Let's Talk About Solo Shows
- kristineschomaker
- 17 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Had a studio visit last week with an artist who's been making work for fifteen years. Beautiful, thoughtful pieces. Strong technical skill. Clear vision.
"I just want someone to see my work," they said.
And I thought: why are we still making this so complicated?
The Usual Path (Aka The Exhausting One)
You know the drill. Make the work. Take professional photos. Write the perfect artist statement. Research galleries. Send submissions. Wait three months. Get the rejection email (or worse, no email at all). Revise everything. Try again.
Meanwhile, you're still making work. Still showing up in your studio. Still building your practice.
But the work sits in your studio, seen by... you and maybe whoever stops by occasionally.
What If We Just Skipped All That?
We have gallery space at the Brewery in Los Angeles. We have walls. You have work.
Here's what we're doing: Sign up for a 12-month membership and you get a guaranteed solo exhibition at Shoebox Projects.
Not someday. Not maybe-if-we-like-your-work. Just: commit to growing as an artist for a year, we commit to giving you professional gallery space to show what you're making.
Your work. Our walls. Done.
What This Actually Includes
The Solo Exhibition:
Professional gallery space at the Brewery Arts Complex
Exhibition dates in 2026/2027 season
Opening reception with wine and all that
Zoom artist talk (reaches people who can't come in person)
Curation support (we'll help you edit and sequence your work)
PR and marketing (press release, calendar listings, social media)
Professional documentation
All the logistics handled
The Year-Long Membership:
Weekly community programming (Mondays and Wednesdays on Zoom)
Monthly critique groups for feedback on your work
Business classes on all the stuff art school doesn't teach
Access to our artist community (Signal chat, Facebook group)
Guest speakers and industry connections
Resources and opportunities shared regularly
Support from people who actually understand what you're doing
The Solo Show Cohort (New!):
Bi-weekly meetings ( Starting Wednesday Jan 7th, 10am PST) with other artists preparing for their shows
30+ page comprehensive guide covering everything: funding, curation, PR, invitations, artist talks, the emotional reality of solo shows
Problem-solve together with artists going through the same thing
Share resources and strategies that actually work
Why This Works
You're not waiting for permission. You're not hoping someone notices you. You're actively building your career with professional exhibition history and a community that supports your growth.
Every artist I know who's had a solo show says the same things:
"I learned so much"
"I'd do it differently next time"
"I'm glad I did it"
The show itself is valuable. But the process of preparing for it - the editing, the writing, the thinking through how your work functions in a public space - that's where real development happens.
Who This Is For
Artists who are:
Ready to take their practice seriously
Making work consistently (or want accountability to do so)
Willing to engage with community (we're not here to compete, we're here to support)
Interested in the business side of being an artist (or at least willing to learn it)
Looking for their next step, whatever that is
You don't need to be "established." You don't need thousands of Instagram followers. You don't need an MFA or any particular credentials.
You just need to be making work and ready to do the work of being a professional artist.
What People Say
"Kristine helped me get much further in my art career than I would have alone, including a solo show at Shoebox Projects." - Debbie K.
"The community is incredible. I've made real connections and actual friendships." - Monica
"Finally, someone who tells you how this actually works instead of keeping everything secret." - Adeola
The Practical Details
Investment: 12-month membership ($897/year)
What you get:
Guaranteed solo exhibition at Shoebox Projects
Weekly programming and monthly critique
Business education and community support
Solo Show Cohort membership
A year of focused career development
Already have a solo show scheduled at another gallery? You can join just the Solo Show Cohort for support: $200/year
Monthly meetings with other artists preparing for shows
30+ page comprehensive guide
Problem-solving community
All the resources without the full membership
Timeline:
Shows scheduling throughout 2026/2027
We'll work with you on timing that makes sense for your work and life
Location: Shoebox Projects at the Brewery Arts Complex, Los Angeles
How It Works
Sign up for 12-month membership at shoeboxarts.com/membershippricing
We'll schedule your exhibition dates (We have a couple spots in 2026 and are starting to fill our Spring 2027)
Engage with the programming throughout the year (or don't - it's there when you need it)
Join the Solo Show Cohort as you prepare
We'll work together on your exhibition
Your work gets seen by real people in a professional space
You have actual exhibition history to build on
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Solo shows are weird. You'll doubt everything. You'll question if your work is good enough. You'll probably want to change things three days before install.
This is all normal.
Having a community of people who've been through it (or are going through it with you) makes everything more manageable.
The Solo Show Cohort exists specifically for this. Monthly check-ins with other artists navigating the same challenges. Sharing what's working, problem-solving together, not having to figure out every detail alone.
Plus you get our comprehensive guide that covers everything from finding funding to dealing with post-show blues (yes, that's real and yes, we talk about it).
Sometimes The Solution Is Simple
Artist makes work → Artist shows work → People see work → Conversations happen → Connections form → Career develops
We're just removing the barriers between you and that process.
No jury. No waiting list. No "we'll let you know."
Just: show up, do the work, get the show.
Ready?
If you've been waiting for someone to give you permission to take your art career seriously, this is it.
If you're tired of making work that nobody sees, here's your chance to change that.
If you want community and support while you figure out this whole professional artist thing, we're here.
Your solo show is waiting.
Check out the membership details: shoeboxarts.com/membershippricing
Questions? Email me: shoeboxartsla@gmail.com
I read everything and I respond to everyone.
P.S. - We also have a VIP package that includes monthly 1-on-1 consultations along with everything mentioned above. If you want more intensive support, that's an option too. Details on the website.
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