How I network at art openings | Artist guide to networking

And make it easy for people to approach you too -- be the one wearing a unique accessory, or a cool pair of shoes, whatever. Like if you're wearing cool shoes and you find one other person who has cool shoes and you compliment them on their shoes, then they're likely going to look at yours and do the same, and boom, a conversation is born. I have quite the collection of Fluevogs (and they do have a shop in San Fran, and likely they pop up in secondhand shops there as well), they're amazing for being an instant conversation starter. 😊

Hi Christina. I have a couple of suggestions for you. When starting a conversation say “Can I ask you a question?” It’s the best way to start. Then paraphrase what they said and ask a follow up question. It serves two purposes. It gets them to talk about themselves and let’s you measure their openness to a conversation. When your ready to move on and you would like keep connected say “I’d like to continue this conversation let’s exchange numbers so we can get together.” This will also work with the people you would like to do business with as well. Like gallery owners. I’m a photographer but I’ve worked many years in retail and sales. What I’ve learned is questions are the answer. Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you. Cheers.

Ever work a “Joe job” like waiting on tables or customers in some other context? That helped me go from being an introvert to an extrovert with an ability to talk to anyone, anywhere about almost any subject. Also, striking up a conversation with a stranger is easy especially when you open with their favorite subject - themselves! Genuinely compliment them in some way - in most cases that breaks the ice and you can take it from there. You’re doing great!

It was so great meeting you at STUDIO Gallery's reception yesterday! What a fun conversation. Looking forward to more of your informative videos and of course your March 2025 solo show! As for this video, your step-by-step approach makes a lot of sense. But from our open and friendly conversation yesterday, I'd never imagined you initially felt anxious when attending openings!

I noticed you were really glowing in this video. Glad to see you so happy. i do the same thing i either go to a place and see what i am there to see and go or i cling to whoever i go with. i always feel like even if i become the best artist in the world, i dont know that i want to be connected to the community. the more people get involved the quicker drama finds its way in or influence gets its way in, or people do or dont approve of one thing you do or dont do. though i am not sure there is a way around people if you create unless you just get discovered after death. I think you are right if you are just looking at a piece long enough and off on your own naturally someone else will eventually get in a conversation with you over the artwork at some point. Approaching groups i am not a part of, i cant imagine doing that.

Accidentally the best timing ever for me. I’m going to my first art opening this week of an artist I love.

One of my goals for this year is to start going to the show openings and network with the local art community. But I am also not good at talking to people at such events so thank you :)

I love…love your work. You are a fabulous artist. I hope to see your art in a gallery someday. Art is a personal experience, so sharing it with strangers can make you feel vulnerable-and awkward, but your work is lovely.

Your story could have totally been about me. I'm the same in those situations. We're kindred spirits! You may also want to read a great book on introversion/extroversion called "Quiet".

I tend to go openings alone,if I end up conversing with others fine, if not I just enjoy the experience.

Thanks for sharing, it is really helpful as how you treat is as a skill to be learned. Gives me a bit of hope I could learn too, because really I had given up on this ever to achieve this. So thanks ☺️

Love this Christina! Super helpful ideas for how to mingle, and meet people at openings. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable.

Great insider info and I can feel the isolation I too would have to overcome. I'm very outgoing and meet people easily, and yet the art echelon seems élitist to this gal who grew up on a farm Thx!

OMG your description of going to the opening and being kinda terrified and awkward was exactly how I felt . Like a complete outsider I did manage to talk to one lady but that was about it .I saw my former artist sister-in-law and she just ignored me .But I have to go to openings even though its uncomfortable for introverted me. Networking is not my strong suit

You'll get used to engaging with people you don't know at other galleries the more you visit. Great message🙏🏾 Thanks

Great video, thank you for sharing your experience it’s very encouraging!

Hi! This is an issue that most artists have, so I think that a good piece of advice to share would be, when you go to those openings, "think about how difficult it is for them to talk and connect, just like me" hahaha and that lowers expectations a lot. ...of not being able to approach them because they are "unattainable beings" and the other advice I have that I apply is to approach people who you see are nice, smiling, at least they are going to be kind to you. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice, I love your work.

This was extremely helpful. Thanks!

Oh, hon! I get this so much! I always try and go with a friend for moral support. I do much better when I am the host of something.

I like your incremental approach to learning to mingle, both smart and great courage! Hey a lot of art buyers are interested because they are also creative themselves in some way. If you’re comfortable talking to artists maybe it would help to think of them that way?