Breaking into art institutions is not easy. Especially for textile and fiber artists. The line between being seen as a hobbyist and a professional can feel hard to cross.
That’s why I spoke with Beth McLaughlin, whom I’ve interviewed before. She’s the Chief Curator at the Fuller Craft Museum. She has worked with many artists over the years. And she had practical advice to share.
If you’re ready to take your work to the next level, keep reading. Here’s what Beth had to say.
A Curator’s Career Advice to Artists
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Start With Strong Photography
Beth didn’t hesitate when I asked what artists need most. “Get good photography,” she said.
That means professional photos. Not casual snapshots.
“Hiring a professional photographer to take photos of your work is critical,” Beth explained. “It seems so basic, but it matters.”
Why? Because good photos open doors. She’s received email proposals—with great images—that led to solo shows. One of them was from Bo McCall. He reached out during the pandemic and ended up with a major solo exhibition.
Good photography shows curators you’re serious. It helps your work speak for itself.
Send It Out Often
“Send your work anywhere and everywhere,” Beth encouraged. “It doesn’t have to be The MET to start with. It can be your local museum. Just keep at it.”
Reaching out to curators and galleries—whether local or national—is not reserved for artists with representation or blue-chip galleries behind them. A thoughtful email with a clear introduction and strong images can lead to opportunities, even without formal representation.
The key is to start. Keep sharing. Keep putting your work in front of decision-makers.
That’s how you break into institutions. One email. One connection. One opportunity at a time.
Use Social Media Strategically
Beth also stressed the value of social media.
“There have been many artists I’ve discovered on social media, either through their own pages or via other curators I follow.”
Social media can be daunting, but it’s also a free and powerful tool. It begins—again—with strong visuals. Posting your work consistently, following other artists and curators, and engaging with the wider community can put your work in front of the right eyes.
Decide What You Want
Not every artist wants the same thing. Beth made that clear.
Some artists want to sell. Some want museum shows. Others just want to make work quietly in their studios.
“I know artists who have worked for decades in their studios and don’t care about showing or selling their work,” Beth noted. “It’s really about identifying what you want and making a roadmap to that.”
If your goal is to show in institutions, your plan needs to reflect that. Build a body of work. Share it widely. Reach out often. And don’t get discouraged.
If what you want is professional recognition, then time spent on documentation, outreach, and digital presence is not a distraction from your practice—it’s a vital part of it.
Believe in Your Work
Beth closed with encouragement. “Don’t be afraid,” she said. “Believe in your work. Believe in the process.”
Whether you’re applying to residencies, museums, or shows, rejection is part of the game—but so is discovery. Persistence and professionalism matter just as much as creative vision.
The art world can feel exclusive. But it’s not impossible to break in. Curators are people. Institutions are evolving. Artists have more access than ever before.
Your work deserves to be seen.
Final Thoughts
Beth McLaughlin’s insights reinforce the idea that professional success in the art world is not only about talent, but about readiness—having your materials in order, your story clear, and your work visible. Especially in the textile art world, where pathways to recognition are still forming, artists must often be their own advocates.
So take the photo. Write the email. Post the piece. And above all, keep creating.
Key Takeaways from this Curator’s Career Advice to Artists
- Hire a professional photographer to document your work
- Send your portfolio to local and regional institutions
- Build a strong and consistent social media presence
- Identify what success looks like for you
- Keep going—persistence pays off
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Insightful commentary. Very important to decide if your work is best seen through a museum experience , independent gallery or represented by an art advisor. Thank you for the posting.
Eileen, you’re right. Deciding what you want is important in deciding what success looks like for you. Everyone is different and everyone’s path will reflect those differences.