Artists

Apply now to be an artist!

Details

Artists in fine art are accepted in all mediums. Preference is given to artists from Forest Park and adjoining communities, but other Chicagoland artists may apply.

​

Artist Responsibilities:

• Artist will be responsible for setup and breakdown of display. Work with your garage host on setup and logistics.
• Artists are encouraged to display art at a variety of price points, and have artwork on display the entire length of the event.
• Artists are asked to provide photos of artwork and a brief bio and description of work, which will be placed on the Garage Galleries website and Facebook page, with links to artist websites or social media.
• Promote the event! Send out information (we’ll provide!) on the event and promote it in your social media.
• Interact with attendees! This event is designed to showcase art and artists in a fun, casual setting.

Accepted Artist Tips
(Pre-Show Preparation)

While you are getting ready for Garage Galleries, here are some tips!

• Start planning Your Gallery
  • Plan how you will accept payment, create QR codes for virtual payments, if you plan to accept cash, make a plan for how you will give them change
  • Plan your display-using tables? Need tablecloths? Need new display cases? Make sure you have a plan for any hanging art as your host may not allow you to hang canvas on the walls. 
• When you are assigned our host garage, send a message to start creating a plan for your set up. Some garages may allow you to set up the day before or may not allow you to until the morning of. 
• Social Media: Ensure you promote your art and Garage Galleries on your social media.
  • Ideas for social media include:
    • Share Garage Galleries posts
    • Share “getting ready” for Garage Galleries posts
    • Returning artist? Share pictures you took from previous years
    • Share images of art you will be bringing (make sure to label that it will be available at the gallery!)

Day Of Event Tips

• Ask the host how they prefer to communicate about the set up, the assignments are sent over email but some hosts may prefer different ways to contact. 
• Decide early how you will accept payment, create QR codes for any virtual payments (such as Zelle or CashApp). If you use social media, include what you accept as you are setting up. If you accept cash, make sure to have change. 
• The images that people see from the website that you submitted on application are often the art that they will be looking for. Make sure to use images of art that you will have at the event. People will ask about them! (Same for images you share promoting the event on social media!)  
• If you are selling smaller to medium pieces, people may ask for a bag or something to carry it in. Think and plan for how people who purchase may carry your work home. 
• If you are selling bigger pieces, make plans for how people who purchase will bring them home. 
• Pack snacks and drinks! Stay fueled and hydrated! 
• Use social media and tag the Garage Galleries in your posts. The more you post and interact, the more people will be able to find you. 
• Plan your display. While you may have to make day of adjustments, buying new items to display your work day of isn’t ideal day of. Make sure that you have table clothes, tables, any necessary containers/display stands, etc. Additionally, hosts may not allow you to hang items on their walls (such as canvas). Make sure to bring what you need that will not cause damage to the garages.
• Make and bring business cards if you want to share these with people to find your social media/buy custom work/stay connected! 
• If you have any issues, email Garage Galleries!