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How to get artwork in gallery?

How can I approach galleries and get my artwork into a gallery?

  • I'm a artist in San Jose, California. I've been painting for a long time but never showing my work to galleries. Please give me some advices. You can view my work at: www.icuong.com Thanks!

  • Answer:

    You are a very talented artist! I own an art gallery in MA. You should have little problem based on the quality of your work. Start with some of the smaller galleries near you. Speak with the owner/manager and ask them if you can set up an appointment to show them some of your work. Select a portfolio of your best works and have it ready to share with the gallery owner. Prepare an artist biography/artist statement that tells a little about yourself and gives facts about your art education, any workshops you have attended, notable artists that you have recieved instruction from, recent exhibits, additional galleries that display your work, patrons of your work, etc. approach the meeting like you are interviewing for a job. be prepared to answer very specific questions about your artwork including how much your asking price is for various works (I have so many artists that come in and don't have a clue what to charge for their work). I'm an artist too, and I know many artists are free-spirit, artsy-fartsy types who like to dress funky and show off their individuality/artistic side; however, the time and place for that is in your art studio, not a fine art gallery that may have well-dressed customers inside looking to make a purchase, So many artists blow it by not realizing the importance of dressing appropriately when going into a serious gallery and asking to show their work! In other words, don't show up to meet a gallery owner that sells high-end artwork to people with high disposable income, wearing jean shorts and flip-flops! look and act like a professional, it will go a long way. remember that you are competing for space on the gallery wall, and lots of artists are also trying to show their work there. Be prepared to discuss gallery commission. Most galleries take 40-50% of the asking price of the artwork. Also, understand that the nicer galleries will expect that your artwork is professionally framed using high quality materials such as acid free mats and backer board, uv glass etc. frames will need to be "saleable". I have so many artists come in who will not invest in quality framing, and it hinders the chances of selling their artwork. I even had one guy who had great artwork but the frame was all banged up, missing finnish, corners broken, etc. The above are just a few tips. good luck!

icuong at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Hi, I've heard of gallerists who say that the best way to get into their galleries is knowing an artist who is already inside the gallery who can recommend you to the gallerist. So it's just a matter of good relationships. Also look for galleries that show the kind of work you do. You have good quality in your paintings, so I think it will be just a matter of time until you start working with a gallery. Good luck.

Chich

You are quite talented. There are a number of ways to go about it - Your website is a great start...find email addresses of galleries and forward your website to them...the other would be to make a composite card of some of your best pieces with your vital info on them and distribute them through the mail as well as leaving them wherever you go...taking photographs of your work and putting them into a book and making appointments to see gallery managers is another way as well as seeking an art agent and having them do the roadwork for you, however, they will ask for a percentage...I'm sure you will not have a problem as you are quite talented...much success to you and good luck...

Spirit

Hi Icuong, I've checked your site and found it quite good. Your work is really good and I believe that although the competition is a tough one you'll get your chance. I'm a member of Wetcanvas (Bringer) and I'm sure that my coleagues at the Pastel forum would enjoy to see your works posted there. At the Wetcanvas Forums there's one called The Business Forum, where you can get lots of info. Good luck ! Best regards, José http://sitekreator.com/hushcolours/index.html

hushcolours

I would set up your own show and give invites to local galleries with some of your artwork on your invitations and see if anyone bites :) I wish you good luck I checked out your work You are awesome!!!! if you set up your own show and put some of your artwork on the invite and send it to galleries in your area, you are sure to get some notice :)

TBird

Go to this site. http://www.cac.ca.gov/ ....Here they post anything to do with the art scene in California. I'm an artist in Los Angeles, and the CAC has helped me out numerous times. See if you can find a group of artists that have similar works as yourself, and you've instantly multiplied your resources. Getting group shows is a breeze! Good luck! Ca mon!

Jann

I like you already and anyone who sees your work will love you. Keep at it. Put some of your work up in resturants and banks or public places. the best of luck to you.

moeschk

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