First of all, I'm a writer by hobby, but my current story involves a character who is an artist.  I know nothing about the art world, except like most people, I know what I like.

My first question is this:  Are there many art dealers, especially in the Southeast, and what is their primary function?  As for my second question, does an artist need to have a sponsor (for lack of a better term) in order to have his/her work displayed in an art gallery or a major art show?

Thank you for putting up with a complete novice like myself.

Scourge2

Hello, I'd be glad to help you.

There are art dealers everywhere - and in the Southeast, there are many. The amount of dealers depends on the area, but the more business oriented a city or town is the more galleries there will be. Location also determines what type of art a gallery will display. Most galleries serve to show and sell art - simple as that. And to answer your second question, no, an artist does not need a sponsor. However, some galleries will only accept artists that are popular and already established in the art world. I am an artist just starting out and the gallery that has accepted me is also my printmaker - thankfully, he welcomes newcomers with open arms. They also gave me my first show, and only because they like my work.

Hope this helps! Good luck on your novel!

Cara Bevan