Hello Dawna,

I would like to encourage you to show your art even if it is not for sale. You might take orders for prints of some of your originals. You might get some commissions.

The art organization I belong to has a program called Hangn' 'Round Town and I am the chair. It is my duty to find venues for us to show our work. It is only uncomfortable the first few times you go into a business to ask to show your work.  It does get easier. Try coffee shops that do not have a theme on their walls. Restaurants, banks, high end hair salons, Medical Clinics, Hospitals, Realtors, and some churches are just a few places we show our work. Your public library is an excellent place to show your work too. I am having my first solo show at my public library. I am even having an opening reception with live music. They host art shows almost every month. Our members have sold a few paintings and prints at some of our venues, but sales are not consistant. Another thought is to contact your local builders association to see if any builders would be interested in your art to decorate their model homes. Beaware that they ususally have their own professional decorators and you will probably be working with them. You can at least leave your business card, a brochure, and your portfolio that has your info and examples of your work. I would suggest that you put together a professional portfolio so you can show your art work to these potential venues.

I hope some of this has been helpful. Last but not least. See the quote in my signature. You need to be like the turtle and stick your neck out to make any progress.

Oh, yes, you should have your artwork matted and framed even it it is only in the metal kit frames that Hobby Lobby or Michaels offer. Check with garage or yard sales for frames. A little paint will do wonders for those. You should only show your art work framed if hanging on a wall or at least matted and put into a bin or other type of  display for unframed work.

I wish you lots of sales.