How to Prepare for Outdoor Art Exhibitions: 10 Tips for Dealing With Mother Nature

This post is from the Fidelis “Artist’s Exhibition Guide”. I thought it deserved a special mention because summer is upon us and I know many of you are preparing for outdoor art exhibitions and print shows.

If you are in the middle of planning your show outdoors, here’s a list of tips I’ve collected from seasoned veterans on how they survived “untimely” shifts in weather from Mother Nature.

For weather specifically, here are some ways that you can prepare:

1. Arrive early to get a parking spot as close to your tent (booth location) as possible.

2. Borrow or rent a moving dolly to get your items to and from your vehicle.

3. Buy a commercial canopy that is meant for repeated use over a long period of time. Commercial canopies are more expensive, but far more durable, and have more wind and water protection. Some have waterproofing, and all have replaceable parts. We found a self-expanding canopy at Costco for $200 CAD. It takes two people to expand, but it was very fast and withstood a lot of wind.

4. Carry an extra tarp or two for a quick fix to cover merchandise, fixtures, or even the tent in a bad weather situation. For the best prices and variety of colours on tarps, shop wholesalers, surplus and liquidation retailers.

5. Keep lots of water and a cooler on hand for cold drinks, and a chilled washcloth or towel for hot, humid days. Use a roll-away cooler, and stock plenty for you and your guests.

6. Use bungee cords and zip ties to secure your tent or other items to your tent.

7. Make sure to stake your tent to the ground if you are on soft ground or it is windy. Buy or make four weights for the tent legs, and bungee cord them in place. This will help your tent from sailing off in a high wind. Sand bags can be made on the cheap. We have special weight bags for our studio tripods. They are great for indoors and outdoors.

8. Keep a plastic Rubbermaid(s) for items that cannot get wet or dirty. Include a container big enough to protect your art if possible. Indoor or outdoor, you can never have too many oversize bags, always stock a full box of XL garbage bags for packaging and protecting.

9. Have a plan of action for when the bad weather hits, because it will. Know who does what.

10. Bring extra clothes or layer your clothes (including shoes) for changes in temperature and comfort.

Summer and (for those of you in milder climates) fall are great times to display and sell your art outdoors. Don’t be shy to include demonstrations or offer a short workshop in your booth. Art enthusiasts are everywhere, and would prefer to be wandering outside over hiding inside this summer.

Being a from Canada, I am always happy to promote another Canadian blog. Please visit the Snapshot Travel Blog to learn more about the Port Credit Outdoor Art Show in Ontario, Canada (shown in this posts photo).

If you have any tips about exhibiting art outdoors, we’d love to hear them. Please share them with our other readers by commenting. Thanks!

K.

For more art exhibition tips get your free copy of the “Artist’s Exhibition Guide”. Click HERE and  join our Fidelis Art Community.