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Senior Exhibition: Advance Publicity

Time. It's the one thing to keep in mind when publicizing your show in advance. Creating fliers, printing and sending invitations, securing news coverage -- it all requires advance planning. Before works are even selected for the show, a publicity campaign should be in the works.

I. Fliers - required

Flier

Fliers are often the first impression people have of a publicized event. It sets the tone and shares only the most essential information. Given the deluge of fliers and posters on campus, design is critical in not only capturing people's attention, but in holding it long enough for the information to be read.

  • Before your flier goes to print, it must be approved by the Gallery Director.
  • Fliers in Melchers Hall may be posted on the doors and bulletin boards only.
  • Submit 10 copies of your flier for the gallery archives.

Keep your flier or poster simple and unique to your group. It's your show--be as creative as you want to be. The only requirement is that the Gallery Director approves it and that the following information is included:

  1. exhibition title
  2. names of artists in the show
  3. exhibition dates
  4. exhibition location:
    duPont Gallery, duPont Hall,
    University of Mary Washington
  5. date & time of opening reception
  6. duPont Gallery information
    Free admission. Hours: Monday-Friday 10-4; Saturday and Sunday 1-4. The duPont Gallery is in duPont Hall. Free Parking for gallery visitors is designated in the lot across College Avenue at Thornton Street. For more information call 540-654-1013.)
  7. Student Activities "stamp of approval". Fliers posted outside of the department must be reviewed by a representative from Student Activities and approved with a stamp. (Student Activities in located in the basement of Seacobeck.)

II. Postcards, Invitations, Etc.

Outside of brochureIn addition to fliers, small publications like postcards and brochures (sample on the right) are popular and clever ways to advertise your show. Send them with a personal note to family, friends, or local galleries. Distribute them in the student center or ask if you can leave a few at local businesses--be creative!

Sending a personal invitation, whether it be a postcard or hand-written note, can be a professional and thoughtful way of introducing yourselves and your work to select individuals and organizations. Don't overlook it as a means of celebrating your show--it will pay off on opening night.

Inside of brochureIII. Media

Even all the fliers and postcards in the world might not offer as much exposure as a feature story in The Bullet or a note in the Free-Lance Star. The media is a valuable resource in reaching a large audience with little effort on your part.

The resources listed below are available to you on campus. Be aware that each has an early deadline for printing, so contact them well in advance of your show's opening (about three to four weeks).

PostcardNews & Information Services
Teresa Mannix, Assistant Director (x1055)
To request a press release about your show and have it distributed to the Free-Lance Star and your hometown newspaper(s), contact Joerger at least four to six weeks in advance.

The Bullet
654-1133
To request a feature story, contact the editors at least three weeks in advance. If a story is run, the editors may wish to photograph the exhibit and/or your group. Please work with the Student Supervisor(s) to coordinate possible photo shoots.

Design Services
654-1051
What better way to reach your fellow students than while they're eating? To have the opening of your show noted in This Week (a flier placed on tables in Seacobeck), contact Design Services by Tuesday, noon, the week before the opening.