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Subject: How to approach galleries?

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AllisonR
Posts:4
02/04/2008 5:53 AM Alert 
Many years ago (15-20) I approached galleries in NYC to exhibit my work. At the time, you researched galleries, visited them, found the ones that exhibited similiar work, then asked the sales person if they would review your slides. In my case, the review was often followed by a "no, not interested, not our type..." I had a few group shows, most I can't remember. Fast forward to today. Do I do the same? (Maybe subsituting library searches with on-line searches, and substituting prints for slides?) Or am I talking out of my arse? And do I need an art resume - since I haven't exhibited anything in the last 20 years? (The exception being selling a few paintings privately and having a show at a sw company and a Dr. office). Also, I am now in a small town with limited art galleries. Would I approach them in a different way than the big NYC galleries?
mariart

Posts:55
02/04/2008 3:20 PM Alert 
From my perspective as an exhibiting artist, the personal approach is still the most effective. Though slides are still used, you can easily show photos or refer to a website. The CV unfortunately is still important so spend some time on that before you head out, its worth finding a professional arts writer to put one together for you. Amazing what they can make out of limited material, a good statement could work just as well as exp exhibiting. No matter what the size of the gallery always approach in a professional manner and have your portfolio prepared. I got cheeky this year and tried approaching galleries through the internet via email, mainly bigger galleries in cities as I live in the country too, but I only got one response back. Where I think if I approached in the personal sense I would of had some dialogue with them. Locally I have established good connections with galleries in person and found representation. So go to it.
ac_1985
Posts:3
04/29/2008 7:31 PM Alert 
One contemporary approach is to send submission packets via mail or email to galleries in hopes of getting represented. Dealers don't care that much where you live these days, and you can live in isolation and have galleries on both coasts without much trouble. Of course, there are tons of galleries out there. So you’ll need to first compile the contact info, then sort it out and choose the galleries you are most interested in submitting to.

Low cost marketing systems and mailing lists like:
MailingAide.com
are available to save you the time it takes to do the first part.

Sorting out the info and choosing the galleries to target is a very specific – and very individualized process. MailingAide.com offers some links on its site to other articles and resources to help you do that, too.

Good luck and don’t get discouraged. It takes most people years to get represented. But, once you do you’ll have a dedicated agent showing, promoting, and selling your work – while you focus on making it. (* and, You will most likely want to visit them in person if you get a bite - to seal the deal)

Good Luck!
hcoopernan1
Posts:2
05/26/2008 12:22 PM Alert 

I agree with Allison's response. If you seek representation from a gallery via the Internet, I also suggest researching the web site and finding out the name of the gallery owner,  principle, or director.

 

Include their name in the initial contact you make with them. They will appreciate the fact that you took the time to make your introduction more personal.

Fine Art Gallery owner

Howard C.

www.buckscountygallery77.com
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Forums > Join the Discussion > Business Matters > How to approach galleries?


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