Group shows at a small gallery, or benefit auctions for local arts-related organizations are another idea. You can get access to more mature work that way.
You don't generally want solo shows at galleries, but at group shows, people will show smaller works. You have to be well-informed enough to know the gallery and their artists, of course.
Benefit auctions often feature works that local artists have laying around in their studios and donate to the auction (partly for the tax write-off, although that is monitored now). You have to be confident of your eye, and choose the right auction, one that is connected to local artists with actual talent.
All of the above requires footwork and an independent interest in contemporary art. This disqualifies 99.9% of people.
Often a single collector or gallery will make all the difference for a young artist. One single person that buys enough of their art for them to make it on that part-time coffee house job and still pursue their art.