Some of you may know that I have been working at the Bryan Memorial Gallery for the last couple of years. Currently I am Gallery Manager. So I thought I would pass along some gallery tips I have learned by working at a gallery, and researching on the web.

Why use a gallery to show your art?
A good gallery will act as your agent, raising awareness and exposure for your art.
Galleries have space and attract art buyers
Galleries employ sales persons. A big plus if you hate selling your art.
Galleries have lists, collectors, and do a lot of marketing for you
Galleries have connections with media: magazines, websites, newspapers
Galleries do a lot of the paperwork.
Galleries add credibility to your art
Galleries have events and shows and both alert you and invite you to these events
Galleries work hard to promote your work and sell your art. Its how they pay their bills.

Some gallery questions to ask yourself or them:
What is their reputation?
Do they focus on a particular audience, one that suites your style well?
Are they insured for damage to your work?
Who pays for shipping to and from shows? Is there are shipping/handling fee?
What other, if any, fees are there?
What do they do by way of promotion, publicity, mailings, etc.
What restrictions do they impose for showing your work elsewhere?
What is your responsibility to them for pieces shown previously (in a show) when
someone contacts you directly?
What are their commission fees and policies. Is there flexibility if you sell well?

How to enhance your gallery relationship:
Understand that it is a partnership. The gallery is not solely responsible for your success
Work hard to promote your work at the gallery, and the gallery itself
Fill out all paperwork in a complete and timely manner:

• Follow Submission Guidelines
• Tag Your art according to their specifications
• Provide an updated biography
• Etc.

Honor deadlines, pickups and drop-offs
Send high-quality images of your work if requested, don’t rely on the gallery to photograph your work, or work with poor quality photos
Understand your responsibilities and hold the gallery accountable for theirs
Understand their commission structure
Don’t take it personally if work does not sell
Send out announcements (gallery announcement cards are great) and post to your social media platforms about your inclusion in shows/galleries
Go to openings and be ready to speak to people about your art

Things to watch out for

Any of the following could be of concern when looking at galleries to represent you.
1. Is the gallery established or new?
A new gallery may not be a bad option, but do your homework. How will you know if they treat their artists well. How will they market you. Established galleries with a good reputation have an existing list of collectors and a track record.
2. Location, location, location.
Just like in real estate, a galleries location can make all the difference. Is it close to lots of foot traffic, public transportation. Can people easily access it. Is there parking, lighting at night. Is it in a safe area. Are the people likely to be in the area during open hours a good fit for your art (demographic). What hours do they keep.
3. Beware the bad reputation.
If a gallery has a bad reputation with artists or buyers, avoid it. Sooner or later this reputation will rub off on you. A bad reputation, no matter how well they “sell” you on their ability to sell your art means they have not been a good partner to other artists. Galleries have been know to close, without notice, without returning artists art or paying for it. Find out who owns the gallery, how well funded it is, what its reputation is.
4. How well does the gallery present itself?
Does the gallery maintain a good presentation both outside and inside? Is it clean, kept up to date? Do they cram your work all together or give the art the room it needs to present well? How is their online presence? Professional? Up to date?
5. How active are they in presenting their artists work?
Does the gallery hold regular events and shows. Do they do mailings, and advertise in the area press. Do they keep an ongoing social media presence and update it regularly. Are they active in the community. A gallery that does not invest in outreach and advertising is a warning sign that they will not help you find new buyers.
6. Does the gallery employ good people
By “good people” I mean are they knowledgeable about your kind of art. Are they skilled in selling. Are they friendly, approachable and informative. Would YOU buy art from them. Do they communicate well with their artists.
7. Do they make clear their policies?
Ask hard questions about things like is your art insured? Who pays for shipping and handling? How are show submissions handled? What if you have a complaint?