First of all, congratulations on your art exhibition! It is a big deal and an important milestone. So, what can you realistically expect to achieve with your first art exhibition, and what should (or shouldn't) you do?
1. Don't expect too much. Your first show is seldom the skyrocket to stardom. It won't transform you overnight from an unknown artist into an artist known the world over and see you having to turn collectors away from your studio door. Rather, it's a just another step along the path of establishing your career and reputation as an artist.
The aftermath of a show is often disappointment, if not despair. Don't let this catch you by surprise; it's the natural result following the excitement in the build-up to the show. Just remember, you started making art before you ever heard of this gallery, and you will continue to be an artist and make art long after this association has passed.
2. When you go to the opening, wear your good clothes and try to stay reasonably sober.
3. Whatever you do, don't undersell the gallery. People generally know that galleries mark up 100 percent (i.e. artist typically gets 50 percent of the sale price) and will try to get you to sell them work for less after the show is over. Don't do it; not only is this unethical, it's the number one reason for galleries to drop artists.
