When an artist is seeking gallery representation, the artist will need to look for certain elements in the art gallery, before making an appointment to show their portfolio.
Galleries have a group of artists whose artwork sells well. This is their “stable” of artists and the gallery will continue to show their artwork as long as the artists work is selling. These are the artists who get promoted with featured artwork in the gallery and sometimes advertisements. These artists will also be given one person shows in the gallery. In some cases, the gallery will produce limited edition prints of their paintings. The artist may be asked to participate in the cost of the one person shows.
When checking out prospective galleries in the hope of getting gallery representation, look at the stable of artists to see if your work would fit in. Does the gallery show your type of work? Would your work be an addition to the gallery, or would your work be competing with other artists in the gallery? Maybe they don’t need another African animal painting. If possible, look at the gallery and see how the work is exhibited. Do they have the work on the wall, or leaning up against the wall on the floor? Is the lighting in the gallery professional? Does the gallery have too much art? Are they showing too many artists? Is the gallery showing original art or just limited edition prints? Look at the condition of the framing on the paintings. Is the glass clean? Are the frames in excellent condition or are the frames dusty or scratched? Ask if the gallery frames the artwork it shows, or is the artist responsible for the framing. Does the gallery pay for the artist to ship the art to the gallery, or is the artist responsible for the shipping?
Consider purchasing the book, “Artist’s & Graphic Designer’s Market”. This invaluable book is published every year. The book lists galleries with their criteria for artists who are seeking gallery representation. There is usually a contact person, phone number, address, and sometimes a website listed. The listings also are very specific as to what type of art they are showing. Also, they list their price ranges of the artwork that they sell and the range of prices that sell. This is very helpful when choosing which gallery to send ones portfolio to. If the retail prices for your artwork are much lower, or higher than the artwork already being shown in the gallery, then perhaps you need to check out another gallery.
Look at all the galleries in your geographic area first to see if any of them would be a fit for your work. If not, then check out the galleries closest to you in a large metro shopping district. Look for gallery districts where the tourists shop for artwork. Look to see how long a gallery has been in business. If possible, call their 800 number to see if they are still in business. Galleries come and go regularly, so don’t be surprised if the gallery in question went out of business since the last artist market guide was published.
Finally, ask what the gallery charges the artist as the commission. Most galleries take 40% to 50% of the retail price from the artist. A few charge the artist 60% of the retail price, giving the artist 40%. This is OK if the gallery is selling your work. You set your cost as to what you want for a particular painting. List each painting on a consignment sheet with the size, description, your inventory number, and your cost you will receive upon the sale of the art. Make duplicate copies of the consignment sheet and get the gallery to sign one and send it back to you. Keep a file on each gallery that shows your work with an up to date inventory. You always need to keep your own records, because not all galleries will; and it’s your pocketbook that will suffer.
That’s it for now …Please post a question or comment if you have one.
Thanks for stopping by, Jacquie.
