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art-show

/ˈɑːt ˌʃəʊ/
IELTSAcademic
noun

An event or exhibition where artists display and sometimes sell their work. It is usually smaller and more public-facing than a museum exhibition.

  • We visited an art show on Saturday.
  • Her paintings were displayed at the local art show.
  • The art show opened with a crowded evening preview.

Adinary Nuance

An art show is a general, everyday phrase. It often sounds less formal than exhibition and can suggest a local, community, or temporary event. Use exhibition when you mean a more organised, formal display, especially in a gallery or museum. Use art show for a broad public event, including small student or local displays.

In other languages

Vietnamese
triển lãm nghệ thuật
Spanish
exposición de arte
Chinese
艺术展
Japanese
美術展
Korean
미술 전시회

Etymology

Art-show is a modern compound of English art and show. It follows the simple pattern of using show for an exhibition or public display.

Common phrases

art show openinglocal art showannual art showart show exhibit

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is art show the same as exhibition?
Often, yes, but art show sounds more casual. Exhibition is usually more formal and common in museums and galleries.
Is art show used in business writing?
Yes, but exhibition may sound more professional in formal writing. Art show works well for public events and community notices.
Can I say an art show for paintings only?
Yes. It can include paintings, drawings, sculpture, and other artwork.