Art Show

Many conventions have art shows. This is most often like an art gallery set up for the purpose of displaying genre related art. This art can vary from from jewelry, to large or small sculptures, up through automobile sized objects, wall sized tapestries, and perhaps larger. The majority of pieces are typically paintings and drawings, most sized less than 20 x 30 inches. Often the art is for sale.

What’s an art show? It must contain art. Everything else is optional. The art is usually for sale by written bid and a voice auction, though neither is required. Art shows at conventions usually consist of work by many artists, obtained from the artists (or their agents). Most of it is for sale and sales are usually handled by the show. It may be original work, prints, or both. There is seldom any much editorial control. Other types of shows – beyond the scope of this article – include theme shows or historical retrospectives.

Art shows are labor intensive before, during, and after the convention (hundreds of staff-hours for a medium size show). Why have one at all? Even standard “convention type” art shows vary in their purpose. Some common reasons for having an art show include:

1. You just like seeing art. On a personal level, a good reason, but not very convincing to the convention committee.

2. Prestige. Running an art show will enhance the prestige of you and your convention. However, this requires a good art show. A bad art show is worse than none.

3. Audience draw (other people like seeing art). Having an art show will draw more people to the convention. This is a major reason conventions hold art shows ("the audience expects it" is the same reason in reverse). This also requires a good art show.

4. Make money. Alluring, but many art shows don’t make enough to cover the cost of their function space (it’s hard to say how many, because few conventions allocate the cost of function space back out to the individual functions). On the other hand, achieving reasons 1, 2, and 3 at no net cost is pretty good.

These reasons may determine whether you hold a traditional "show", an exhibit, or an "artists’ alley"; how the art is sold, and what you allow in the show. (see Art Show types)