Finding a Gallery That's Right for You!

Not all galleries are the same Not only is it a daunting task but it’s confusing when you start out looking at galleries. There are enough questions to stop you in your tracks. Where do I find galleries? How do I know if they take new artists? Is my work right for them If they want my work what do I do? There is a way to successfully contact galleries   You are probably already on the right course for finding galleries that will want your work. In fact, you have a resource in front of you, besides your computer. We'll get to that in a minute. If you look around, you’ll find an art magazine of some kind. It doesn’t need to be current. It doesn’t even need to be in good shape. Inside you’ll find advertisements for artists having exhibitions. Guess what, they list the gallery name. And then there’s the stories. If you looked at the magazine because you liked the work of an artist in it, do a search for their website. On the sites they probably list galleries that represent them. The artists also have lists of galleries where they have shown their work.   A little bit of work goes a long way   So now you’re collecting gallery names. A good start. Take a piece of paper or a pad or if you really want to get started, open your sketch book. It takes a commitment to use your sketch book. So writing in it goes a long way toward your success. My sketch books are filled with artist names, gallery names, cut out images from art magazines, quotes from artists and even a sketch or two.                         Let’s look behind door number #1 You are now ready to knock on the door of galleries, figuratively that is. So, let’s fire up the computer and get started. (Too corny, oh well).  Not having a computer is not an excuse. They have a bunch at the local library. Look up one of the galleries from your list. Take some time to see if your style fits with the artists on the site. Now click on the About page. Scan it for a link that says Submission Guidelines. If it’s not there and the gallery doesn’t specifically say they are not reviewing artist’s work, go to the Contact page and click there. If they are looking for new artists, there should be a link. Don’t be disappointed if they don’t want you. Online art sales in 2018 was well over 4 Billion and the number of art galleries and museums in the U.S. alone is over 49,000. So there are lots of chances. They want me. They want me! Okay so you found a gallery or two that are looking for new artists and the work seems to be a good fit for you. Now What. Remember the post about Never Missing an Art Call Again. If you prepared your files for an art call you are also ready to send the file to a gallery. Create an email and simply state that you feel you would be a good addition to their gallery and remember to attach the file. Also make sure you do what they say. They get tons of emails and you should respect their criteria for contact. If you have questions about this process feel free to contact me. This blog is devoted to open dialogue, interviews and exhibition of emerging and established artists. Please subscribe. It provides up to date information about my current projects, discoveries, book reviews and art information from around the web. You are welcome to join the conversation by contacting me at Don@DonaldKolberg.com Imagination is never still. The marks we make are Verbs!