How to Prepare for Your First Gallery Exhibition: A Complete Guide for Emerging Artists
Published by The Holy Art Gallery | January 2026
Exhibiting your artwork in a gallery for the first time is a milestone moment in any artist's career. Whether you're showing at a local venue or an international space like those hosted by The Holy Art Gallery in London, New York, Paris, or Tokyo, proper preparation can make the difference between a successful debut and a missed opportunity.
Having curated hundreds of exhibitions featuring emerging artists from around the world, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate your first gallery experience with confidence.
Understanding the Exhibition Timeline
Most gallery exhibitions require preparation that begins months before the opening night. Here's what a typical timeline looks like:
3-6 months before: Apply to open calls, research galleries, and begin creating work specifically for the show if needed. Many galleries, including The Holy Art, offer open calls that welcome artists of all backgrounds and experience levels.
2-3 months before: Once accepted, finalize your artwork selection. Consider how pieces will work together as a cohesive body of work. This is also when you should begin documenting your work with professional photographs.
1 month before: Prepare all logistical elements including framing, shipping arrangements, artist statements, and pricing. International exhibitions may require additional time for customs and shipping.
1-2 weeks before: Confirm all details with the gallery, prepare your biography and any promotional materials, and plan your attendance at the opening reception.
Selecting Your Strongest Work
Choosing which pieces to exhibit can be one of the most challenging decisions for first-time exhibitors. Here are key considerations:
Quality over quantity: It's better to show three exceptional pieces than ten mediocre ones. Each work should represent your best efforts and unique artistic voice.
Cohesion matters: Even in an open-theme exhibition, your selected works should feel connected. Whether through medium, subject matter, color palette, or concept, viewers should recognize a throughline in your presentation.
Consider the space: Research the gallery's dimensions and lighting. A massive canvas that dominates your studio might get lost in a cavernous gallery, while intimate works could be perfect for a smaller, focused exhibition space.
Show range within focus: Demonstrate your technical abilities and conceptual depth without becoming scattered. If you work in multiple mediums, consider focusing on one for your debut to establish a clear artistic identity.
Professional Presentation
How your work is presented speaks volumes about your professionalism as an artist:
Framing and mounting: Invest in quality framing that complements rather than competes with your work. For contemporary pieces, clean gallery-style frames or floating mounts often work best. Ensure all works are exhibition-ready with proper hanging hardware.
Documentation: High-quality photographs of your work are essential. These will be used for the exhibition catalog, promotional materials, online galleries, and your ongoing portfolio. Consider hiring a professional art photographer or learning proper documentation techniques.
Artist statement: Craft a clear, engaging artist statement that provides context without over-explaining. Avoid jargon and speak authentically about your inspiration, process, and intentions.
Pricing Your Artwork
Pricing art is both art and science. As an emerging artist, consider these factors:
Research comparable artists: Look at what artists with similar experience, medium, and exhibition history are charging. Gallery websites and art price databases can provide useful benchmarks.
Calculate your costs: Factor in materials, time invested, framing, shipping, and any exhibition fees. While you shouldn't price purely on cost, understanding your investment helps set a reasonable floor.
Consider the market: Different cities have different art markets. A piece priced for a New York gallery may need adjustment for other locations. International exhibitions give you exposure to diverse collectors with varying budgets.
Be consistent: Once you establish prices, maintain consistency across different venues. Collectors and galleries notice significant price variations.
Shipping and Logistics
For physical exhibitions, getting your work to the gallery safely is crucial:
Professional packing: Invest in proper art shipping materials. This includes acid-free paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors, and sturdy boxes or crates for larger works.
Insurance: Consider shipping insurance, especially for valuable pieces or international transport. Document your work's condition before shipping with detailed photographs.
International considerations: When exhibiting abroad, research customs requirements. Some countries have specific documentation needs for artwork. Galleries like The Holy Art often provide guidance and recommended couriers for international shipping.
Return arrangements: Understand the gallery's process for returning unsold work. Many galleries handle return packaging and labeling, but clarify these details in advance.
Making the Most of Opening Night
The opening reception is your moment to connect with collectors, fellow artists, and art enthusiasts:
Attend if possible: Nothing replaces being present at your exhibition. If you're showing internationally, consider traveling to attend—the networking opportunities and experience are invaluable.
Prepare your pitch: Have a concise, engaging way to discuss your work. Practice explaining your pieces to friends beforehand. Be ready to answer questions about your process, inspiration, and background.
Network authentically: Collect business cards, connect on social media, and follow up with meaningful contacts after the event. The relationships you build can lead to future opportunities, sales, and collaborations.
Document the experience: Take photos and videos of your work installed, the venue, and the opening night atmosphere. This content is valuable for your portfolio and social media presence.
Digital Exhibition Opportunities
In addition to physical shows, digital exhibitions have become an important part of the contemporary art world:
Reach global audiences: Digital shows remove geographic barriers, allowing collectors worldwide to discover your work without shipping concerns.
Lower barriers to entry: Virtual exhibitions often have lower participation costs and simpler logistics, making them ideal for emerging artists building their exhibition history.
Complement physical shows: Many artists participate in both digital and physical exhibitions, maximizing their exposure across different platforms and audiences.
After the Exhibition
Your work doesn't end when the show closes:
Update your CV: Add the exhibition to your professional resume, including the gallery name, location, dates, and whether it was a solo or group show.
Request feedback: Ask the gallery for any collector inquiries or feedback they received. This information helps you understand your market and refine future presentations.
Maintain relationships: Stay connected with the gallery, fellow exhibiting artists, and contacts you made. The art world thrives on relationships built over time.
Build on momentum: Use your exhibition experience to apply for future opportunities. Each show builds your reputation and opens doors to the next.
Taking the First Step
Every established artist once faced their first exhibition with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The key is to begin—research opportunities, prepare your best work, and present yourself professionally.
Galleries that specialize in emerging artists, like The Holy Art, exist specifically to provide these crucial first opportunities. With locations spanning London, New York, Paris, Athens, Tokyo, and digital platforms reaching global audiences, finding the right venue for your debut is more accessible than ever.
Your first exhibition is just the beginning of your journey. Approach it with preparation, professionalism, and authentic passion for your work, and you'll be well on your way to building a sustainable art career.
About The Holy Art Gallery: The Holy Art Gallery is an international contemporary art platform offering exhibition opportunities in major cities worldwide. We welcome artists of all backgrounds to submit their work through our open calls for consideration in our physical and digital exhibitions.
