[SOLO] Success Story: Artist Karen Kohtz
Many independent artists hope to sell out their booths at Artexpo, but savvy exhibitors like Karen Kohtz know that selling artwork is only half the value of exhibiting.
“A fellow artist in the solo area sold 15 pieces off the floor, but didn’t make any gallery connections. I only sold 2 pieces the entire weekend, but I feel extremely lucky, because I consigned 12 works to a new gallery in Boston; I made a great connection with a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the day after the show I received a call from an architectural firm in Manhattan. Over the four-day event of Artexpo, if you play your cards right, you can launch connections that will probably fuel you for a good year.”
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Karen’s work is primarily abstract, with a hint of realism. Her work reflects the breathtaking terrain and vivid colors of Seattle, Washington and Sedona, where she has had studios over the years (she now lives in Virginia).
While Karen has been represented by galleries for many years, she’d never gone out on a limb and represented herself—until she exhibited in [SOLO] at Artexpo New York 2010.
“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but after the first day I realized that Artexpo is not necessarily about direct sales. It’s about making contacts and connections. I like to think of Artexpo as an opportunity to be a live resumé. There’s your work, there you are in person: you don’t have to go to galleries—they come to you! It’s an amazing sense of exposure.”
Artwork by Karen Kohtz
Part of Karen’s exposure from Artexpo came from simply being listed on the show website.
“The architectural firm that contacted me after the show never actually attended Artexpo. They had gone to the Artexpo website, went through the Exhibitor List, clicked through to all the artists’ websites and found my work that way. Just being connected with Artexpo and the Artexpo website opens so many different avenues for exposure. There are millions of artists’ websites out there—how else are they going to find you?”
Karen was particularly pleased to have made that connection because one of her motivations for exhibiting at Artexpo was to attract the attention of designers working with large corporate spaces, lobbies, restaurants and hotels.
“I was able to make that connection. I believe that, going into the show, if you set your sights clearly on what you want and you’re willing to act on that, success is so much closer than you think. Motion creates emotion and action promotes attraction.”
To independent artists who are considering exhibiting in [SOLO] at Artexpo, Karen offers these words of advice:
“”It’s a big step but just go for it! That decision alone immediately will set you apart from the majority of artists who do not have the courage to step up and take a chance. After all, you are betting on yourself! What better investment of your time, resources and energy than to act on the belief in your own creative voice?
“You will have emotional ups and downs over the course of the four-day event, (that’s normal) but avoid spiraling into the pit ‘that you’re just not good enough!’ No one is exactly like you, and your creative expression is unique. Go ahead, show the world!”
9 Responses to “[SOLO] Success Story: Artist Karen Kohtz”
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Love it and very true all around…
I loved her message…”no one is exactly like you, and your creative exprssion is unique”. What a GREAT message for any artist (old or new). But the bigger message is not limited to the artistic community. I think this is a great message for young people…’no one is exactly like you’. We tend to look down on young people (artists or not). We often time forget WE were there once ourselves. Thank you Karen for sending a wonderful message to everyone. Love your work! It’s so alive.
Karen’s art has inspired me for years. I am touched by her sentiment. I am not at all surprised by her enthusiasm. I am sure this article will inspire many other artists. It should! Every artist has to start somewhere. She once began and the beginning and took the leap of faith that she is encouraging others to take! What a great support system for artists! What an exciting venue! What a fantastic support system it is.
Karen’s art has inspired me for years. I am touched by her sentiment. I am not at all surprised by her enthusiasm. I am sure this article will inspire many other artists. It should! Every artist has to start somewhere. She once began and the beginning and took the leap of faith that she is encouraging others to take! What a great support system for artists! What an exciting venue!
Karen – you never cease to be such an inspiration to me – my artistic Holy Grail – it keeps me going back for more art classes, hoping one day I’ll find my artistic voice, too.
Schöne bild/nice picture
Hey Karen!!! I read through your write-up.Its really good.I do like your work as well.
You seem quite realistic and thats good in a way.
But I reside in India. And this is a bit too far but email can work may-be.
What do you suggest?
Regds, Kajal.
Karen,
This is the first time I’m seeing your work and love it. I am an abstract expressionist myself. I’ve worked as an art director and painter all my life. 52 years young. In recent times I’ve been force to work retail sales and it is making me crazy. Your story and art is inspiring me to get involved with the NY expo. I have been involve as a buyer but never an exhibitor. I know it has downsized over the past 20 years but always wanted to do it. I’m probably not as accomplished as yourself but wondered if I still can get something out of this. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Jim
We have fairly large and heavy pastel work framed with glass. What methods do they allow for fasteners to hang the work on the walls? Are the walls just drywall or something stronger? You know, plain drywall does not hold much! Can we use some strong anchors?
Are they going to charge us for repairing the walls, as we must make holes?
Since they say the walls are 10 feet high, do they provide ladders or do we have to bring our own?
Would you say that the two lights they provide for a 4 foot by 10 foot booth is enough? What is the quality of the light? Does the building have windows, skylights or any natural light?