Workforce Wednesday- How do I get my work in a gallery ?

OK… where do you start? Well, the first thing to do.. is to keep an OPEN MIND ! Meaning.. what constitutes a gallery? There are many different answers and they are constantly evolving. ( especially online galleries ) Is a website or Facebook gallery any less of a gallery. ( Probably not, but that is in the eye of the beholder ) For today, lets concentrate on the brick and mortar spaces. So, there are Photography galleries, Fine Art galleries that have occasional photo shows, Co-Op galleries- where you join and member's participate in revolving shows, ( but watch out for the hidden fees and extra duties, like gallery sitting, painting the walls, etc. ) Non Profit galleries and Non-Traditional galleries. ( which are my favorite )

Non traditional spaces consist of bars, restaurants, clubs, bookstores, boutiques, etc. They provide gallery space on a monthly or sometimes NIGHTLY basis !  Funny thing is ..these kind of opportunities can be the most FUN & the most LUCRATIVE ! Generally, they take a greatly reduced commission versus the standard 50% of most " traditional " galleries. They are also more than likely better prepared to provide food and refreshments. Another problem with many traditional galleries, is their preferred " framing policy", which can be VERY expensive and by the time everything is said and done, you end up breaking even. ( if you are lucky ) You can always do it yourself! I have a friend that opens his studio to the public TWICE a year and throws a huge PARTY/OPENING. ( complete with food and entertainment ) In the end, everything he makes is HIS to keep.

However, if you decide to take the more traditional route.. your next step is making contact. You can start by reviewing ART in AMERICA'S yearly guide to Galleries, Museums and Artists… and once you find a gallery that is a good FIT for your work, proceed by making contact. I would visit regularly, get to know the director and eventually ask their POLICY on reviewing work. ( every place is different, so don't just make assumptions ) They may start you out in a group exhibition but eventually, with a little luck, you will get a show. I have been VERY lucky through the years and had my share of One Man shows in NYC and abroad, but in all honesty NONE were as rewarding or as much fun, as my very FIRST show at a bar in Fells Point, Maryland. The show was titled " Fresh Fish at Berthas ".

Here is the flyer…have fun and GET STARTED !