Behind the Scenes at Silver Street Studios: Why Every Artist Should Help Curate a Show

One of the biggest perks of having a studio at a large artist complex like Silver Street Studios is the built-in opportunity to participate in community exhibitions and events throughout the year. At Silver Street, we typically host 4 to 5 tenant shows annually—each one a chance not just to exhibit our work, but to actively shape what that exhibition becomes.

These group shows go far beyond just hanging art on the walls. Planning a large exhibition means coming together to develop a theme, select curators, open a call for submissions, prep the gallery space (sometimes even repainting walls), sort through submissions, curate the layout, hang the work, adjust lighting, apply labels, and then promote and host the public reception. It’s an incredible learning experience, especially for artists who want to better understand the full scope of exhibition planning.

For those unfamiliar with Silver Street Studios, we’re one of six buildings that make up the Sawyer Yards creative campus here in Houston. Each building has its own identity, but Silver Street is unique in that it’s curated exclusively for artists. With nearly 400 studios across Sawyer Yards, we feel incredibly fortunate to call this space home.

Last year, we pushed ourselves further by organizing our first juried show at Silver Street. The event was such a hit that we brought it back this summer. We invited juror Kaima Marie Akarue to select and curate the works, and the show officially opened on June 30, 2025, featuring around 120 pieces of art—a truly impressive and diverse collection.

As someone who’s been involved in these shows, I can tell you: the behind-the-scenes work is no small feat. Even with a dedicated committee supporting the effort, planning an exhibition of this size requires serious coordination. And for solo shows, the workload can be even more intense—especially if it’s your first time.

That’s why I always recommend artists get involved in organizing at least one group exhibition during their career. It’s one of the best ways to learn essential skills beyond the studio—like communication, logistics, project management, and collaboration. These are the very same skills you’ll need when it's your turn to create and present your own show.

Whether you’re just starting out or further along your journey, don’t underestimate the value of stepping into the curatorial side of the art world. It’s where you gain insight, build community, and ultimately grow as both an artist and a professional.