Forward-Thinking Artists Break Down Barriers

Virtual art exhibitions represent a forward-thinking approach to art viewing, aligning seamlessly with our increasingly digital world. In a time when technology is reshaping nearly every aspect of daily life, virtual exhibitions break down physical and geographical barriers, making art accessible to a global audience. These online spaces offer innovative, interactive experiences that engage viewers in ways traditional galleries cannot, from virtual tours to immersive digital installations. By adopting this approach, artists and galleries not only expand their reach but also stay relevant in a rapidly evolving art landscape, providing audiences with flexible and meaningful ways to experience art anytime, anywhere. For artists that are not immersed in a lot of technology, virtual exhibitions and social media offer fresh, accessible ways to build and deepen connections, broaden their reach, and engage with both local and global art communities.

These tools can be especially beneficial to increase visibility. Platforms like Juniper Rag bring your work to a much larger audience without geographic limitations. By participating in virtual exhibitions, your art can be seen by collectors, curators, and other artists worldwide, expanding your community beyond your local network. Building community through authentic connections with social media allows you to share more than just finished piece. You can document your creative process, share inspirations, and engage in real conversations with followers and other artists. This can attract like-minded artists and art lovers who value your work, creating a supportive network that could even lead to collaborations and opportunities.

Virtual exhibitions are also cost-effective and accessible, unlike physical galleries, virtual exhibitions require less financial investment and fewer logistical concerns. This means you can frequently participate in these exhibitions or even host your own shows, building your portfolio and reputation at a lower cost. Platforms like Juniper Rag, which highlight innovative and challenging art, can be particularly empowering if you have a bold message to share. There are opportunities for growth and learning by engaging online that let you see trends, learn new techniques, and join conversations that you might not have access to in a local setting. Following other artists, galleries, and art leaders, like our artists at Juniper Rag, can provide inspiration and insights into how art is evolving, helping you stay current and relevant.

Within an online community you have direct access to buyers and supporters using social media and virtual platforms. These pathways allow you to interact directly with people interested in your work. Nothing happens if you do not make an effort and engage. You must comment, engage and learn about your fellow artists if you want anyone to be interested in you. This exchange can lead to sales, commissions, and even patrons who appreciate your story and want to support you long-term. Sharing your journey can foster these meaningful connections that sometimes go beyond traditional gallery relationships. Artist below, Kathryn Shagas, Simone Scholes and Robert Steffen are some of our most supportive, submitting work to our shows whenever they can, repeating exhibitions online and in person, where viewers now come looking for them each year.

For artists looking to amplify their voice, the virtual space is invaluable for building networks, finding inspiration, and engaging directly with others who appreciate their work. Beginning in a virtual space can lead to in-person benefits. For example, Julia C R Gray of San Diego started following Juniper Rag when we first came on the scene. We followed her back and invited her to be a feature artist with us. This curation process connected her with the opportunity to submit her work for a solo show with us in collaboration with CUSP Gallery, Provincetown. Robin Reynolds also had the same opportunities to begin with. Both artists formulated a virtual relationship that lead to great in-person opportunities and sales. Better still, each artist grew their community, deeply. Julia became ingrained in the local artist group in Worcester, Massachusetts that includes Robin when she earned a spot in the Ptown show. We created an opportunity for her to meet our local artist community and show her work in a little home exhibition after the Ptown show. This all happened because Julia and Robyn took a chance on a virtual opportunity. We have many stories about artists making connections that lead to more opportunities.

One thing our successful artists have in common—-they do not wait for it, they go after it. Just like anything else in life, the ambitious business minded folks make headway. These are our success stories of artists that know the value of making new connections. Friends, go after what you want. Take risks and trust in collaborations. The go-getters and powerhouses also know that reciprocation on social media earns them more followers and more eyes on their work. They make the most out of a virtual exhibition, because it is content. It ends up on their CV, on their websites, other artists and collectors see them often because they are cranking on content that is interesting and pushing them forward.

So often we have virtual shows and the artists do not do anything. They don’t even share on their social. So their investment of $35 only got them a post on our social and visibility in our exhibition and in front of our juror in some instances. We see this all the time. It is a waste not to take advantage of this content that you paid to earn a spot in a show. Our post, your post, stories, tagging other artists in your cohort, tagging us. Sharing to your other social channels and to LinkedIn. Many artists don’t even have a profile on LinkedIn. If art is your business, you should treat it as one. On our end it can get frustrating that folks don’t learn how to use social media to their advantage. Earning a spot in a virtual show is the first step. The next is sharing this content and capitalizing on the power of the group’s collaboration. Get out of your own way, and educate yourself about the power of collective communities, like Juniper Rag.

Julia C R Gray will forever have an inner circle in Massachusetts from San Diego, because she took a chance, and then another and another.

For artists skeptical about investing in an online footprint, it can help to show how digital technology can actually amplify—not replace—their traditional methods, while making art more accessible to a diverse audience. Let’s talk about some real benefits to working with online platforms.

Reach new audiences like you never have before. The art world is no longer confined to galleries and physical spaces. Potential buyers and art enthusiasts from all over the world are connecting online. By creating an online presence, artists can tap into a vast, global audience, reaching people who may not have access to local galleries but are eager to discover and buy art online. It’s a modern-day extension of their existing audience, not a replacement.

You can boost your credibility and visibility or you can show your egotism. It can go either way. Having a website or an active social media presence builds credibility in most cases. When buyers and curators search for you, they expect to find your portfolio online. Even a simple online portfolio makes a difference and can open doors to new opportunities, from gallery interest to press coverage. If you believe in having a website or an Instagram to show your work, than you are invested in a virtual existence. Artists like Julia and the thousands who show art with us, challenge norms and work in collaboration with platforms like Juniper Rag. They demonstrate that a strong online presence can complement and even enhance a traditional art career.

Online, artists have a chance to control their narrative and share their creative process, inspirations, and personal stories—elements that are sometimes lost in gallery settings. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even artist-specific networks allow you to present your work on your terms, giving people a fuller understanding of who you are as an artist. On a gallery wall, this story is never told.

Many social media tools and website platforms are now very user-friendly, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy with an ease of use and adaptability for those who may need assistance. There are resources and tutorials that can help artists set up and maintain an online presence with ease, reducing intimidation around technology. For example, Juniper Rag’s digital exhibitions provide a space for artists to show their work online without needing advanced tech skills.

Opportunities abound. Artist Jaina Cipriano’s art is among Juniper Rag artists featured on our website, here we used her piece for our new Artist Directory page.

Artists can diversify income streams with online sales and virtual exhibitions as an additional revenue stream. The more places you show your work, the more diverse the eyes are. By expanding into the digital realm, you increase the likelihood of spontaneous sales or commissioned work that might never have come through traditional channels alone. In today’s art market, where collectors are increasingly buying online, having a digital footprint is becoming essential.

We have to adapt to changing times. We are sure there are still some house phones out there and people still write letters, but where would we be now without cell phones and email? Digital technology is also transforming the art world exponentially. While physical spaces are still important, having an online presence is an investment in your future, one that can keep you relevant and adaptable. Even traditional collectors now expect to see art online before purchasing or attending a gallery. Engaging in the digital world doesn’t mean abandoning traditional art spaces, it means being ready to meet your audience wherever they are. When we mention artists to people we meet, they automatically take out their phones to find you on social. Show up in the Google search as many times as you can. Name your files so that your images show up in Google searches. Learn about SEO and how to boost everything you do.

We at Juniper Rag encourage a gradual approach. For those still hesitant, you don’t need to dive in all at once. A gradual approach—starting with a social media account, a website, or participating in a virtual exhibition with a trusted organization can make the transition feel manageable. Just like anything else you do, once you do it, it is a lot less painful.

In short, a strong online footprint is like setting up an art studio on a few bustling street corners—it’s about making yourself available to those who are genuinely interested in discovering and supporting your work.

Artists below participated in our Grateful Giveaway on Instagram, running until Nov 24, 2024. We are showing their art on line and boosting our reel to put it in front of thousands of viewers. Elisabeth Nealon, Jocelyn Elizabeth and Brenda Cirioni once, submitted to Juniper Rag and that led to this opportunity. Their donation of small works for this fun contest also led to their complimentary inclusion in our Artist Directory, which will also further their footprint and create more opportunities. Juniper Rag is co-founded by Atelier ID Global, marketing professionals that apply SEO and a strategic approach. Google Juniper Rag and see what pops up.

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