Once upon a time I got some how-to-be-a-successful-artist advice that said “follow your personal interests and use those for both your art-creation inspirations as well as where you look for art exhibit opportunities”
As a reader of this blog you’re aware that I’m interested in (to name a few things) books, food and drink – I post a lot of my sketchbook pages that contain my interests. My finished artwork is often inspired by books, food and drink. So it makes sense for me to exhibit my art in libraries, bookstores, restaurants or wineries. Here are a few pictures of my art hanging in a winery called Burnt Bridge Cellars – www.burntbridgecellars.com – and during the opening party there will be Italian food cooked on the premises! (the winery has a kitchen connected to it where they have cooking classes)
I also look for galleries and agents and clients that share my interests. (For example my agent at Caplan Art Designs www.caplanartdesigns.com facilitated this winery exhibit) The above mentioned advice has been working very well for me for a number of years now.