidence. Every show teaches you something new.
I created my guide, EXHIBIT: A Beginner’s Guide to Exhibiting Art, to help artists navigate this path with clarity. It’s everything I wish I knew starting out - from portfolio building to pricing, marketing, installation, and working with galleries. It also comes with an audio guide you can listen whilst you're busy in your studio.
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Ready to learn more and take the next step?
Exhibiting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools and mindset, it can be the most exciting step in your creative journey.
Learn more about my guide here.
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