March 2011

Online Calls for Entry System

Submitted by Jo Ann Aiello on Wed, 03/02/2011 - 8:13pm

Here is a free online system where artists can enter a number of open calls for entry.

CaFÉ (www.callforentry.org) provides artists with an easy-to-use system to enter contact information, upload digital images of their artwork, and access to apply online to open calls for entry. Open calls include public art commissions, exhibitions, grants, and awards. Benefits to Artists

  

  • CaFÉ is free to artists.
  • Contact information only needs to be entered once.
  • CaFÉ gives artists the opportunity to apply to multiple juried exhibitions and projects.
  • CaFÉ is paperless. Save money on reproductions of slides, mailing and return postage.
  • Artists can upload up to 100 digital images to be stored in an online image portfolio. Artists will select which images to submit for each call for entry.
  • CaFÉ provides consistent projection quality and desirable presentation for jurors.
  • Artists images and information are kept secure and confidential.

CaFÉ is managed by the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF). WESTAF is a nonprofit arts service organization located in Denver, Colorado (www.westaf.org).

The Three Screen Gallery

Submitted by George Aiello on Sun, 03/20/2011 - 3:37pm

Whether you are an emerging or established artist, gallery representation has probably been a goal of yours at some point in your career. It’s always been a challenge to get representation but in today’s economy with so many galleries closing or cutting back it’s becoming even more difficult. So, what’s an artist to do?

Let’s begin with another question. Why do you want to be represented by a gallery? The answer for most is exposure, i.e. having one’s artwork seen, and with that an increased potential for sales.  Of course, those sales usually come at a cost, typically 50% but I’m not saying that unfair. Galleries bring a unique value, have expenses, and need to make a profit, too. It’s just a reality of the business.

More importantly, do galleries still offer the artist their best chance of exposure and sales? As I write this I’d probably say no for exposure but yes to the sales question. But even that is changing or is about to in significant ways.  This is where we need to start looking toward the future and how we may bring our art to larger audiences in order to find our own “followers” and patrons.

That future could be called “The Three Screen Gallery”, and this new type of gallery can be all yours. But, what is it?

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Updated Social Media Share Buttons

Submitted by George Aiello on Mon, 03/28/2011 - 2:32pm

We have recently released a new and improved set of social media share buttons throughout the site including on your SMArt Page and content. They are automatically placed below your SMart Page, albums, images and posts.


Social Media Share Buttons

Social media share buttons are a great way for visitors to your SMArt Page to share your content on their own social media profiles such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other sites.

More importantly, do another artist or friend a favor...

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