​Here's a checklist for attending an outdoor art show. Personally, participating in an outdoor art show is more than just a chance to sell my work; it's a valuable experience that allows me to directly experience the direction of my work, market trends, and audience preferences. Unlike just checking online responses, I always gain new insights through engaging with people in person, engaging in conversations about my work, and engaging in conversations about my work.

Interacting with visitors sometimes opens up entirely new perspectives on my work and provides inspiration for future themes and methods of expression. Which works linger longer, which price ranges sell quickly, and which conversations lead to positive responses—all of these are invaluable clues for me as an artist and educator.

Furthermore, art shows are not just a place to sell; they are also a platform for promoting my brand and establishing my presence as an artist. Sharing business cards and brochures often leads to links to my blog and publications, and some even unexpectedly show interest in my studio classes. Because a single event can expand in so many directions, outdoor art shows are always challenging yet rewarding experiences for me.

Therefore, when participating in such events, it's important to consider not only the artwork and booth preparation, but also how the on-site communication and experience itself can connect with my work. This checklist is the starting point for such preparation. The more thoroughly I prepare, the more relaxed I'll be able to interact with visitors on-site, and the more inspiration I'll find within it.

Participating in an outdoor art show is both exciting and challenging for artists. While it offers the perfect opportunity to share your work with a wider audience, it also requires thoughtful preparation to make sure your display is professional, secure, and weather-resistant. Here are a few essential items that can help you set up with confidence.
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1. A Reliable Canopy Tent
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A canopy tent with sidewalls, such as the ABCCANOPY 10x10 Canopy Tent, is an artist’s best friend at an outdoor show. It provides shade, protection from unexpected rain, and creates a defined space for your artwork. The sidewalls also help control lighting and add an extra layer of security when you step away.

​2. Water Weights for Stability
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Wind is one of the biggest challenges at outdoor events. To keep your tent safe and steady, you’ll want heavy-duty weights like the Eurmax Universal Canopy Weights. These are easy to fill and attach to each tent leg, ensuring your setup won’t be disturbed by sudden gusts.

3. Strong Tent Clips

For extra reinforcement, especially if you’re hanging signage or additional artwork, clips like the Purflo Tent Spring Heavy Duty Metal Tarp Clips come in handy. They provide a simple but reliable way to secure tarps, backdrops, or banners without damaging your tent.

Putting It All Together
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With the right setup—tent, weights, and clips—you’ll create a stable and welcoming space that highlights your artwork beautifully. An outdoor show is not just about displaying art; it’s about creating an environment where visitors feel drawn to step inside, take their time, and connect with your work.
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Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned participant, investing in these essentials ensures that your focus remains on your art, not on battling the elements.

4. Grid Wall Panels for Display
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To showcase artwork effectively, sturdy display panels are a must. The Grid Wall Panels with Wheels are a versatile and affordable choice. They allow you to hang framed art, prints, or other items in a clean, professional way, instantly transforming your tent into a gallery space. Since they come with wheels, they’re also easy to move and reconfigure depending on the show layout.
Using grid panels not only elevates the presentation of your work but also maximizes vertical space, letting visitors view multiple pieces at once without crowding your table.

5. Picture Hanging Wires for FlexibilityAnother essential tool I found helpful is adjustable picture hanging wires. These stainless steel wires are strong, rust-resistant, and can hold up to 44 lbs, making them reliable for securing framed artwork in a booth setup. The adjustable loop-hook design makes it easy to hang pieces at different heights without needing extra tools.
For outdoor shows, this flexibility is important—sometimes the wind shifts or you need to rebalance your display. Having these wires on hand ensured that I could quickly adjust my grid wall panels and frames without stress. They’re lightweight, portable, and affordable, which makes them a smart addition to any artist’s toolkit.
Check them out on Amazon →

​Although it had the disadvantage of the picture flipping over frequently in the wind, it saved the trouble of installing heavy panels.

​6. Folding Wagon Cart for Easy Transport

One of the biggest challenges at outdoor shows is moving all your supplies—tents, weights, grid panels, artworks, and personal items—without exhausting yourself before the event even begins. That’s where a foldable utility wagon comes in.
This cart is sturdy enough to hold up to 360 lbs, yet collapses easily for storage. The all-terrain wheels and adjustable handle make it simple to roll across grass, gravel, or pavement, which is especially useful when carrying heavy display panels or multiple artworks.
At my recent show, this wagon saved me multiple trips back and forth from the car and helped me stay organized. For artists setting up their own booth for the first time, I highly recommend investing in one—it makes the whole process smoother and less stressful.
Check it out on Amazon →

My Thought: 

I participated in my first two outdoor art shows by sharing a booth with other artists, but for my third show, I set up a personal booth for the very first time. Having my own space gave me more freedom and comfort to connect with visitors, and I truly enjoyed the experience.
However, as a beginner at setting up a booth on my own, I struggled with questions like which tent to buy, what supplies were necessary, and how to organize everything. Since I didn’t have anyone available to guide me through the process, it felt overwhelming at times.
Thankfully, with the items I shared above, I was able to complete the show successfully and with great satisfaction. That’s why I want to share this information here—hoping it will help other artists who are preparing for their first outdoor show.
When I asked experienced artists around me for advice at the time, I didn’t receive any responses. That experience made me realize how important it is to blog, share knowledge, and support one another in the artist community. I hope my notes and experience can serve as a helpful guide for others stepping into their first art show journey.

Recently, I decided to create a new business card using Canva. In the past, I either designed cards myself or relied on limited templates, but Canva offered a much cleaner and more diverse range of designs to choose from.

The Design Process

Among the many templates Canva provides, I selected one that best fit my style and customized it. I added my name and title, and most importantly, placed one of my artworks as the main image. Since exchanging business cards often feels more convenient with a QR code, I included one that links directly to my official website (annakoh.com). This way, my card goes beyond being just contact information—it becomes an extension of my creative work.

The Advantages of Canva

• Variety of templates: From simple and minimalistic to stylish and artistic, there are plenty of options.
• Easy customization: You can freely adjust text, images, and QR codes to suit your needs.
• Integrated printing service: Once the design is finished, you can order prints directly through Canva.

Printing and Pricing
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After finalizing my design, I requested printing directly from Canva. I chose the premium paper (400–450gsm), which has a thicker texture and feels more professional. With discounts applied, the total cost was under $15 for 50 cards. It felt like a very affordable and satisfying option—perfect for independent artists and freelancers.

Final Thoughts

Through this experience, I realized that a business card can be more than just a contact tool—it is a small artwork that represents me. By including my artwork and a QR code linked to my website, the card has become a meaningful expression of my identity and brand as an artist.

If you often need to hang frames or artwork, you know how essential D-rings and wire are. The problem is that many kits are either overpriced or don’t include all the necessary parts—forcing you to buy extra pieces separately.

After trying several options, I found the most budget-friendly and practical kit:

👉 Check out the most economical D-ring kit here

This kit includes 20 D-rings, screws, aluminum sleeves, a 100-foot roll of wire, and even a screwdriver—all for only $6.97. Compared to other brands, this set offers everything you need at a fraction of the cost.

Why I recommend it:

• Complete kit—no need to buy extras separately
• Supports up to 30 lb, perfect for medium-sized frames
• High-quality wire that’s flexible, strong, and easy to work with
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Whether you’re an artist hanging student work, a teacher setting up displays, or simply decorating your home gallery wall, this kit is one of the most economical choices available.

As an art teacher, one constant challenge is figuring out the best way to display sample works for students. Samples help guide students, showing them the direction of a project and inspiring them to take creative risks. But traditional cork boards can be limiting—they’re often too small, not very durable, and tricky to install.

Recently, I discovered the Large Cork Board Alternative – Felt Wall Tiles, and it has completely transformed how I display my teaching samples.

Key Features

• Generous Size: Comes with 12 panels (each 11.8" x 11.8"), creating a total display space of 47" x 35". Perfect for showcasing multiple sample artworks at once.
• Clean, Modern Look: The gray felt with a marble-like finish blends beautifully into classrooms or studios while making your samples stand out.
• Easy Installation: Includes safe, removable adhesive tabs—no damage to walls, and easy to rearrange or move when needed.
• Versatile Use: Great for displaying drawing samples, step-by-step demonstrations, reference photos, or instructional posters.

How I Use It in My Studio: Use this board to display drawing samples for students—such as hands, figure sketches, or still life studies. Having the samples clearly visible during class helps students stay on track, understand expectations, and feel inspired. It also gives the classroom a more professional, studio-like atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This product is more than just a bulletin board—it’s a practical and stylish way to showcase teacher samples that support and enhance student learning. I highly recommend it for any art classroom, private studio, or teaching space.

👉 Check it out on Amazon here