Post 397: Prepare Your Own Art Show Go Bag

Prepare Your Own Art Show Go Bag 

Published July 30, 2025                                                          Updated: July 30, 2025

If you are an artist having your own art show or you are in a group art show, prepare an art show bag for yourself so that you have what you need so that you are ready to start selling art when the show opens! Here's a check list of supplies to have stashed in your show bag.

 

Photo by Zac Meadowcroft on Unsplash 

Being Prepared

You know the drill: There is always that often -frantic- hour or two before an art show begins where every artist scrambles to ensure that their art is up and out, labeled correctly, organized nicely and displayed perfectly by the time the show doors open. AND get their art inventory list updated because at the last minute we decided to bring those few extra artworks. 

It is up to each artist to be as prepared as possible - and on time.

Anticipating the supplies you need before the show is something that should happen BEFORE you even leave the house. Know before hand what the venue provides and what they do not. (Tables, chairs - how many? Maybe I should pack that folding chair just in case.)

Besides the obvious of bringing your artwork, prints and other creatives, there is much more that is needed AND desired, in anticipation of what could be important for last minute fixes or adjustments. Or if something gets broken!

If your are responsible for your own show, the check list is considerably larger as you will need to hang your own art and whether or not the show is indoor or outdoors which has its own challenges and lists. Nonetheless, you or your group MUST have:

• Sales - point of sales equipment, charger, and invoice sheets. 
• Cash - in case you need to make change OR to purchase lunch, or other art! As per typically happens, the first sale of the day starts with a large bill coming in and wiping out the change drawer. It is good to know your art group companions might be able to help you out from their "stash".
  
• Bubblewrap, Paper wrap - wrap artwork with bubbles OUT!
  
• Gift bags to able to package smaller art
  
• Print Rack(s), Gridwalls and all the other paraphernalia that goes with those
  
• And so much more
  

But here is what could be in your art show go bag no matter if a solo or group show:

Art Show Go Bag (ASGB) Supplies You Should Bring to EVERY Show:

• Your Phone/Camera and Batteries
• Chargers, Extension Cords
• Your Business Cards, Brochures
• Invitations or Flyers to your next event
  
• Your Exhibitor Badge or other ID
• Your QR Code for your Website
• Your Name on a Sign or Tablecloth (Branding)
  
• Price List, Inventory of Art
  
• Price Stickers, Red Dot Stickers
  
• Clip Board, Stapler and Staples, Paper/Notebook, Index Cards, Paper Weight
• Pens, Pencils, Rubber Bands, Paper Clips, Calculator
  
• Scotch tape, Masking Tape, Blue Tape, Duct Tape, Glue
  
• Price Cards, Labels - front and back tags for nearly all shows
• Red and Black Sharpie
• Tape, Twine, String, Wire, Wire Cutter, Fishing Line
  
• D-Rings
• Scissors, Multi-Purpose Tool – screwdriver, hammer, pocketknife
• Zip Ties, Clothespins, Curtain Hangers, Clothesline
• Sewing Kit, Safety Pins, Measuring Tape
• Bungee Cords, Bulldog Clips
• Battery Powered Lights
• Wet Wipes, Paper Towels
• Small First Aid Kit (@$%&! paper cut!)
• Small Folding Step Stool
• Umbrella, sunglasses, hat
• Personal Items: Ibuprofen, Chapstick, Tissues, Mirror, Lipstick
  
• Snacks, Drinks, Water, Chocolate
• Trash Bags - these make for quick rain covers for art if needed, as well as a place to put your actual trash
  

An ASGB can be a backpack, a duffel bag, a tote bag or whatever you deem necessary. I'd keep the bag prepped and readjust or resupply it periodically too.

Are you planning on painting/creating while at the show? 

Bring your equipment and an apron so you can do so if space and the venue allows. People love watching people doing what they do.

Good idea to have and know:

• Guest Book - do you have an email list you can build on?
• Know if you have to bring your own chair and a chair cushion 
• Know HOW to use the POS equipment!
  
• The weather forecast!
  

All that said, at every group show I attend, there is always at least one person, or ten, or even someone in the next booth saying, "Hey, do you have __fill in the blank__ I can borrow?" And its always something from the list above.

Can you think of anything else that should be included?

See also: How to Art Show and Lessons Learned After the Art Show 

Another art bag to keep in your car is a small Artist Emergency Kit. That link is coming soon on this blog.

This blog post was authored by Donna Liguria and first published on the PWAS Artistry Spin blog on September 13, 2024

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Author: Donna Liguria  is the Blogmaster for Donna's Cave Paintings and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog 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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