The Photographer's Guide to Getting & Having a Successful Exhibition by Robert S. Persky.

Photographic Arts Center, 1987. Very good in wraps with crimp to left corner of cover.  127 pages. Chapters on reasons to have an exhibit; preliminary preparation; contacts with exhibit spaces; agreements with exhibition spaces; budget; exhibit announcements and invitations; publicity; reviews; catalogs; special events; summing up.  Plus appendices, bibliography, and index.  While some of the information in this book is out of date because it predates digital communications, most of it still provides an excellent source on how to obtain exhibitions in galleries and museums and the artist’s role in promoting it.  Uncommon book, only a few copies available on the Internet up to $400. Summary:

The Photographer's Guide to Getting & Having a Successful Exhibition by Robert S. Persky is a practical, step-by-step manual designed to transition a photographer from a creator of images to a professional exhibitor. Persky, the long-time editor of The Photograph Collector, focuses on the business and logistical realities of the art world that are often overlooked by artists.

Core Themes and Strategy

The book is structured to demystify the gallery system and provide a roadmap for navigating the competitive landscape of public displays.

• The Preparation Phase: Persky emphasizes that "getting" an exhibition starts long before approaching a gallery. This includes developing a cohesive body of work (rather than a "best-of" collection), creating high-quality portfolios, and writing effective artist statements.

• Targeting the Right Venue: One of the book's primary insights is the importance of matching the work to the venue. Persky categorizes spaces—commercial galleries, non-profit spaces, corporate lobbies, and community centers—and explains the different expectations and "deals" associated with each.

• The Logistics of "Having" the Show: Beyond just getting the wall space, the guide covers the "heavy lifting" of an exhibition:

  • Framing and Presentation: Standards for archival mounting and aesthetic consistency.

  • Pricing: How to value work based on experience, edition size, and market reality.

  • Insurance and Shipping: Protecting the work during transit and while on display.

• Marketing and PR: Persky provides templates and advice for press releases, invitations, and opening night etiquette to ensure the show reaches its intended audience.

Significance of the Work

Persky’s guide is widely regarded as a "survival manual" because it treats photography as a professional trade. It encourages photographers to look at their exhibition not just as an ego boost, but as a marketing tool and a legal transaction.