I was asked to put my photos in an exhibit... WHAT NOW?!

augustmelody

I need a crash course on framing/matting, hanging, display, pricing, and all of that good stuff.

This is the email I got-

Hi Marielle!

I missed you yesterday, but here is the info on the next KAA exhibit.

On Sunday the current exhibit is taken down and pictures for the next exhibit are dropped off at KAA between 5:00 and 7:00 pm.

The theme for this one is "Matters of the Heart." However it is not necessary to abide by the theme. You can hang whatever you wish.
I am not sure how many works you can hang, but I know it is at least 3, and if you brought more, it probably would be just fine.

This show is an all-member show. If there is any problem with the fee, let us know. You put a price on your items and if one sells, you receive 70% and KAA receives 30%. Usually if an item sells, the purchaser must wait until the end of the show to pick it up. We do make exceptions for out-of-town purchases. In addition, you may leave prints in the cart for purchase.

The show will be hung during the week and on Sunday afternoon - Feb 15 - there is a reception at KAA. The artists and board members provide refreshments for the reception - nibbles, appetizers, cookies. And you are asked to gallery sit sometime during during the length of the show.

In addition, the annual Student Show follows this one. You can hang in both shows. Given the quality of your photos, I would encourage you to do both. The show attracts different audiences.

Please think it over seriously. And if you have questions please ask.

Take care!

Thanks in advance for whatever help I may get

colourbox

You can simply buy pre-assembled frames and mats at a standard size. This is the easiest way to get started fast. To save money you can assemble your own frames, cut your own mats, order your own glass/acrylic, and build the frame kits yourself, but there is a bit of a learning curve and practice. The more frames you will show/sell, the more economical it will be to assemble your own.

"Making money" depends on pricing. You have to cover the costs of printing and framing, and your own labor, before you can say that you "made" any money at all. The more pieces you hang, the more overhead you have to pay off before it isn't a loss.

Ultimately you should ask these questions of the gallery staff. They know what sells well there, and should be able to recommend materials and methods, unless they are not very photo-oriented. They may suggest optimal sizes for their customers, the degree to which you need to use archival materials (or not), suppliers of less expensive framing materials, pricing, etc.

You may have the most difficulty with pricing. Materials costs are easy. Factoring in your labor and experience is harder. Then the most difficult part is the part of the price that represents the artist's reputation, the value of particular type of art in the local market, the value of the subject matter, the value of the technical execution, the print size, etc. Maybe the gallery can advise you here too.

You need to know how they hang. A picture rail, nails in walls, etc. and bring appropriate hardware, who provides the hanging wire, etc.

Manfr3d

Congratulations! Be careful not to underprice your photos or nobody will buy them. Checkout which price segment the Gallery hits with the works they show there. It should reflect the financial capabilities of potential buyers that go to that gallery. Oh and don't brag about that you are a complete newbie at this. Be honnest ask for help form the gallery if necessary, but don't make anyone buying or displaying your work look like they made a bad deal. Good luck with the exhibition!