Choosing a unique art show venue outside of your school creates a novel and exciting experience for your young artists. It also expands the audience for your students’ work and exposes your program to a wider segment of the community, including potential supporters and stakeholders. Partnering with community organizations and having your art show outside of your school makes the culmination of all of their hard work special and makes your students feel like professional artists.
Reap the benefits of hosting your art show at a fresh location in the community!
Hosting your art show in the halls of your school is usually the easier option. However, stepping outside of your school campus bubble can truly benefit your students and your art program. Aside from the positives listed above, hosting your art show at a community venue brings other people to help hang and take down your show. The business or organization will likely also promote your show. For families and students, it connects the visual arts with tangible careers in the community. Let’s take a look at nine unique locations to consider for your next art show!
1. District Administration Building
Place student artwork directly in the path of district decision-makers. Those with the power to influence budgets and approve new courses will experience the impact of your art program firsthand. This daily exposure to the creativity and skills fostered in your classroom can powerfully advocate for the value of art education.
2. City Hall
Showcase your students’ artwork in your local government building so the broader community will see the importance of your art program. Students will take pride in having their work displayed in a prestigious location. A gallery night will allow families and students to personally meet their city’s officials.
3. Local Park
Hold your art show amidst nature’s beauty in a local park. The Impressionists loved creating en plein air but outdoor spaces can be wonderful for viewing art as well. Take advantage of natural light to enhance the artwork. Families will enjoy the relaxed, outdoor setting, and the open space allows for larger crowds.
4. Community Art League
Many art leagues have a dedicated gallery space. Your students will benefit from professional hanging systems and lighting. This collaboration connects your school and students with experienced artists. Nothing motivates students to up their game like telling them accomplished artists will be examining their work!
5. Community College
Hosting your art show at the community college exposes them to a post-secondary environment. Many community college art departments have a small gallery space but there are usually plenty of other larger lobby spaces available too. Nearby classrooms or studio spaces work perfectly for workshops, demonstrations, or blacklight galleries. As students see their best work hanging prominently in an institution of higher learning, they will naturally envision themselves continuing their education and thriving in college.
6. Library
Literacy isn’t just for Language Arts! Visual arts is all about visual literacy and a partnership with your local library is a natural connection. After all, every great art room has a library, and your local library should have a space for student art. The library offers a quiet, studious environment that encourages close examination of artwork. This public space attracts a diverse crowd with lots of community events, ensuring a steady flow of visitors. Libraries also do a really good job of advertising their events, guaranteeing built-in publicity for your students.
7. Historic Buildings
Choose a historic building or site for a truly unique backdrop. This adds a sense of grandeur and importance to the student artwork. Many buildings rent out their space and property on weekends for events such as weddings. However, they are often available during the week.
8. Local Museum
Partnering with a local museum elevates your art show to a professional level. This venue provides top-notch display facilities and climate control to protect the artwork. This location lends credibility and prestige to your students’ work. Think outside of the box and reach out to any type of museum—not just an art museum! The type of museum you partner with can also dictate your art show theme.
9. Feeder Schools
Vertical alignment and partnerships across grade levels can be tremendously beneficial for everyone. When older students show their work in an elementary or middle school, the younger students see quality work that they will want to make one day. The older students will feel a surge of pride as they showcase their work in their old stomping grounds. When you display elementary artwork at the high school, it lightens the mood and can help older students remember the earnest joy of creating. This builds a stronger art program across the district and shows students that art is a lifelong journey.
Stay focused on practical art show considerations.
Choosing an unconventional venue for your art show is exciting, but demands careful planning. Fortunately, there are many people, often who work at the location you are partnering with, who are more than willing to help you plan and execute!
Here are some things to consider as you choose and plan your venue:
- Is the location accessible to all of your guests?
- For outdoor locations, do you have an inclement weather plan?
- Do you have access to restrooms and ample parking?
- Do you have clear signage to find the event?
- Are you allowed to offer refreshments in the space?
- What are the associated costs, including furniture rentals, refreshments, prizes, and transportation?
- How far in advance can you set up, and how much time do you have for takedown?
- How will you safely transport, display, and light the artwork?
Let your community help you with your art show.
Putting together an epic art show seems overwhelming. It is okay to ask for help and advice from colleagues. The Art of Ed Community is a tremendous resource with immeasurable collective wisdom. Delegate as many tasks as possible to your Art Club, students, colleagues, and friends. Get a peek behind the scenes of how Sarah Krajewski and Jenn Russell put on their art shows. Gain their best Art Show Secrets to help you put on your best art show yet!
Turning your unconventional art show vision into reality requires a bit more consideration and planning. However, the benefits are always worth it! Hosting your art show off-campus increases the visibility of your students’ artwork, your art program, and the value of art education as a whole. Look into partnering with a historic site, your city hall, the local library, or a feeder school to curate a truly memorable and impactful art show experience for families, students, administrators, and other community members.
Tell us! Have you ever hosted an art show outside of your school?
What is your dream location for your art show?
To chat about art shows with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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