Artistic Practices Stages - The Word
with Heather René Dunaway
April 2025
Recently, I hung the Augusta Intertwined exhibit in the Augusta & Co. Gallery. Several of the artists I had never displayed work for, which felt good. Augusta has so many talented creatives, on so many different levels. I just wish I had a space to squeeze them all into together.
It’s so interesting to see Broad Street alive with arts exhibitions. Its great to see artists like Ed Rice (who is featured in the Morris Museum) showing a body of work in CANDL Fine Art, visiting artist Khara Woods from Memphis in Westobou, along with with an array of local talents in the MICRO 5×7 show and Augusta & Co. Galleries.
As an artist of any genre, learning what stage in your career you are currently in can help you navigate your arts community, apply for grants, exhibitions, shows, performances, etc. The more honest you are with what your skillset is compared to the competition, the better your chances are to succeed. But what are those stages even? Well, I got that covered in this month’s WORD.
Stage 1, Amateur:
Creatives at this stage are hobbyists. More than likely self taught, or maybe they took a couple of courses at a community center or private art lessons, but really create for their own personal enjoyment. They aren’t as concerned about displaying their work publicly or selling their work. They haven’t built a network and are in it solely for the happiness that creating brings them, personally. Which is totally valid. Though they may be striving to develop professionally in their work and dream of bigger recognition, they are just getting started.
Stage 2, Emerging:
Emerging artists are in the early stages of their professional development. They have a better understanding of their choice medium and are creating a unique style. Likely experimenting with different ideas while they find their voice. Oftentimes, Emerting Artists are under direct mentorship from upper-level artists, and/or are enrolled in an arts program. Creatives in this stage are actively building a network, applying to showcase their work in solo and group exhibits or programs, getting reviews, local interviews and small awards. Often from within their own community.
Classically, Emerging artists are within their first 10 years of working as an artist, regardless of age. But it is important to note that how long someone has been making artwork does not necessarily equal their placement.
Stage 3, Mid-Career:
At this stage, creatives have spent the last several years honing in their talents, building a network, and exploring outside of their own home towns to broaden their scope and connect with a wider audience. What they are creating speaks to an audience larger than their friend and family circle by making impactful work in their own unique style. They have had multiple solo-exhibitions, published work or were headlining performers. They are known by the arts community on a regional level.
Often, creatives at this level are making enough money through their art to support themselves (even if it’s just barely). Their work is in private collections, they have gone viral or have a large following on social media, have representation/management, record deals, or they’ve been featured on best seller book lists. Whatever artform they adhere to, they are getting recognition.
Stage 4, Established:
Established artists have a consistent body of work that has gained national and/or continental attention. Their work is shown across the country in museums and big name galleries, played on big radio stations, selling out at book stores or music venues, in big movie or t.v. productions, etc. The contributions they make to their art field are seen as cultural shifts.
At this level, artists aren’t updating their own websites or managing their social media (at least they don’t have to). They have staff who can take care of that for them while they focus on their work. At this point galleries, music producers, casting directors, publishers reach out to them consistently to offer roles in new projects.
Stage 5, Blue-Chip:
At this stage artists have become a household name across the globe. Their work sells for 100,000s – millions of dollars. Top museums do annual retrospectives of their work. Private collectors lend out their work for traveling exhibitions. They sell out arenas. Their published work starts creates cultural movements or new genres. They are icons in the arts world that all stages look to for inspiration and have become historically significant in their arts field and beyond.