It’s That Time of Year!
The end of the school year is here, and that means it’s time for an art show! After navigating the challenges of virtual exhibitions during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to return to in-person student art shows.
In this post, I’ll share my top tips for preparing and hosting a successful in-person art show, particularly in a gallery space.
Why Host an In-Person Art Show?
If you’re in the early stages of teaching art or building your program, hosting a student art show in the community can significantly boost your visibility. While school-based shows are great, bringing student work into the public eye elevates the experience and expands exposure.
There’s something truly special about seeing student work displayed in a professional gallery space. It adds credibility and elevates the entire event. Over the years, I’ve had students tell me that showcasing their work in a gallery was the deciding factor for taking advanced art classes like AP Art.
For example, my AP Studio Art class hosts an annual end-of-year exhibition at Four Corners Framing & Gallery in downtown Mooresville, NC. This incredible opportunity, graciously offered by my friend Kim Saragoni, has been a huge motivator for students and a chance to spotlight their hard work.
If you’d like a step-by-step guide for showcasing student work in creative spaces, check out my Classroom Display Ideas for Art Teachers in the Mrs. T Fox Resource Store.
Fox’s Tips for Hosting an In-Person Art Show
1. Find a Local “Gallery Space”
Think you don’t have options in your area? Think again! When I first started, I approached a local gallery, shared my students’ work, and emphasized the draw of parents and family members as potential visitors.
If a formal gallery isn’t available, explore alternative venues like coffee shops, libraries, or community centers. These spaces can be just as effective. Looking for a checklist to help you get started? Check out my Art Show Venue Checklist in the Mrs. T Fox Resource Store.
2. Frame the Work Gradually
Framing student work can be a huge task, so don’t wait until the last minute! Set aside time every few weeks to frame pieces. I even display framed work in my classroom throughout the year to inspire students.
For affordable framing tips, check out the Budget-Friendly Framing Toolkit in the Mrs. T Fox Resource Store.
3. Invest in a Mat Cutter
A Logan Mat Cutter is a worthwhile investment—I’ve had mine for over 11 years, and it’s still going strong. If you’re framing student work on a budget, this tool will save you time and effort.
4. Display a Consistent Number of Pieces
Limit each student’s displayed work to around 10 pieces to ensure fairness and maintain a cohesive feel for the show.
5. Delegate the Tag-Making
Don’t do all the tags yourself! Have students create Google Docs with their name, title, and medium for each piece, then send them to you for printing. This gives them ownership of the presentation and saves you time. Need templates? Check out my Editable Art Tag Templates in the Mrs. T Fox Resource Store.
6. Prepare for Hanging
Have students pre-roll pieces of beige masking tape (not painters’ tape) for setup. This ensures the artwork stays in place—especially in humid areas!
7. Let the Students Hang the Show
Allowing students to hang the show is a great learning experience. Mix up the pieces so they’re displayed as a collection, not grouped by student, to ensure everyone’s work is appreciated.
8. Design Invitations
Use tools like Picture Collage Maker 3 Lite to design invitations quickly. You can print them through services like Vistaprint or go digital with email and social media. Need help? Check out my Art Show Invitation Templates in the Mrs. T Fox Resource Store.
9. Keep the Food Simple
Cookies and lemonade are perfect! It’s hospitable but easy to manage—especially if you expect a large crowd.
10. Reach Out to Local Media
Submit your event to your local newspaper and promote it on social media platforms, especially Instagram. Students love seeing their work featured online! Use my Social Media Promotion Guide in the Mrs. T Fox Resource Store for tips.
Key Takeaways for a Successful Art Show
- Start planning early: Frame student work gradually throughout the year.
- Get students involved: Let students create tags, hang artwork, and take ownership of the show.
- Promote the event: Use social media, local news outlets, and printed invitations to spread the word.
- Choose a community space: A professional gallery is ideal, but coffee shops and community centers work well too.
Final Thoughts
Hosting an in-person art show is a rewarding experience for both students and teachers. It’s a chance to showcase your students’ talent and gain visibility for your art program. Start small and build from there—you won’t regret it!
If you have questions or think I missed something, leave a comment below, and I’d be happy to help.
Explore More Resources and Stay Connected
1. Shop Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT
Looking for ready-to-use tools to take your classroom or art program to the next level? Visit Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT for exclusive resources, including art show planning kits, classroom display guides, editable templates, and more. Empower your teaching with practical, high-quality resources that save you time and make a lasting impact!
2. Learn with Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses
Want to dive deeper into teaching strategies, classroom management, or creative project planning? Check out Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses for expert guidance, step-by-step lessons, and actionable advice to help you succeed in your teaching journey. Start learning today and feel confident as you build your art program!
3. Follow Mrs. T Fox on Social Media
Stay inspired and up-to-date with the latest tips, resources, and behind-the-scenes highlights by following @mrs_tfoxresources on Instagram. Join a community of like-minded educators and discover fresh ideas to spark creativity in your classroom!
