Twist Gallery is known for organizing monthly group exhibits. Each month we welcome a new set of artists to decorate our gallery walls with their work! If you have ever wondered how we choose each theme, how we find local artists to showcase, or what exactly goes into planning such an exhibit, here is an inside scoop to how we do it:

1: Monthly Schedule

A lot of planning goes into organizing a group exhibit, so we often start this process months in advance. Twist Gallery does sometimes rent out the space for solo shows and other events, so the first thing we do is choose a month that is yet to be booked and we go from there!

2: Choosing a Theme

Choosing a theme for the month we are organizing a show for seems like an easy task, but there is a lot of details we need to think about. Firstly, Twist Gallery is also an event venue, meaning we host many weddings, receptions, and business parties. We always try to choose a theme that would be unique and intriguing, but also one that is fairly versatile (we tend to stay away from portraiture, and nudism as that style of art is not everyone’s first choice decor in their wedding photos). Secondly, we have to choose themes that will be somewhat easy to book. If we choose a specific theme that not many artists work with, the chances of filling our gallery walls for that particular month are not as high (sometimes we have to change the theme a few times before thinking of one that works).

3: Scouting Artists

Once a theme has been chosen, it’s time to look for local Canadian artists that create works of art that would fit the theme (and that can be hung on the wall). Everyone has their own way of searching for artists. Looking for artists online, contacting art schools and various artist collectives, following other organized art shows, and via social media are all great ways we find artists to feature. Sometimes, we will create a post online calling for artists for a specific month, which is also a great way to reach out to our followers who are artists themselves, or who may know someone who they think would be interested in having their work showcased.

4: Emails, Emails, Emails..

When we find an artist that creates pieces that would fit the theme and is based in the GTA, we give them a shout. We explain our vision for the group exhibit, and see if the opportunity interests them. We email as many artists as we can, and stop searching for artists once all the wall space has been booked!

5: Autograph Please

To finalize the exhibit, interested artists are required to sign a contract, and pay the fee for their chosen wall size. Artists can choose from purchasing either 10ft of wall space for $150 or 20ft of wall space for $400. Their art is up for the duration of the month, and is available for purchase!

6: Floor Plan

We plan out where each artists will hang their art prior to them arriving on set up day. We like to find a perfect spot for each artists work to stand out and compliment the works of the other artists!

7: Set Up Day (Yay!)

Each artist is responsible for hanging up their artwork the way they want it!

8: Advertising

To generate buzz about the new exhibits we print flyers to give out, and we regularly update our website and all our social media outlets! We also send out reminders and invitations to our subscribed mailing list!

9: Opening Night

We organize an opening reception to introduce the exhibit to the community! This event is open to the public; people love meeting the faces behind their favourite works of art! We send out invitations to our subscribed mailing list and always encourage everyone to spread the word of this fun night! ...and yes, refreshments are provided!