“An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.”

My first time displaying my artwork other than photography was this past summer at The Percolator. That green and brown block is a garden chess set which took longer to make than expected (closer pics of the set below). 

With the vast and rapid advancements of technology, both sharing your artwork with the world and discovering other artists is a matter a few clicks. The downside to this is that sometimes your talent gets lost in a sea of thousands of other artists. And it’s not that your work isn’t “original” enough or that it’s not worth looking at; it’s simply that there are just so many things to look at online and not enough time to discover every single talented person out there.

So what’s the solution? (Read more below)

Exhibiting your work at physical places as well of course! It’s not a matter of having a career in art or being a student. If you spend your free time painting, sculpting, making jewelry, etc. and you want some exposure, contacting local venues is the perfect way to do it.

Do some scouting and keep your eyes peeled for jewelry/fashion/novelty gift stores and hangouts. Chances are, the hangouts have monthly exhibits and the shops are willing to see your work (make sure that you have a good amount to show). You can also try artists’/farmers’ markets which are usually before noon on the weekends and Wednesdays. You can look up where your local markets are located from this site (for US citizens, but of course a little online searching will help you find another locator if you live in a different country).

The worst people can tell you is no, but there’s no good excuse to not try.

A bit o’ love an’ support in a coffee shop…

The August show of Primer Domingo. Art in the background is by Gabriel Marquez.

For my readers who are in/around the El Paso area, one great place to try if you’re just starting out is The Percolator.  This past summer, the people at The Percolator started a monthly one-day art exhibit/show called Primer Domingo (“First Sunday”). Now called Domingo Music and Art Show, this kind of event brings performers and artists/artisans of all sorts together to entertain and get their names out there.

I found out about the monthly show when I saw that The Percolator was selling handmade wallets and asked if I could sell my clay-sculpted jewelry. Caesar Sanchez, a really cool guy who works there told me about Domingo and kept me in the loop about upcoming shows. I’ve only been able to make it to one so far, but displaying my photography and clay pieces really bumped up my artistic confidence. When I saw that people were interested, I thought, “Hey, I could keep doing this and hopefully make a business of it in the future!” Etsy? We’ll see.

Painter and graphic designer Gabriel Marquez feels the same way.

“Feedback about my work encourages me to do more and try new things,” said Gabe. “Talented people in El Paso walk among you everywhere. Shows like Domingo can help, but you have to market yourself. It’s an open platform.”

A close-up of my garden chess set. I was so happy to see how it intrigued a good amount of passers-by

Over 200 people attended the first Domingo show. As the turnouts increase, so does the possibility of familiarizing the locals with your artwork.  To sign up and display your art at the next show, e-mail woohoo202@hotmail.com or percolatorbooking@hotmail.com and provide your name, type of art, phone number and facebook. I'm thinking your facebook is needed just in case you have a photo album with your work. If you have a deviantART account (or any other art community account) or photos of your work that you'd like to share via e-mail, I would suggest doing so. You can also call up the place at 915-351-4377. For info on their next show, give them a call or visit their Facebook. 

Caesar pointed out that he would love to see more participation from artists living in the Lower Valley, North East and Fort Bliss.

“We normally only see things from people living in the West, East and Downtown areas,” said Caesar. “The best thing to come out of Domingo is that local artists finally have a place to showcase their stuff since many of them can’t host a solo art show.” 

More open doors; more possibilities

Other ways El Pasoans can get involved in their art community is through joining a new online group called the Chuco Artist Network or looking into the Downtown Artist Market

While I attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, I discovered another exciting monthly art show called the SumArt Fest. Check them out. Every show I’ve been to had great live music, supportive people and a wide range of art to marvel at. If you’re interested in participating, e-mail the group at info@SumArtFest.org. Also check their Facebook for event info.

When it comes to getting your name out there, it’s all in your hands.  It starts with a little bit of homework; a little online searching, a little location scouting, a little asking around…and before you know it, you’re on the road to a supportive environment of creative people.

SO GO FOR IT!