Getting your art put up in an art gallery is something that deserves a big round of applause, but it requires an artist to put in the hard work, know where and how to seek their recognition. An art gallery cannot stay reputed for a long time unless the presentation is up to date and eye-catching. Some art galleries may make a popular entrance showcasing the best pieces of art in town, but most of them become main-stream once they are in the business for a few years. The problem in maintaining art galleries is that art keeps evolving rapidly with time. To keep evolving with art is a hectic task. But there are ways to get your art shown in an art gallery. Here are a few tips:
Every gallery gets loads of submissions. So do not send in your submission with high hopes, because the possibility of it being accepted is not very high, especially if you’re an amateur artist. Do a little research before you put in your submission, and see what kind of art each gallery showcases, and identify the best possible gallery which might like your piece of art. If you really want your work shown in a particular art gallery, you should customize your art to fit into the particular requirements of that gallery. Check the Department of Communications and The Arts for mentorship programs you can join and other artist’s exhibitions for inspiration. The most important part of submitting your work to a gallery is to make sure that you ask for reviews on your work rather than asking for its representation. When you aren’t too pushy on your submission, gallery owners will keep you on their radar.
If you’re already publishing quite a lot of your works in coffee shops, you should probably start focusing on getting them represented in other places. Try getting your art put up in nonprofit organizations and or a cooperative art gallery. This is because gallery owners and art dealers pay more attention to the pieces put in such places and not coffee shops, probably because coffee shops are less powerful venues. Unlike coffee shops, cooperative and nonprofit galleries often use better quality exhibition display services. So, if you want that leap in your art career, it’s time for a change.
If you have a studio of your own, then when art dealers pay you a visit, make sure that they are met with hospitality and feel welcomed or enticed into your space. Gallery owners not only look at the art, but they also look at how compatible they feel with working with the concerned artist. So be genuine, unpretentious but stay confident about yourself.
Always make sure that you give in the right details while submitting your work to an art gallery. Provide them with the right medium price ranges and dimensions of your work. Keep your portfolio organized and up to date, ensuring that you have added your best and the latest works of art. To go that extra step, you can even prepare proposals for the specific art mount you envision for the pieces. For example, the Frank Showcase system provides safe, secure AND demountable showcases to put your art up on display.
There are quite a few artists who got their works represented by just walking into a gallery without an appointment, just their impressive portfolio. You can try your luck here, too. When you are approaching an art gallery, while it is appreciated that you like to dress creatively, screaming your artistic and individualistic expression at the world, try to tone it down and dress a little more professional. Art dealers are seldom impressed by the wannabe represented look. While most of the gallery owners prefer talking to the collectors, you should stand out by your artwork and not your flashy clothes.
So, try these tips right away. Artists have a hard time becoming successful because not everybody has the same taste. But once they nail the hook, half the job is done. Try your best to get your work represented in a reputed art gallery, and never stop trying until you get there.
