Publisher's Desk: Want to See Your Art in a Gallery? Join Your Local Art League!

This week's guest article is by Jan Schrader -- an award-winning, contemporary abstract artist and author whose work is featured in private collections nationwide.

By Jan Schrader

Art BEAT Buzz Contributor

You don't need to be a Monet to see your artwork exhibited in a gallery setting. Simply join your local art league to enjoy all the perks membership brings including exhibit opportunities, helpful networking, educational classes, camaraderie and even sales.

Regardless of your level of expertise or experience, if you want your artwork to sell, it needs to be seen. And the big plus is the kudos your work can receive during professional judging -- recognition like ribbons, awards, even cash that can boost your credibility and build your own self confidence.

So many artists think their work isn’t worthy; they don’t know how to be “accepted” by an art league gallery. They think they must be juried-in to join and are afraid of rejection. Here’s the Big Surprise: most art league galleries don’t have a review process. They may have certain content standards (suitable for families) or a maximum number of members, but that’s it.

With most art leagues, you’re simply able to join for an affordable fee. The good news is most memberships are the ultimate bargain. Fees are often under $100 per year and look at what you get!

First, the general public also thinks you must qualify to be in an art league gallery. So, if you’re in, they'll think you must be pretty good. It’s instant credibility and instant prestige.

Next is exposure in the gallery during their member shows which often switch out monthly. Your work is on display in a recognized gallery among other artists, some of whom may have a great deal of credibility.

You'll also get social media exposure along with everyone else featured in the gallery that month. Additionally, some leagues provide an optional individual website, often for a nominal additional fee that is far less than paying for hosting your own site and paying a web master. This can be very important especially if you’re operating on a budget, lack technical skills, or simply don’t have the time to do it yourself.

Also, community exposure through live events and other promotions is another huge perk.

Some galleries, such as the Naperville Art League & Gallery (508 N. Center Street in Naperville, IL), have relationships with area businesses throughout the community to display members’ work for free in the league's "Art Around Town" program.

Leagues simplify the sales process for what you sell after taking a small percentage. They'll efficiently handle the transaction and taxes then remit a check to you. How good is that?

You couldn’t possibly get a fraction of this exposure and promotion without your spending thousands of dollars a year. And because of the league's mission, the required time and effort required to accomplish all this is minimal on your part. And, make no mistake, it’s such an incredible rush when you finally see your work under the spotlights in a real gallery, watching visitors pause to discuss what they're seeing in it. So, don't miss out on such an extraordinary opportunity -- find an art league (or two) to join today!

Subsequent articles will discuss other aspects of art league memberships and marketing for those artists with an entrepreneurial bent. ###