What's the best way to get opportunities to show your art publicly?

Graffiti.

shmooze, schmooze, schmooze, principally at art openings. maybe print some promotional flyers in art stores, etc. please don’t spam Craigslist for cities a thousand miles away. I can’t stand when people do that.

No, really… just ask them.

Look through your local “free” newspapers. What are the “hip” restaurants and lounges they’re writing about, the latest finds? Go to those places and approach about having your work hung or shown, contact the publications to ask if anyone would be interested in coming to look over your work for a possible write up and interview. Falling short of that, I’d suggest you haunt the vegetarian burrito joints and coffee spots where gallery people go to hang out so you can eavesdrop on their conversations about where they look for up and comers or who they favor and why.

I’m not sure where you live, but I know my town has a Flower and Garden show every other weekend, and it includes crafts and artists too. That’s good exposure to start with.

Like this

I’ve never used it, but there is a site that people can use to share art called bluecanvas.com

See how it works for you =)

Well, can you give a little more information? Are you in college? High school? Dont have a degree?

For me, my college provided me with a lot of information regarding exhibitions and opportunities to show work that I would have never known about other wise. Also, around me city are certain places where one can take art classes and enter competitions. Its not something that happens over night though.

Network, join local art associations. You would be surprised at how many clubs and local places will approach an art association with exhibit opportunities.

Keep in mind- to show in a restaurant will likely damage your artwork. I have had friends whose work was returned with a slight sticky feel or outright sprinkles and fading.

You can start with local coffeeshops. I have several friends who are artists and most of them have started this way. Nearly all the coffeeshops in my area display art by the local public. Just be sure to bring your portfolio or an example of your art with you when you go to ask. This will give you a stepping stone when trying to get into art gallaries and such because if you have a background of displaying your art they take you more seriously.

Also find a community area such as a community room, perhaps at the local university, that you can rent. And put on your own art show. Just rent a room and display your art. Again this just adds to your portfolio and gets your foot in the door.

Just a couple ideas, hope they help :)

@Glow I’m an adult with a non art job.
I have a bfa degree

You can try and look at your schools art web page and see about their exhibitions and showings, maybe as an alumni. Than you can ask to see if you can participate. Also, look around your city for local art work shops and such because places like those usually like to have competitions and such. Just go crazy with google :P Also, at my local art shops, they some times have flyers talking about local events coming on that any one can participate it. So make sure to stop by there too!

Public libraries, college galleries and coffeeshops.

As a blooming arts administrator (and I say in the most humblest sense), I’d say that @Ria777, @VzzBzz, @Dog have the idea. Networking (especially with art organizations) is probably the single most important way to get your work out there.

Might I also add the following:

Introduce yourself as an artist to those you meet and always have a business card handy and hand them out without hesitation. Be sure your business card has one of your works of art on it.

Have a web portfolio- and be sure every image on it has a legible watermark with your name and copyright on it. (Orphan works is not dead)

Attend local shows and network with local artists.

Always have a portfolio in your car- you never know when an introduction will turn into “you know my brother is opening a new club downtown….”

One important thing to remember as an artist is that nobody is going to promote you- you have to be confident in yourself and promote yourself.

I agree with several suggestions here, if you are a young artist, you wanna show it where the young people go——coffeeshops, hip little restaurants, anywhere with wall space to fill. And if you like a place a lot and notice their walls are a little sparse, just ask! If they are an independent business they should welcome the opportunity to show some local art.

And if you’re looking to sell your art, try sites like Etsy or Artfire. These are great sites for selling arts and crafts.