Behind the Scenes of My First Solo Exhibition at Gallery 4, Gallery Oldham

A few months ago, I received the incredible news that I had been accepted to exhibit my artwork at Gallery 4 at Gallery Oldham. The moment I opened the email and saw the word "Congratulations," I was overwhelmed with joy—tears, screams, and pure happiness all at once. Since then, the experience has been a whirlwind of creativity and planning. Now that the exhibition is getting closer, I wanted to share the process that led me here, from that moment of acceptance to preparing for the big opening.

The Excitement of Being Accepted

Although I found out about my acceptance to exhibit at Gallery Oldham a few months ago, the excitement is still fresh in my memory. The email I received was a moment I will never forget. I had been volunteering at Gallery Oldham since 2018, and to finally have the opportunity to display my own work in the very space that I had spent so many hours supporting others was a dream come true.

When I saw the word "Congratulations!" pop up in my inbox, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotions. Confetti exploded across my screen, and I cried with happiness, screamed with joy, and immediately called my closest friend to share the news over a comforting cup of tea. Since that moment, I’ve had numerous phone calls with loved ones, celebrating this amazing opportunity.

But beyond the initial excitement, I knew that the real work was just beginning—this was my chance to bring my vision to life in a way that had never been done before.

Planning the Exhibition: A Digital Vision

One of the first steps in preparing for my exhibition was receiving the floor plan for Gallery 4. This was an essential piece of the puzzle. With this floor plan in hand, I could begin visualizing how my artwork would fit into the space.

I wanted to make sure that my exhibition would be thoughtfully designed, so I turned to SketchUp, a tool I had previously used to model spaces digitally. I recreated the gallery floor plan in SketchUp, and using it, I carefully placed each of my pieces of artwork where I envisioned them being in the space. This allowed me to experiment with the layout before ever stepping into the gallery, ensuring that everything would work together in harmony.

Creating this digital model was an incredibly helpful part of the process. It allowed me to see the exhibition as a whole, giving me a clear sense of how the pieces would interact with each other and how they would be viewed by visitors. I spent a lot of time refining the design to make sure that it reflected my artistic vision while also making the most of the gallery's layout.

Finalizing the Artwork and Logistics

Once the exhibition layout was set, it was time to finalize the artwork that would be displayed. I made sure to choose pieces that not only complemented one another but also told a cohesive story. Each piece has its own unique meaning and message, and I wanted to create an experience for visitors that would allow them to connect with my work on a deeper level.

Along with preparing the artwork, I’ve also been busy with the logistics—getting frames, deciding on the order of pieces, and planning how each artwork would be presented. It's a lot of small details that come together to create the bigger picture, but it’s all part of the excitement of curating a show of my own.

What Comes Next: Preparing for the Opening

As the exhibition date draws closer, I’m filled with both excitement and gratitude. While the hard work is far from over, seeing everything start to come together is incredibly rewarding. From the moment I got the good news to now, every step has been a new opportunity for learning and growth.

I can’t wait to finally see my artwork displayed in Gallery 4, to share it with visitors, and to open a conversation about the creative process behind each piece. This exhibition represents years of hard work, learning, and creativity, and I’m so proud to be able to share it in the place that has supported me from the very beginning.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, I realize just how much this opportunity means to me. Gallery Oldham has been my creative home since 2018, and now, to be able to exhibit my work in Gallery 4, feels like the culmination of everything I’ve worked toward. It’s an incredible moment in my artistic journey, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to showcase my art in a space that has been such an integral part of my growth.

The journey from receiving that "Congratulations" email to preparing for the opening has been filled with both challenges and excitement, but it has been a journey that has allowed me to connect more deeply with my art, my community, and myself.

Conclusion: A Dream in the Making

Having my own solo exhibition at Gallery Oldham is truly a dream come true, and I am so excited to share my work with the world. The process has been both exhilarating and humbling, and I can’t wait for the doors of Gallery 4 to open and welcome visitors into my creative space.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Stay tuned for more updates as the exhibition gets closer—I can't wait to see you there!