This is a post by one of Mirrix's 2026 Brand Ambassadors, Yuliya Klochan. Follow Yuliya on Instagram @yuliyaklochan here. See her first post here.
You’ve started weaving on a Mirrix Loom: Your skill grows; you find new ways to make the loom work for you; your work starts accumulating in boxes and drawers… What then?
I’ve been in that place and, though my bins remain full, I’ve also been able to sell and exhibit my beaded art. Throughout, I’ve been supported and encouraged by some incredible artists. Here, I’m passing on everything I’ve learned about selling and exhibiting hand-woven art since April 2024.
My qualifications: I’ve been in 47 exhibits, 16 fairs/markets, and 3 artisan stores. Most of these have been in the Chicago area, but this guide is applicable throughout the U.S.
From the opening of my first solo show in Chicago, “Not a Patient Woman”: A solo opportunity like this was a dream come true! All 25 works were woven on a Mirrix Loom.
Before Applying
Start by creating a personal website and social media account(s). Instagram is a must for artists as both a networking tool and a way to find opportunities. Personally, I focus on Instagram posts and reels, and cross-post on TikTok and YouTube (specifically Shorts).
On your website, include a portfolio page showing a cohesive body of work. Create “About the Artist” and “Contact” pages as well, and link all your social media accounts. If you have no development experience, don’t worry: Platforms like Wix and Squarespace provide intuitive tools and templates to get you started.
The home page of www.yuliyaklochan.com, made with Squarespace
What to prep for your applications:
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Professional, unframed photos of your art: Phone photos are often sufficient, though I recommend investing in a camera eventually, if you can. If your artwork is rectangular, crop out any background.
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Bio: These are typically brief third-person narratives of your artistic journey. They aren’t meant to be resumes: Think about what you’d like a curator/collector to know about how you got here.
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Artist statement: These are typically written in first-person, and they are short descriptions of your artistic goals and themes. Think about what makes your body of work cohesive, and tailor that to the exhibit you’re applying for. I recommend looking at examples online, as there are many possible formats for artist statements. For example, it’s relevant that my statement talks about how my identities influence my work—but you’re not required to disclose anything personal.
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Artwork details: Have dimensions (in inches), date created, and price ready. Sometimes, you’ll need to write a short description for each artwork: What was your inspiration? How is it relevant to the theme of the exhibit (if there is a theme at all)?
Sample “About” website page with a headshot, bio, statement, and social media links
Sample professional photo of “Blooming Through Adversity” (made on a Mirrix Loom)
Getting Into Artisan Stores
A great first place to sell your work is a local artisan store. These feature many artists and work on a commission model—the venue takes up to 50% of each sale—but are a great entry point into the art world and can help you establish your brand. Some artisan stores will rent out wall space, too, which gives you more creative freedom.
If you live near Chicago, I highly recommend Andersonville Galleria in Edgewater, the Buddy Store in the Loop, and Artem Pop-Up Gallery in Evanston.
To pitch your work, check for an application form on the store’s website or Instagram account. It may also help to introduce yourself to the staff/manager in person, show them your work, and follow up with a formal application.
Rented space at Andersonville Galleria in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago
A note about Etsy: I have no expertise on this topic. Although I have some experience with Etsy and Michaels MakerPlace, I haven’t had much luck selling online. I’ve gotten some sales on Etsy, thanks mostly to in-person connections made at local stores and markets—but it’s difficult to stand out in a crowded online space. I have removed all items from my Etsy account and instead have a few artworks for sale on my personal website.
Getting Into Exhibits
Open calls for artists are a great way to get into group shows with little to no experience. These are typically posted on Instagram, venue websites, or third-party application vendors.
Galleries often accept emerging artists, but they aren’t the only type of exhibition venue. You’ll find Instagram open calls for local coffee shops, stores, bars, and more. I’ve seen exhibits at hair salons and butcher shops. Even without publicized opportunities, there’s no harm in reaching out to a local favorite with blank walls to see if they’ll display your art. This may also help you save on application fees and commissions—more on that later.
My section of a multi-artist exhibit at Gallery Cafe in Chicago. While galleries typically select one artwork, other venues can accept many more.
Some places I check are:
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A regional artist resource organization: For example, Chicago has the Chicago Artists Coalition and New York City has the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). These are worth checking even if you don’t live nearby; opportunities are often national or even international.
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State art organizations’ Instagram accounts: Illinois has the Illinois Arts Council.
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Local venue Instagram accounts: Search for galleries and other local venues nearby and check both their websites and Instagram accounts.
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Instagram search for hashtags such as #artistcall and #callforartists
Exhibit opening at Woman Made Gallery, one of my favorite venues in Chicago. They have multiple open calls per year!
I recommend starting with local open calls and eventually branching out to national/international and virtual opportunities. Be mindful of shipping costs for exhibits outside a driveable area—shipping companies typically have an estimator. And make sure to double-check the legitimacy of online-only exhibits: I recommend prioritizing venues that have well-ranked in-person locations.
Virtual exhibit at A Space gallery, based in New York City
Open calls can get pretty competitive, regardless of venue, so be prepared for no’s. Most of my rejections have come with an encouraging message to try again, and trying again has worked out!
Exhibit opening at Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, once a venue that rejected my work and now one of my favorite places to exhibit!
Getting Into Art Markets and Fairs
I’d recommend finding open calls for markets and fairs on Instagram and Zapplication. If you have a local newspaper or community calendar, see what venues host markets and check for their application guidelines (often on Instagram as well).
You’ll typically be asked to provide the same materials as an exhibit application, with a few sample photos of your art. Sometimes, a booth shot of your table or tent is required, but I know artists who’ve had success staging a table in their home and submitting a photo of that.
Tent at the Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago—the tent and hanging panels are all rentals from the organizer
Showing off my Mirrix Loom at markets and fairs has been a great explainer and conversation starter
If you don’t sell at your first market, don’t get discouraged! Even the same event can vary day-to-day in sales. My most successful and least successful markets were at the same venue, just in different months! Sometimes, the crowd’s not a match—and that says nothing about the quality of your work.
At the Chicago Artisan Market, my first in-person selling experience in October 2024. I sold only two items in 5 hours and left feeling miserable.
I would caution emerging weavers from applying to major markets and fairs at the start of their journey. These can cost hundreds of dollars, which are hard to make up if you’re not a good fit. In my experience, attendees of fairs are looking for artworks in specific categories: landscapes, pop art, jewelry, etc. Beading or tapestry weaving are not commonly expected mediums.
At the Holiday Handmade Market in Lincolnshire, IL
Fees and Other Costs
Displaying your art can be a considerable investment. Galleries and fairs often charge artists for applying, and that can cost you between $5–45. I recommend setting a maximum you’re willing to pay within this range. Opportunities that cost more are often considered “pay-to-play” and may actually count against you in future gallery applications.
Similarly, I’d advise against opportunities that are free to apply to, but later require payment to exhibit.
Commission is typical in galleries, and even in local places such as coffee shops and hair salons. This means the venue will take up to 50% of the sale. In my experience, 30–50% is normal. Occasionally, no commission is taken—these are golden opportunities. Make sure you know what the commission is before you drop off your art; ideally, even before you apply.
Usually, it’s fine to adjust your price based on the commission, but make sure to read the contract. I have sold at a store that takes 50% commission AND requires you to keep your price there and within 10% of other locations.
Reading the contract, when provided, is essential. Sometimes, the gallery will ask for some exclusivity or require, say, that you pay them commission for up to a month past the exhibit end. These don’t have to be red flags, but are worth noting. Check for any dropoff, pickup, and shipping rules, as well as framing and hanging requirements.
For markets and fairs, there is typically no commission taken. There is, however, a fee to participate. For small markets, you can expect to pay a few dozen dollars. Large summer fairs can cost you hundreds of dollars, so I don’t recommend starting with those.
Make sure to account for any required supplies such as a tent, table, tablecloth, and chair(s). In my experience, most markets provide a table—sometimes with a tablecloth. For fairs, you may be able to rent a tent. Know setup guidelines: What kind of signage is allowed? Are there rules for, say, tablecloth colors? Can you advertise special offers? Are prints and merch allowed?
I recommend having multiple ways to collect payment from customers: Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and other peer-to-peer payment platforms provide printable QR codes. Square sells great beginner card readers—and you can get the basic model for free. Note, however, that Square deducts a small fee for each sale.
Make sure to check for sales tax policies at the market’s location. Large fairs, at least in Illinois, provide special tax payment coupons for each vendor. I recommend registering your business in your state in advance so you can pay local sales tax online.
Always make sure to take a photo of your booth or table: These will come in handy when applying for future shows.
Final Note
The art world may seem confusing, but don’t get discouraged! If you have any questions, I’m reachable via Instagram @yuliyaklochan or my website at www.yuliyaklochan.com/contact. Good luck with your applications!
