ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Artists urged to create own opportunities beyond galleries

other · 2026-04-24

In episode 264 of The Art Biz podcast, host advocates for artists to stop waiting for gallery representation and instead curate their own exhibition opportunities. Three memorable examples are cited: artist Lori Wahl installed her thesis show in a plumbing junkyard in Boulder, Colorado in July 2007; artist Kathleen O'Brien borrowed a home in Colorado to display and sell her work; and four artists rented a hotel conference room for a one-night show. The episode emphasizes that relying on juried shows and white-wall galleries keeps artists dependent on gatekeepers. A related workshop, Beyond White Walls, is scheduled for May 7.

Key facts

  • Episode 264 of The Art Biz podcast discusses self-created opportunities.
  • Artist Lori Wahl installed her thesis exhibition in a plumbing junkyard in Boulder, Colorado in July 2007.
  • Artist Kathleen O'Brien borrowed a home in Colorado for a show.
  • Four artists rented a hotel conference room for a one-night exhibition.
  • The podcast criticizes reliance on juried shows and gallery representation.
  • A workshop called Beyond White Walls is scheduled for May 7.
  • The post appears on Art Biz Success website.
  • The episode includes a reference to Impressionist artists exhibiting in a photographer's studio.

Entities

Artists

  • Lori Wahl
  • Kathleen O'Brien
  • Gail Salzman
  • Damien Davis

Institutions

  • Art Biz Success

Locations

  • Boulder
  • Colorado
  • Kentucky

Sources