#100 MASTER CLASS — THE ART OF THE SHOW (Nick & Ann)
Making art alone in one’s studio is one thing, showing it is quite another! What does it take to prepare for a show? What makes a cohesive body of work? What considerations come up regarding a solo or a group exhibition? Nick and Ann dive into these questions and much more as they reflect on their recent shows. Nick tracks the evolution of his solo show from start to finish, and Ann shares the development of her group show with two friends. This Master Class covers mindset, process, promotion and hospitality — all important considerations to put your best self forward with confidence and joy!
WATCH THE MASTER CLASS RECORDING
Please click here to watch our video walkthrough on how to download the audio and transcripts for all Academy materials.
*Please note that guest presenters are not necessarily Academy members available for commenting.
This duo! What a great way to present your takes on your respective shows!
It was so much fun to listen you both of you talk about your experiences and your processes to get your shows on!
Thank you!
I’ll be rewatching, as this one is extra inspiring.
There are two opportunities in my city, Chicago for submission to solo shows. I am saying YES! to these galleries, in spite of my fear. Thanks, Ann and Nick for always being a beacon of inspiration.
That’s great, Nick!!
Saying yes feels great!!! Good luck!
Terrific Mater Class, You’re both so generous with your insights and experience.
Thank you. I appreciate Ann’s pice that was in her studio for a year. I have such pieces as well so this is encouraging not to give up on something. Sometimes it’s just not ready.
Aloha and mahalo for sharing your personal experiences with exhibition dynamics. Since I spent this year in the Academy developing a body of artwork from my botanical monotype exploration, I was able to submit a solo exhibition proposal based on this thematic imagery. Once I realized I had the potential to mount a collection of my recent artwork, submitting an application was not very difficult. I could already imagine how another year to develop even larger formats would be possible and worthwhile now that I have this exhibition in mind. The Gallery Director plans a studio visit in January 2025 to see what I’ve been up to and to plan the exhibit together. This is a big deal for me. I’m filled with gratitude to have this supportive creative community to share all this with. Thanks again.
Thank you Anne and Nick. You two are a true blessing and this master class is a joy to listen to. This was so encouraging and at a level I can relate to. I am inspired and can see myself getting that show together ONE DAY. I have done local library solo shows so that’s a start:) Gracias
Keep up the great work:)
Such an uplifting and informative class! I have not yet had a show, and have wanted to approach a group or solo show opportunity in my community. I’ve also thought about showing in my local library, despite the not so great space. You have energized me to consider all of these, knowing that also my work may have multiple styles as I continue to explore where my work is going. Thank you so much!
This video was such perfect timing for me; it was just what I needed to keep me feeling fired up for my show in the spring. Thanks Ann and Nick for sharing some great insights and useful tips, but I’m also so inspired by how you both worked with such a tight time frame. I’m in my overalls, the music is cranked up, and I feel a good session coming on!
Just Amazing!!!!!!
Thank you… this is gold! 💛
Nick and Ann, thank you so much for this discussion. It’s always an absolute joy to hear your thoughts Ann, you’re such a modest but marvellous painter. I love your work! The colours, angles and sense of light.
It is also a joy to see how Nick’s work has evolved, many bigger, looser works and so great, that you still make the12 by 12s. There needs to be work accessible to different people.
Having not had a show since my college days, many, many years ago, this was so insightful. I am glad that you mention that it’s okay to make a start by just get something out there, somewhere but that the yes is yours!
Sometimes, just seeing interviews with artists who are already in this world of exhibiting and selling is overwhelming. We are not all that stage yet and hobbyists like myself need that encouragement and also need to see how the gradual transition is made from sharing work on social media to exhibiting in a public space.
Thank you again!
Great masterclass – really interesting to see how each of you approached the exhibitions. I remember seeing Nick painting during CVP for his exhibition and thinking how brave to book the date before starting the work – it looked stunning in the gallery as a whole collection. The PDF download also has great tips for preparing for an exhibition. When I put on my first solo exhibition earlier this year, one of the things I enjoyed most after planning the hang was choosing the music to be played in the gallery during the show – putting on an exhibition is a lovely chance to create a whole experience with the artwork at the heart of it, and as Nick mentioned, it is an incredible learning opportunity.