Gallery Director Jordan Exum Gives ARTBIZ Talk at PWAS Meeting
Monday, September 28, 2026. At the monthly meeting last month of the Prince William Art Society held at the Tall Oaks Community Center, our guest speaker was Jordan Exum, the Gallery Director & Community Outreach Director for the ARTfactory. She gave an outstanding presentation about the ARTBIZ - on galleries, exhibitions, and professional relationships. With her permission, here is an outline of what was included - and anyone that wants to show their art - they need to know.
ARTBIZ – Jordan Exum (ARTfactory) Galleries, Exhibitions, and Professional Relationships
Author: Jordan Exum
1. Scouting Galleries - Find the Right Gallery
- Start with your artistic goals: professional growth, local exposure, sales, community, etc.
- Research galleries before approaching them. Look at their mission, current and past exhibitions, artists represented, price points, and submission opportunities.
- Visit galleries, attend openings and artist talks, and become familiar with their programming.
- Keep a running list of galleries/venues that interest you and follow them for calls for art.
- Consider commission structures and exhibition fees when deciding if a gallery is a good fit.
- Not every gallery is the right fit for every artist—and that’s okay.
2. Approaching
a Gallery
- Follow the gallery’s submission process exactly.
- Request proposal guidelines if they aren't available online.
- Don’t bring artwork to the gallery uninvited. Submit images/materials as requested.
- Communicate professionally, clearly, and concisely.
- Pay attention to submission windows and exhibition schedules; galleries may plan exhibitions months or years in advance.
- Galleries look for artists with a strong, recognizable artistic voice and a professional presentation.
3. Build a Strong Proposal
A good proposal should clearly communicate what you’re proposing, why it
matters, and how the work fits together.
Depending on the gallery, be prepared to provide:
- Artist CV/resume
- Artist bio and statement
- Exhibition concept/theme
- 10–20+ high-quality images of recent work
- Image list with title, medium, dimensions, and date
- Website/social media
- Pricing, if requested
- Contact information
- For group exhibitions: information for all participating artists
- Is the work available during the proposed exhibition dates?
- Does the space accommodate the size, number, or installation requirements of your work?
- Does the proposed body of work have a clear and cohesive theme?
4. Once You’re
Accepted – Preparing for an Exhibit
Read the gallery’s guidelines carefully and meet all deadlines.
Confirm requirements for:
- Framing and hanging hardware
- Artwork dimensions and presentation
- Delivery/pickup
- Labels and artwork information
- Insurance and sales
- Contracts and promotional materials
5. During the
Exhibition
- Promote your show! Share the exhibition, reception, artist talks, and gallery posts.
- Attend events and engage with visitors when possible.
- Be present online and in person.
- Remember: the artist and gallery are on the same team. Both benefit from
- exposure, sales, and connecting with the community.
- Think of the relationship as a partnership, not simply a transaction.
6. After the
Exhibition
- Thank the gallery and continue supporting its programming.
- Maintain relationships with gallery staff, artists, collectors, and arts professionals.
- Update your CV and exhibition history.
- Document the exhibition with photos/videos.
- Review your inventory and sales.
- Follow the gallery’s guidelines for communicating with collectors.
- Evaluate what went well and what you would change for the next exhibition.
An exhibition should not necessarily be viewed as the end of your relationship with a gallery. A gallery relationship can extend well beyond a single exhibition, so approach every opportunity with professionalism, preparation, and a long-term mindset.
Jordan's PowerPoint Presentation: Click on an image for larger view.
@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission
Author: Jordan Exum Gallery Directory, Curator, Community Outreach Director at the ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA.
Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, VA. Donna specializes in acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art.
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