I am counting down the days to my Tennessee road trip . My car will be loaded with new work to exhibit at The Arts Company in downtown Nashville. Last year, I sold a large piece and had some money in my account. I had not seen the South and needed to deliver a piece to Atlanta. So, I decided to just get in my car, with a few of my works and my resume, and just drive South. I went to Little Rock, Memphis, Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville and Hot Springs.
In each location I looked up galleries, went in and introduced myself. Some galleries were nice and took my info and I moved on. A couple places I had great conversations with gallery managers and in two locations I made a connection. Drawl Southern Contemporary in Little Rock and The Arts Company in Nashville. I am represented by both of these galleries now.
A year after this trip and I am having a show with Kansas City painter Laura Nugent at The Arts Company and an artist talk with her on Friday, June 30th hosted by Paul Polycarpou of Nashville Arts Magazine.
It was tough to just cold call one gallery after the next. I forced myself to do it. The gallery managers I encountered were all very nice. No one screamed at me, or told me I was a lousy artist. My advise to you is don't be afraid. Get out there and give whatever you are longing for a try.
If you are in Nashville during July come see my works at The Arts Company.