Published: April 12, 2024 | By: Boe and Cookie Jackson

Featured Image: Gallery exhibition space with spotlit artworks

Last year marked a milestone in my artistic journey – my first major exhibitions. Seeing my work displayed in professional gallery spaces, watching strangers connect with pieces I created in my home studio, was both humbling and affirming.

The Exhibition Experience: There’s something magical about watching people encounter your art for the first time. I observed visitors stopping in front of certain pieces, leaning in closer, sometimes even pulling out their phones to capture details. These moments reminded me why I create – art is a conversation between artist and viewer, and exhibitions are where these conversations happen most powerfully.

Two pieces in particular drew significant attention – both now featured prominently in my collectors’ gallery. These works represent a evolution in my technique and confidence. Exhibition feedback helped me understand which directions to pursue further.

What I Learned: Exhibiting taught me about presentation, pricing, and the importance of artist statements. Viewers want to understand not just what they’re looking at, but why it was created and what it means. This blog itself grew from that realization – the need to share context and story alongside visual work.

I also learned about resilience. Not every piece resonated with every viewer, and that’s okay. Art isn’t about universal appeal; it’s about meaningful connection with the right audience.

Looking Forward: These exhibition experiences have shaped my current work and informed my approach to building my collectors’ network. Each piece I create now carries the confidence gained from professional validation while maintaining the authenticity that makes my work distinctive.

Future exhibitions are in planning, but for now, I’m focused on creating a strong body of work that tells my evolving story as an artist.

Interested collectors can access my private gallery to view exhibition pieces and new works. This password-protected section offers first access to major pieces before they’re available publicly.