How to Plan a Solo Gallery Exhibition (With a Dash of Virgo Energy!)

As a Virgo, I thrive on organization, attention to detail, and planning things out. So, when the chance to host a solo gallery exhibition came up, I was ready to take on the challenge, fully embracing all the moving parts that go into planning an event of this scale. So as a new member of the art collective, Eye Lounge in Phoenix, I knew was going to have a solo show so I decided to get started early.

Step 1: Start with the Space

First things first, assess the gallery space. Think of it as measuring a blank canvas (literally) where your art will live for the duration of the show. Take note of the room dimensions, lighting, and wall space. These are the key ingredients in creating a cohesive layout that will highlight your work and guide viewers through your story. I mapped out the gallery and counted how many artworks could be exhibited while still allowing breathing room.

Virgo Tip: Ask for a copy of the layout or sketch out your own floor plan! It’s a fantastic way to visualize how many pieces can comfortably fit without overwhelming the space.

Step 2: Choose Your Theme or Narrative
What story are you telling through your exhibition? The art itself speaks, but how the pieces are arranged will dictate the journey your audience takes. Are you organizing chronologically, by medium, or by theme? Having a strong understand of the flow of the room and how people will move through it will help you curate your pieces, keeping the collection focused and cohesive.

You’ll need to write a summary of your show that speaks to your theme. This helps views to approach the work with some understanding of what the exhibition is about.

Step 3: Timeline, Timeline, Timeline

Much like planning a wedding or an awesome party; putting together a timeline is crucial. This will make sure most of everything gets taken care and not forgotten. Start from the exhibition date and work backward. Consider deadlines for printing promotional materials, framing artwork, photographing the work and all the small details. Don’t forget to create those marketing campaigns for social media snail mail Invitations or email.

Keep in mind some of these tasks you include on your timeline may be time intensive especially when you consider the amount of writing involved. So give yourself time to compose, rewrite, proofread and edit.

Step 4: Handle the Logistics (AKA the "Fun" Part)

Not that you got your timeline together, this is where your Virgo practicality really gets to shine. Work that list. You’ll need to handle everything from arranging transportation for your art and coordinating with the gallery for installation dates. Each gallery is different and some task may be handled by them. Some make sure you know what you are responsible for. For Eye Lounge, it is all my responsibility as the exhibiting artist to decide the date I would start install, the layout, and all logistics for any special events happening during my exhibition.

If you're dealing with fragile pieces, make sure to look into proper crating or professional transportation to avoid any heartbreak. Don’t forget the hardware, nails, hammer, leveler, etc. Make checklists, know timeline, and, yes, multiple backup plans.

Virgo Tip: Create a spreadsheet to track every single task. Color-code it (because why not?) and add deadlines. This will save you so much mental bandwidth in the weeks leading up to the event.

Step 5: Promote Like a Pro

Even with the most stunning artwork, you’ll need to get people in the door! Social media, email newsletters, and local press are your best friends. Be sure to post sneak peeks of your artwork to generate buzz. Tease your audience with behind-the-scenes photos of the installation process and share the exhibition details early enough to give people time to mark their calendars.

Step 6: Opening Night Vibes

The opening reception is like your artwork's wedding day—everything needs to be perfect, and you’ll want people to celebrate it as much as you do. After all the hard work is done this is time to relax. Consider refreshments, music, and perhaps a short speech (if public speaking is your thing). You want guests to feel welcome and excited as they walk into your artistic world. Myself, I love a delicious charcuterie board so I included that as part of my little refreshments table.

Final Thoughts: Letting the Art Speak

Despite the whirlwind of planning, the true star of the exhibition was always the art itself. When the opening night finally arrived, it was so rewarding to see my pieces come together in the gallery space, telling a story that was uniquely mine.

All the planning and organizing paid off, and I couldn’t help but feel a little proud of how everything came together. The experience was exhilarating and exhausting, but I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to reorganize my art supplies—because being a Virgo never stops!"