Getting your textile art in front of the right eyes can feel like an uphill battle. The work is personal, labor-intensive, and so often misunderstood. Yet, it deserves to be seen, collected, and celebrated.
According to Liz Garvey, owner of Garvey|Simon Gallery who has built her career showing textile art and supporting emerging artists, visibility is within reach if you know where to focus your energy.
Below, Liz shares what really works: from professional photos to smart social media, juried shows, and the power of human connection. If you’re ready to grow your audience and attract curators or galleries, start here.
How to Get Your Textile Art Seen, Explained
1️⃣ Document Your Work Well — It’s Non-Negotiable
It all begins with how you show your work. Liz’s first piece of advice is crystal clear: get strong installation shots.
Textile art is tactile, dimensional, and often loses its magic when photographed poorly. To help a dealer, curator, or collector imagine how your piece lives in space, you need:
- Overall installation views — show the work in context, on a wall or in a room.
- Detail shots — highlight your textures, stitches, layers.
- Multiple angles — help people understand scale and depth.
If you can, invest in a professional shoot once or twice a year, or team up with another artist to split the cost. Your photos will open doors long before you do.
2️⃣ Use Social Media as a Tool — Not the Goal
Instagram isn’t magic — but it’s an essential tool. Liz recommends treating it like a simple, daily habit: 15 minutes a day, if you have good content.
Post your finished work, but also share:
- In-progress photos to invite people into your process.
- Behind-the-scenes looks at your studio.
- Installation shots from exhibitions.
- Tags for galleries, curators, and other artists.
The key is consistency. Social media makes you discoverable, but your content must show the depth and quality of your work.
3️⃣ Show Up: Juried Shows, Openings & Real-World Visibility
A good online presence means nothing if you never step into the real world. Liz emphasizes:
- Apply for juried shows — they’re great stepping stones, especially if you’re just starting to build your resume.
- Attend gallery openings — meet other artists, introduce yourself to dealers, and stay visible.
- Connect with museum curators — research who’s exhibiting textile art, then reach out respectfully.
Being seen often starts with simply being there. Even small conversations at an opening can lead to a recommendation or an invitation later on.
4️⃣ Build a Network That Supports You
Artists don’t thrive alone. Liz encourages textile artists to nurture community:
- Build relationships with fellow artists — they can be your biggest advocates.
- Find peer groups or artist networks that share opportunities.
- Reach out to dealers and curators whose values align with yours — a thoughtful, well-researched email or DM can open surprising doors.
Every connection you make expands your reach beyond what you could do solo.
5️⃣ Keep Making the Work
None of this matters in how to get your textile art seen if the art isn’t strong. Liz’s final, most important advice is simple: keep making the work.
When the work grows, the audience grows with it.
As you share it, you give curators and collectors a reason to keep following you.
When you keep showing up, your name stays fresh in their minds.
Your creative practice is your best marketing tool — and your strongest asset.
Where to Start
Getting your textile art seen takes time, but the steps are clear: document it well, share it strategically, show up in person, and stay connected to a community that lifts you up.
Choose one thing this week: book a photo session, plan your next social media post, apply to a juried show, or reach out to someone you admire.
As Liz reminds us: press send — and see what happens.
Which of these steps will you tackle first? I’d love to hear how you’re getting your textile art out into the world — share your story with our Textile Art Insider community!
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Great advice Clara!
Lynn, so glad you found it helpful
Hi Realy good reminders and ” support”. I’m working with several of these things now. But found the advice about photo with close ups of fiber and stitches very helpful.
This week I will work with a sosial media post.
Thanks for everything!💝🧵🪡
You’re most welcome. All the the best in your endeavors