DIY Pop Up Art Show: How to Host Your Own Art Exhibition Anywhere

Create your own art show—no gallery approval needed. Have you ever dreamed of showcasing your artwork in a gallery, but felt blocked by the gatekeeping world of curators and gallery reps? Good news: you don’t need their permission! In this empowering class, artist and comedian Adam Palmeter shows you exactly how to produce your own pop-up art show—anywhere in the world.

From Lisbon to Brooklyn, Adam has curated over a dozen exhibitions in non-traditional venues like cafes, coworking spaces, and even clothing stores. This class is your blueprint for turning any space into a one-night-only gallery experience, with zero gatekeeping and all the freedom.

What You’ll Learn

Adam shares his personal process and practical strategies so you can:

• Identify the right venue and assess if it’s a good fit for your art

• Pitch your show to venues—even if they’ve never hosted one before

• Plan logistics like lighting, hanging, food & drinks, and music

• Promote your show using posters, social media, and local outreach

• Curate a solo or group exhibition that fits your vision and goals

• Barter artwork for resources like food & drinks, photography, or venue space

Why You Should Take This Class

This class is for artists who are ready to stop waiting for permission and start taking action. You’ll learn how to:

• Take control of your creative career and visibility

• Build your reputation and network locally or internationally

• Gain real-world experience in curating and event planning

• Host a professional-looking show without breaking the bank

Whether you want to sell your art, build your portfolio, or connect with your creative community, this class will help you do it—on your own terms.

Who This Class is For

This class is perfect for emerging and independent artists, illustrators, photographers, and creatives of any kind. No prior exhibition experience needed—just a body of work and the drive to share it. It’s especially helpful if you’re a digital nomad, traveling artist, or someone new to a city and looking to plug into the local art scene.

Materials/Resources

• Examples of your artwork (digital or physical)

• A tablet or smartphone for showing your portfolio and documenting your show

• Access to social media and/or WhatsApp for outreach and planning

• Optional: poster design software (Canva, Photoshop, etc.)

You’ll also get a class project: host your own pop-up art show and share photos or videos with the class. Adam will be cheering you on every step of the way.

Ready to showcase your art without waiting for a gallery to say yes? Let’s hit the streets and bring your vision to life.

Ready to take your skills to the next level? Check out my mural class next!