In part 2 of our series, “How to Get Started in the Second Life Art Scene,” I will discuss how to find galleries and shows in Second Life.

If you have followed the advice in part 1 in this series, then you are at the stage where you are seeking galleries and shows in Second Life to exhibit.

One of the easiest ways to find galleries is to use the search function in any Second Life viewer. Simply type the word gallery and many will appear in the search listings.  This method can be time consuming as you have to go through each listing and read descriptions, but it is a start.

You could also try the Second Life Destinations category for art and look for galleries that are listed. While you will find many galleries, this list is not complete. While anyone can apply to be in Second Life Destinations, many galleries may not be listed and you may find actual exhibits in this category or places that do not accept new or even established artists.

One list that exists and is updated is the Art Galleries of Second Life list that is generated by the Art Galleries of SL Kiosk system. This free system is owned and maintained by Sasun Steinbeck. Any gallery owner or gallery curator can rezz this kiosk and set it up. The beauty of this system is that once the kiosk is derezzed, it no longer appears on the list. Sasun has stated that there are roughly 250 to 300 galleries listed on the site at any given time.

Also beware that there is a difference between someone offering you a free exhibition space in a gallery vs you having to pay a rental fee to have a gallery. If a gallery owner or curator is asking you to pay for a space, then they are simply providing gallery rentals and not an actual exhibition show space for you.

Once you decide which galleries you would like to have your work shown in, I strongly suggest you visit those galleries to find out who is the owner or curator and to receive any welcome information the gallery may have, such as how to exhibit and any information on upcoming shows.

Sometimes you may find that galleries do not offer this information. In the event that you cannot find any information that is readily accessible, inspect the prims of the gallery. Before contacting any gallery owner or curator, review their profile.

Information on who to contact in regards to any gallery may be on the owner and/or curators profile. If you still cannot find any information, proceed to notecard and im in regards to exhibition opportunities.

I am often asked should you contact gallery owners and/or curators directly. I have to say yes you should, but only after proceeding with the steps I mentioned above. Do a bit of research yourself before contacting someone.

So what do you do if the galleries you are interested in do not offer any openings or are not showing new artists? I suggest at this point to turn to finding art groups in Second Life. These can be found by doing a search for art or galleries. Many art groups are open for anyone to join and many galleries will send notices for open shows and exhibitions.

What if you still are not able to find a show? Do not give up! Keep in mind that things work in seasons and may galleries have a certain time when they have shows and exhibitions. For example, at Windlight Art Gallery, we are currently accepting applications for our fellows program for March, April, and May! Our gallery is booked until March 2016, so even if you wanted to show at Windlight, you would not be able to until 2016. Also remember that as it is around the holidays, gallery owners and curators may be very busy with real life and simply have not had a chance to respond to your inquiry.

In our final and last installment in this series, I will discuss how to have an effective exhibition and show, once you have found a place to exhibit.