Gallery Tips: Simple Steps to Set Up, Display and Sell Your Art

Thinking about showing your work in a gallery? It can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need a magic formula. Break it down into three easy parts: planning, presentation, and promotion. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to hang your art, attract visitors, and make sales without the stress.

Planning Your First Show

Start with a clear goal. Are you looking to sell pieces, get your name out, or test a new series? Write that goal down and let it steer every decision. Next, pick a venue that matches the vibe of your work. A small community space works well for intimate pieces, while a larger gallery suits bold, big formats.

Budget matters. List all costs – venue fee, insurance, transport, marketing, and any printing you need for labels. Add a small buffer for unexpected expenses. When you know the total, set realistic price points that cover your costs and leave room for profit.

Choose a theme or story that ties the works together. Curating around a concept helps visitors understand the show and makes the space feel cohesive. Sketch a floor plan on paper or use a free online tool. Measure the walls, note lighting spots, and decide where each piece will live.

Making Your Exhibit Work for You

Lighting can make or break a piece. If the gallery has adjustable lights, aim for soft, even illumination that shows texture without glare. For paintings, a 45-degree angle works well; for sculptures, add side light to highlight form.

Label each work clearly. Use a clean font, include title, medium, size, and price if you’re selling. Keep labels at eye level and away from direct light. A short artist statement near the entrance gives visitors context and can spark conversation.

Think about flow. Place larger pieces at eye level where they can draw people in, then surround them with smaller works. Leave breathing room; crowded walls look sloppy and make it hard for viewers to focus.

Don’t forget the practical side of shipping and handling. Use sturdy, acid‑free packaging for prints, and bubble wrap or foam for fragile pieces. If you have to roll watercolors, follow the guide in our post “Can You Roll Watercolor Paintings?” – it explains when it’s safe and how to flatten them later.

Promotion is the final piece of the puzzle. Create an event on social media, share teaser images, and invite local press. Offer a small opening night incentive, like a limited‑time discount or a free print for the first ten visitors. Collect email addresses at the door; a simple sign‑up sheet can turn casual guests into repeat buyers.

After the show, follow up with a thank‑you email that includes photos of the event and a link to your online shop. If you sold prints on Etsy, mention any new listings or upcoming sales. Keeping the conversation going turns a one‑time visitor into a long‑term supporter.

In short, a successful gallery experience blends clear goals, smart budgeting, thoughtful layout, good lighting, and active promotion. Apply these steps, stay flexible, and you’ll see your art reach more eyes – and more wallets – than you imagined.