How to Host Your Own Art Show & Connect with Buyers | Art Crush

In this episode of Art Crush, hosts Fi Marks and Paula Telizyn break down the crucial lessons learned from organizing an independent artist-run exhibition. As they prepare for their upcoming "Wild Within" show in Derby, Fi shares her recent experiences taking full control of a space alongside three other artists, treating it as a successful dry run. They discuss why artists must stop waiting for traditional gallery approval and instead step up to create their own welcoming, engaging, and unexpected art events. **In this episode, we cover:** - **The Power of Presentation:** The hosts discuss their strategy of wearing luxurious velvet at shows to project the image of successful, powerful creatives. This intentional wardrobe choice helps artists feel confident and signals to visitors that they are approachable members of the exhibition. - **Mastering the Meet-and-Greet:** Fi explains the importance of welcoming guests like a restaurant host, offering them water, and providing seating to encourage "slow looking". Removing the awkwardness of a traditional gallery visit makes attendees much more likely to connect with the art and the artist. - **Investing in Photography:** Trying to take your own photos during an opening night means you cannot properly engage with your guests. Hiring a professional photographer ensures you capture dynamic images of visitors interacting with the artwork, which is vital for marketing future shows. - **The Post-Show Deconstruction:** Removing emotional reactions after a show and treating the outcomes purely as data helps artists figure out what to improve for their next event. Asking attendees how they found out about the exhibition provides essential marketing insights that you can carry forward. - **Making "Unexpected" Art:** Traditional galleries often act as gatekeepers, pushing artists to create safe, commercial pieces that are guaranteed to sell. Fi and Paula champion creating bold, unique art that forces viewers to take a second look, even if it defies conventional expectations. Tune in to learn why forming a collective can empower your art business, and check the show notes for links to the fifty one percent collective and the hosts' individual websites. **---** **About Art Crush:** Hosted by artists Fi Marks and Paula Telizyn, Art Crush is your unfiltered look into the realities, struggles, and triumphs of running an art business. We tackle everything from deconstructing colonialism in the art world to mastering the modern hustle, delivering punchy, thought-provoking episodes designed to shake up your creativity. Listen and subscribe! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and your favourite podcast platforms. **Connect with the hosts:** Check out The 51% at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefiftyonepercent.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Fi Marks' art at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.fimarks-art.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Paula Telizyn's art at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.PaulaTelizyn.com⁠