Did I mess up?

Question

A dealer in NY, NY asked me to put together a "showing". (A collection of my work) Well I didn't know what I was getting into. Several thousand dollars later I shipped off a collection of prints with best wishes and all that.
Later I heard that the collection was going to be displayed at a gallery, and the dates it would run. Well mid way through I was contacted by the gallery and asked when I would be attending? To put it bluntly I’ve never had any want to visit NY and declined the invention.
Now the gallery and dealer are ranting about how much I’ve cost them?
Would someone who knows about this stuff explain what’s going on?

Answer 1

It is a business proposition. The gallery obviously assumed that you wanted your work promoted professionally, and thought that you would cooperate, especially since you spent a deal of your own money to
prepare for the exhibition. They did not think a contract neccessary, although one should have been negotiated. They have now invested in you, and arranged to exhibit your work, and promoted you, which costs them, under the expectation that they will be unveiling a new photographer of promise, and are shocked that you are not attending.
You are not obligated, but if you have any interest in seeing what kind of a reception your work will get, I advise you to go, because people will want to meet and talk with the artist before becoming involved.
Consider it business/professional curiosity.
Why get to the doorstep and not peak in?
It could be lucrative and very interesting, a new direction for you.
If you can, why not go? You must be somewhat interested to have gotten this far?!

Answer 2

I don't see how you could have cost the gallery more money if you don't come than if you come. Unless you happen to be famous enough that a lot of people would have come to the opening night just meet you.
I assume the gallery will get a good commission for every photograph sold. That's how they hope to earn their money. Standing around and shaking hands is polite and can be additional advertisement for the artist and frequently the artist lives in the same town than his/her work is shown, so the artist goes to the opening night. But it is not always the case, and I don't think it ever influenced sales in any way.
The gallery spends money on the refreshments offered for the opening night and for any advertising and they pay the rent for the space (that's what they get their commission for). If none or only few of your images get sold they lose money if they could have hosted a different show where more stuff gets sold. But that's their judgement which show to host and their responsibility, not yours.
It doesn't sound like it would be a gallery you would like to do a long term collaboration with, so why worry? Unless they are a very well known gallery there are tons of galleries out there. Maybe you should stick with local ones for a while.

Answer 3

You should have asked them what the showing was all about, but you know that now. Seems like you should go anyway because you will benefit. If you want this dealer's help in the future, keep on his good side. A negative incident could inhibit your future endeavors with other dealers after the word gets out.

Answer 4

Just go. It will be fun, do your career some good, and boost your self-esteem (dozens of people telling you how talented you are, etc.).

You should have checked out what was going on before sending them anything.

Answer 5

well yes and no... they are wanting to show you off i would be flattered that it went that far.so go enjoy and who knows someone might notice your work and you become rich. it cost them to run the exhibit. be proud of what you done.

Answer 6

Yes, you mess up if you do not go to NY, They mean serious business.

Answer 7

they will sue you soon....that will teach you to be more responsible in future