ArtMetal

Wow! Information overload!... not sure if I can answer everything... my head is swimming

There's lots of different directions that this exhibition idea can go. You've brought up some good questions. One that is always a key for discussion is "judging." Do we get a single judge, several judges, or open to the community to judge the exhibition? I personally think the show should be judged by the community. On the technical side, I think I can set up a gallery which has a voting module which will allow either members, and/or visitors to vote on the individual works of art. But is this what you want? And if so, who will be allowed to view the gallery? Members, subscribers, visitors, or everyone?

Another idea/question... How about having a real traveling exhibition? Is it possible to have the show travel to galleries and museums? I wonder if NOMMA would be interested in exhibiting one of our shows. The National Ornamental Metals Museum Association has a physical location in Memphis, Tennessee. There are other museums and galleries that emphasize the metal arts which may be interested in having an exhibition. But finding out about the ins/outs is not something that I have time to look into. If this is an interest, then a volunteer will have to step forward.

As to promoting... the least expensive way to promote submissions to the exhibition is via the internet. Again, the work to do this is going to have to be done by a volunteer.

I will help in anyway that I can to set up the web interface for the exhibition here at ArtMetal.com. If you desire to have a voting system, and/or private access to the content, I will be happy to set it up.

As to money... there are various ways to raise money if necessary. Question is, do we need it? Many exhibitions have money awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places. Do we get sponsors to contribute money for the awards? Do we have an entrance fee? I had a friend recently enter a photography show that had a $1,000 first prize, but required a $25 dollar entry fee. This is typical for many nonprofit arts organizations desiring to raise money.

You are bringing up some great questions Valerie! Please keep the brainstorming coming. I think the first thing to do is to get an ad hoc committee of volunteers that will be willing to look into these questions AND to establish the guidelines for the exhibition. The committee members should also be willing to help implement the established guidelines.