Bernice Kish Gallery (BKG) at Slayton House presents a varied schedule of exhibitions throughout the year, offering artists an opportunity to share their work with the community in a welcoming, professional gallery setting. The gallery hosts approximately eight exhibitions each year, including solo and two-person exhibitions, group and juried shows, invitational exhibitions, and shows presented in partnership with local arts organizations.
If you are considering exhibiting at BKG, here is an overview of how the process typically works.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from emerging and established artists, primarily from the local and regional arts community, working in a range of media. Applicants should have a cohesive body of work suitable for exhibition and be prepared to participate actively in the planning, preparation, and promotion of their show.
Individual artists, pairs of artists, groups, and arts organizations may apply.
Application Review
All applications are reviewed by our three-member Art Advisory Committee. The committee considers the quality and cohesiveness of the work, its suitability for the gallery space, and its fit within the overall exhibition program.
Artists selected for an exhibition are contacted regarding scheduling and next steps.
Planning Your Exhibition
Planning begins well before installation day. Exhibiting artists work with the Gallery Manager to establish key dates and provide the materials needed to prepare for the show.
These generally include an artist bio or statement, exhibition description, high-quality artwork images, and complete information about the works being exhibited. Meeting agreed deadlines and communicating promptly help keep the process running smoothly.
Promoting the Show
BKG promotes exhibitions through the Wilde Lake website, newsletter, social media, and other appropriate channels. Artists are encouraged to promote the exhibition through their own networks as well.
Depending on the show, artists may also provide postcards, flyers, posters, or other promotional materials.
Preparing and Installing the Artwork
Artwork should arrive ready for installation and meet the gallery’s hanging and presentation requirements. Final artwork information is provided in advance so labels and other materials can be prepared accurately.
Presentation matters. Clean mats, professional framing, secure hanging hardware, and attention to details such as glass, backing, and overall condition all help the artwork look its best in the gallery.
It is also helpful to arrive with a general installation plan in mind, including which works belong together, where larger or stronger pieces might go, and how the exhibition should flow from one area to the next. Even a simple wall-by-wall plan can make installation more efficient.
Once the work is in the gallery, some adjustments are usually needed. Scale, spacing, sightlines, and relationships between individual pieces are often easier to judge in the actual space, so the final arrangement may evolve during installation.
Receptions and Programs
Receptions, artist talks, demonstrations, and other programs can help visitors connect more closely with both the artwork and the artist. They are also a good opportunity to invite friends, collectors, fellow artists, and members of the wider community into the gallery.
It helps to decide early what kind of event makes the most sense for the exhibition. A reception may be enough on its own, while some shows benefit from a short gallery talk, demonstration, or informal conversation about the work.
The Gallery Manager works with exhibiting artists on scheduling, setup, publicity, and other practical details. Artists are encouraged to take an active role in inviting guests and helping shape the event so it feels appropriate for their work and audience.
During the Exhibition
Once the exhibition opens, artists are encouraged to continue sharing and promoting the show through their own networks. Receptions and other programs may be the most visible moments, but continued promotion throughout the exhibition can help bring in visitors who could not attend those events.
The gallery handles general visitor inquiries and coordinates with the artist as needed regarding artwork, sales, or other exhibition-related questions.
Takedown and Pickup
Artwork must be collected on the agreed pickup date. Because exhibitions follow one another closely, timely pickup is important so the gallery can prepare for the next installation.
A Collaborative Process
A successful exhibition is a partnership between the artist and the gallery. BKG provides the exhibition space, coordination, promotion, and support, while artists bring the work, their ideas, and their own connection to the audience.
Clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and meeting agreed deadlines all help the process run smoothly. Artists are also encouraged to take an active role in promoting the exhibition and participating in any programs connected with the show.
For artists considering applying to Bernice Kish Gallery, this overview offers a general sense of what to expect from the initial application through installation, public events, and the close of the exhibition.