How to Get Your Artwork Shown in a Gallery
Expert Advice on Finding an Art Gallery to Represent You
Nov 19, 2008
“How do I get my artwork in galleries,” is one of the most popular questions asked by up-and-coming artists. The most obvious answer is, “Create something fantastic,” but there is so much more to the process. Even the most skilled artist will have a hard time wooing a gallery owner if their pitch seems amateurish.
So what is the best way to pique the interest of a gallery? Painting/Drawing at Suite 101 has asked three experts to give readers the inside information.
Research
Sharla Throckmorton-McDowell, owner of POP Gallery, says that an artist should research a gallery thoroughly before making contacting it. An artists should only approach a gallery if their art fits in with the overall theme. Part of the research also involves finding out about the gallery’s submission policy.
“Most galleries in Santa Fe and other major markets,” says Throckmorton-McDowell, “are unapproachable and defensive with artists and one must understand that you have to work within the galleries business approach from the beginning in order to receive consideration for a future relationship. Always consider timing--you never know what the gallery has scheduled. If your work is a good fit and you are persistent and professional the gallery will follow through.”
Make Connections
Rebecca Cooper owner of The Gallery Sag Harbor says that getting an ‘in’ at a gallery is all about who you know.
“The best way to get your foot in the gallery door is to have an introduction,” says Cooper. “If you have a third party that knows both the artist and the gallery owner this often the easiest method.”
To learn more about networking read this article: MySpace for Artists
Size
The size of your work should also be considered when approaching a gallery. Bigger paintings are not always better. “Large scale works do sit longer and one must identify their goal--retail or museum?” says Throckmorton-McDowell. “Ninety percent of our large scale (over 60 X 60) works are commissions rather than gallery presentation.”
Throckmorton-McDowell suggests that all different sizes of art have their place, but the artist should consider wall space, dollar value, and shipping or transit costs internationally.
What is the average size of paintings shown in galleries? “There is a current trend for 12 X 12 X 2 gallery boxes in part because they don’t need frames, are very contemporary, and work well in multiples,” says Throckmorton-McDowell.
Presentation
Since many galleries require seeing the original art before acceptance to the gallery, it is important for the art to look its best. As an independent interior designer, instructor of the Gallery Hopping at Evening at Emory and Oglethorpe University for over a decade, and radio host of The Art Full Life, Melissa Galt is an expert on painting presentation. Here are her tips for making every painting look professional.
- Invest in the life of your artwork with good framing. If you do it right the first time, no cutting corners, you will never have to do it again.
- Framing should always complement and protect the artwork, never compete or overwhelm. You should notice the artwork first.
- Frame for the piece, not for the room, you may move the piece later.
- Use light outside mats and wide moldings to set the stage for your artwork.
- Black and white pieces are usually best in black or silver toned frames.
- Color pieces can go in color frames or more often in gold tones.
