News >> Browse Articles >> Fine Art
News >> Browse Articles >> Illustration
News >> Browse Articles >> Photography
How to Get Commercial Gallery Representation
"4 Friends" group show at Shafrazi: Haring, Scharf, Chelsea art gallery crawl 10-25-07, by j-No, Creative Commons
Valerie Atkisson / ArtBistro
October 12, 2009
The Big Picture
Like many things in life, reaching an important goal involves a lot of hard work. It also takes time, patience and a little luck. It is impossible to achieve an important goal, such as getting gallery representation alone. It takes a network of people and supporters. Whereas a very few artists seem to land in a gallery with no effort right out of graduate school, this is likely not the case for most artists. There is usually a back-story of hard work and connections that have landed her or him there.
Many artists want a commercial gallery to represent their work. Over the last 100 or so years commercial galleries have been the most desired way for artists to sell their work. Last month I wrote an article about the pros and cons of gallery representation. I would recommend reviewing that article before proceeding with this article.
Everyone Has a Network
So, you have decided to seek a commercial gallery to represent your work. How do you do that? Some artists believe their art needs to stand alone on its merits and if it is good enough, it will eventually rise to the top. This occasionally happens, but more often than not, artists receive recognition through their network. This is because of human nature. If you were going to hire someone to be your assistant would you call your friends to see if they knew a trustworthy person for the job or only put out a notice online? You might do both, but you might be more inclined to take the recommended candidate, as there is seemingly less risk for you. So it is with commercial galleries. They also rely on their network of collectors, artists, critics to make a decision about whose work that they can sell.
Continue reading on next page.
syhming
about 1 month ago
6 comments
Good article and great suggestions.
Account Removed
5 months ago
xanadugallery How many galleries should you approach? As many as it takes.SO TRUE...
Account Removed
5 months ago
I am not to sure about this information. I have seen artist that should have been in a gallery, and they respond to me by saying there not out of school yet. I never went to school for art and I have been in four Gallery's. Some good artist don't try to get into a gallery because they think they have to wait until that have a degree..
xanadugallery
5 months ago
2 comments
This is a practical article with useful advice. I might add a couple of points. There is a whole world of galleries outside of New York - even if you live there you might think about approaching galleries outside NY. You will be a bigger fish in a smaller pond in a gallery in Atlanta, or Denver, or Scottsdale, AZ.
I advise artists to be well prepared before approaching galleries. You should have a body of 20-25 gallery-ready pieces, a strong, well-organized portfolio. Do your research to make sure you are a fit for the gallery, and then approach the gallery in person for the first contact. The article is right, sending your portfolio in or email won't lead anywhere; gallery owners simply don't have time to review unsolicited artwork - but if you are standing in the gallery, and you present yourself well, you at least have a shot at getting your work seen. So what if you have a few gallery owners blow you off or treat your poorly? Move on, it's their loss. There are tens of thousands of galleries across the country - if you put in enough leg work, you will find the galleries that are the right fit and who are interested in carrying your work.
I have had artists who have told me they have been rejected by several galleries and are not sure their work is right for galleries. You have only begun if you have only been rejected by a few galleries. How many galleries should you approach? As many as it takes.
My advice is you put your portfolio in hand and hit the road.
J. Jason Horejs
Owner
Xanadu Gallery
Scottsdale, AZ
http://www.xanadugallery.com
modartist
6 months ago
158 comments
The dumbest thing some galleries still require is slide film. To me this is a killer thing in a portfolio because u know nobody has a projector all set up, if they have one at all :-( Why dont they just ask for ur web site or an art site u belong to, or is this to much to ask? I found that they are more impressed if u show them an 8x10 comp pic of ur work.
linksline
6 months ago
2 comments
The best advice I can give is to do your homework. Most galleries have guidelines listed on their website for submissions. The worst thing you can do is just show up on their doorstep with your portfolio.
kick2net
6 months ago
72 comments
bs. do what ozzy osbourne did
Bren1
6 months ago
34 comments
Great article. Very inspiring for a new photographer such as I.
drgygi
6 months ago
2 comments
I am looking for additional galleries who would like to carry my work. To view samples, visit darrengygi.com and make sure to go to the fine art section of the site. Contact me directly to discuss the details necessary to begin.
zormanfrank
6 months ago
2 comments
Looking for a Gallery to display my Watercolor originals also my Computer Repainted with various effects of all my paintings...any size any format...I have approx. 250 images of my work...I can show some samples of my work at your request...
DonPelton
6 months ago
44 comments
I have been trying to get my stuff in galleries for some time. I hope I can soon.
Artmavn
6 months ago
24 comments
I have represented Artists for decades who I have placed in commercial Galleries.
In life we have to give a little to get alot, same thing with Artists who want to make a living with their art. You can always be the "Greatest Artist of our time" in a couple of years. Right now let's make a living, and gain a reputation of a quality and talented Artist.
rajat
6 months ago
16 comments
its cool i have never been to a gallery
Account Removed
6 months ago
i have had created my own gallery-boutique... ;-)
Demetrius_War
6 months ago
180 comments
Getting into a gallary is hard work, but when you feel like your art is ready and you really deserve it, you will never give up!!