Every artist faces the question at some point: is it worth showing my work in a community venue, like a library or civic building? The opportunity seems straightforward—empty walls, willing organizers, and a chance to get your art in front of people. But like many choices in an art career, the answer isn’t black and white.
The Upside: Visibility and Momentum
There’s undeniable value in getting your work out of the studio and into public view. A local exhibition can energize you with a sense of progress and create motivation to produce new work. It can also plant seeds of recognition within your community—neighbors and passersby may begin associating your name with your art.
Even if sales are rare in such venues, exposure alone can provide intangible benefits. A well-placed exhibition might lead to invitations for other opportunities or help you build your mailing list. At the very least, it keeps your work circulating rather than gathering dust in storage.
The Resume Question
Artists often ask whether listing library shows on a resume could make their work seem less “serious” to galleries or collectors. A few selective mentions are fine—they show initiative and involvement in the community. But a resume stacked with page after page of library exhibits can give the impression that you’re stuck in a rut of low-impact shows rather than steadily advancing toward stronger markets. Moderation is the key.
Watch for Diminishing Returns
The first or second time you hang work in a library, the novelty and visibility can make the effort worthwhile. But by the fourth or fifth time, the benefits usually flatten. The audience overlaps, the chance of sales remains slim, and the energy you expend on setup and promotion could be directed toward more fruitful opportunities.
Look for Value-Adds
Not all community shows are created equal. Some venues invest in proper lighting, professional presentation, and structured events such as receptions or artist talks. These extras can dramatically improve the impact of an exhibition, creating genuine opportunities to connect with an audience rather than simply filling blank walls. Before saying yes, ask yourself: does this venue give me something more than just space?
The “Hell Yes or No” Filter
Over the years, I’ve watched many artists fall into the trap of saying yes to every opportunity that comes along—library shows, community centers, coffee shops—simply because the offer was there. The result is often a schedule filled with commitments that don’t move the needle. I’ve come to lean on a simple filter: if the opportunity doesn’t make you say “hell yes,” then it’s a no.
What does that mean in practice? It means asking yourself whether the prospect genuinely excites you, whether it feels like the kind of event you’ll look forward to and be proud to promote. If you’re only agreeing because it’s easier to say yes than no, that’s a red flag.
I’ve shared before that in my own business I try to apply this test. I have more potential projects, events, and invitations than I could possibly take on. If I don’t narrow with some discipline, I risk scattering my time and energy. The same principle applies for artists: you only have so much bandwidth, and the way you spend it will shape the trajectory of your career.
When you say yes to a show, it should be because you see genuine potential—whether that’s exposure to a new audience, the chance to build your portfolio with professional photos, or a platform that aligns with your long-term goals. Anything less is just busywork disguised as opportunity.
Community venues can serve as stepping stones, but they’re not a destination. Say yes when the opportunity feels strong, document it well with photos and publicity material, then move forward. The goal isn’t to fill walls for the sake of it—it’s to keep building momentum toward the places where collectors are ready to buy.