Manifesting the Perfect Galleries

 
I'm big on writing things down in order to manifest my heart's desires. I'm sure that is one of the ways I found myself in four galleries in four cities my first full year as a full time professional artist. I have learned more than I can possibly share about the process of locating the perfect galleries and the best partnerships to ensure success for the gallery and me. I've made a few mistakes and am grateful for those. I am smacking myself a bit that I didn't apply all the things I know from past careers in management, sales, retail, business, entrepreneurship etc. before I accepted some invitations to show my work in galleries that were not a good match. Hey...I am still learning discernment, okay?!

There is much written for artists about how to select gallery representation. I say "select" because I do feel some artists (ahem, me) can be so eager to have representation they settle. That is not good for anyone. With so many ways to market ourselves it's possible for our art to be sold while searching for the perfect partnerships with the very best galleries. A bad partnership is far worse than no partnership.

So, I have gone through the process of listening to my heart (duh, I forgot for a moment!) and have made my own list of criteria for what I need from galleries with whom I entrust my work...my heart. I look at it the same way I would if I were interviewing for a job. Not only do they need to want my paintings because they know they will make them money, I have to believe in them and their professionalism and integrity.

Maybe my own list of what I need from Gallery Representation will help other artists who are on the same journey. And, the list serves to remind me that it is great partnerships that are non negotiable for me. 

I see the galleries with the below qualities:

Partnership with artists is important to both parties

Agrees to have adequate number of paintings hanging (one or two paintings won't pay either of our rents and takes me off the market in surrounding areas)

Professional sales people on staff

OPEN retail hours of business

Advertises

Co-op advertising possibilities

Participates in local marketing opportunities

Does local networking

Hosts Artist's receptions

Has Artist's shows

Website is updated regularly

Utilizes Social Media

Stays in contact with existing collector base about new work

Notifies artist when paintings are sold and provides feedback

Scheduled monthly pay schedule

Open to Artist participating in demos and receptions

Does marketing via email and snail mail 

Nurtures collectors by showing appreciation and inviting back to gallery

There are so many other things to share that have already been written about the Artist/Gallery relationship. I share this article for that purpose. http://www.artbusiness.com/choosedealer.html

I am now tenaciously and actively focused on manifesting representation in all the places I know will sell my paintings with joy and gratitude and make us all successful!

I am fortunate to be in the  Dutch Art Gallery-Dallas who has been in business for 50 years! Obviously they know what they are doing and have set the bar VERY high!  See you there On November 7th for the 50th Anniversary show!

Thank you for stopping by and come on by my website often to see newest paintings. I am ever so grateful for your interest!