Every artist knows the thrill of an acceptance email: “Congratulations, your work has been selected…” That rush of validation can make juried shows tempting. In recent years, online and hybrid exhibitions have multiplied, promising exposure, recognition, and a stronger CV. But are these shows truly worth your time, money, and energy?
The answer depends less on the show itself and more on your goals, and on being clear-eyed about what you’re actually getting.
Online-Only Shows
These are the most accessible: no shipping, framing, or travel costs. For the entry fee, your work appears in an online gallery. The upside is convenience and, sometimes, the chance to add a line to your CV.
The downside is that many of these shows exist in name only. Your work might technically be “on display,” but if the organizer’s idea of promotion is uploading a web page and moving on, the benefit to you is minimal. Some platforms even lean on popularity contests—artists must drum up votes from friends and family to advance. That shifts the emphasis away from quality and onto personal networks. Unless you’re getting meaningful exposure to new audiences, the value is thin.
Hybrid Exhibitions
Some organizations run exhibitions that exist both online and in a physical space. These can be more promising, especially if the physical component is hosted by a gallery or institution with an established audience. Even if your piece doesn’t travel to the venue, the association with a reputable show and the potential for press or critical review can be valuable.
That said, hybrid shows still vary widely in quality. Research matters: look at who juries the show, what kind of work they’ve selected in the past, and whether the event has a track record of meaningful promotion.
Physical Juried Shows
Traditional juried shows—held in galleries or museums—require more effort and expense. Entry fees are higher, framing and shipping add costs, and there’s often travel involved if you want to attend. But the rewards can be richer.
Showing in person gives you the chance to network, meet collectors, receive critical feedback, and see how your work stands alongside peers in a real-world setting. Reviews or publicity that grow out of these exhibitions can carry weight, and the experience itself—navigating submissions, attending openings, building professional presence—can strengthen your career in ways online exhibitions rarely match.
What Motivates You?
Artists enter shows for different reasons:
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Building a CV. A juried acceptance adds credibility, especially early in a career. But keep in mind that a handful of well-chosen exhibitions says more than dozens of minor ones.
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Exposure. The right show can put your work in front of qualified eyes. Ask yourself: who will actually see this?
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Feedback. Some organizations provide juror comments or written reviews. These can be helpful, especially when they offer insight into where your work fits.
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Recognition. Awards and mentions can boost confidence and open doors, but they aren’t the only measure of artistic value.
The Pitfalls
Not all shows are created equal. Some are organized by institutions genuinely committed to engaging the art community. Others are simply revenue machines, set up to collect entry fees with little thought for artists’ growth. If the primary motivation of the organizer is profit, chances are slim you’ll benefit much from participating.
A Balanced Approach
Juried shows aren’t inherently good or bad. The key is to be selective. Decide in advance how much time and money you’re willing to invest each year, and weigh opportunities against that budget. Look closely at the jurors, the track record, and the promotional reach.
If your primary goal is sales, juried shows—especially online-only—are unlikely to deliver. But if you’re looking for CV credibility, feedback, or professional experience, the right opportunities can play a role in your growth.
Like any investment, the value depends on the return. Go in with open eyes, choose carefully, and remember: participating in juried shows is just one tool in building an art career, not the whole kit.
I agree. In the past year I’ve done a gauntlet of group shows ranging from galleries, universities, public spaces, and local venues. Most have attracted only other artists and very few collectors. Most promotion has relied solely on exhibiting artists posting on socials.
Most exhibitions are boring. Why would non artists want to go to them, especially on weekdays, to look at images on a wall. I love art! I’m a painter and collector and find this old tradition boring. We need to bring more value to art exhibitions if we want to change the art world’s perception.
What are your thoughts about NFTs selling at online auctions? I lost a fortune in an online bitcoin scam re NFTs this year but apparently it’s a real thing and can bring in lots of money? Can you do a ‘segment’ on this ‘new’ sales technique? I really believed it was worth the risk …. and lost $85K. Really wrecked my life. —Jamison Kaufman
I am visiting Scottsdale early December this year. Can I just pop in or do I need an appointment?
Thank You,
Debra Piazza
I just received an invitation to submit artwork to the online SQUARE FOOT SHOW. They claim to have many buyers and sell many of these small paintings. What do you know about this show? They do monthly themed shows.
There’s so much out there its hard to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. I would love to see a comprehensive review of these juried art shows.
I’m having a difficult time discerning which venues are worthy. I already guessed online venues were not worth much. I’ve done many gallery exhibits across the country but still haven’t sold anything.
I’d also love a guide to better venues.
I would not enter an “On Line” juried show. I just do not see any benefit in it for me. The personal in person interaction with clients, art lovers, is way to important for me. To pass that up for spending time for an online exhibition makes no sense to me.
Thank you Jason for the clarity on shows
I have done many different types of shows over the years. I prefer to do in person shows. Yes I met many people. They get to know me and get familiar with my work. Recently I spent 230.00 on a frame and 340.00 plus a good 6 hrs. In total travelling picking up supplies, making the box, shipping etc. shipped it to a gallery in the US from Canada.
The show is on for a month with a prestigious art group. I won $100.00 people’s choice. No sale yet.
I will ship it to a friends place in the US where I will visit in November.
Yes many inconveniences, another feather in my CV (as you said).
I am reminded that selling my work with a committed art gallery is far better than running around and doing all that work for a show that will last only a month.
I believe in art galleries. They deserve 50-60% of the sales.
I am not sure this is an answer for everyone but my daughter has had a successful gallery for well over 20 years and a few years ago she asked me to rewrite my bio.
She said, “Mom, these people aren’t interested in how many shows you have done or how many awards you have, they want to know WHY you paint…”
She was right….
I entered a few way back when and soon realized they’re all just revenue-seeking promotions and of no value to the artists. Physical shows are an opportunity for the public/artists to schmooze and drink free wine. Not for me.
The only Congratulations I’m interested in are the ones that come from my online galleries and say “Congatulations your art has sold.”
I greatly appreciate your take on these shows. It has made me rethink some of the juried online and galley shows I’ve been entering. And, after reading I believe I see why most of these shows have not proved productive, sales wise. I greatly appreciate that and will look at further opportunities with more scrutiny and eyes wide open.
However, can you please tell me what CV stands for?
I can help with that. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which is a complete listing of your experience and education. It’s similar to a resume, but people often pare down their resume to show only the most relevant information.
CV = Curriculum Vitae, a comprehensive document detailing an artist’s full professional history, including education, exhibitions, awards, residencies, publications and collections.
Curriculum Vitae (more detailed and comprehensive document than a resume)