Getting your work in a gallery?

Question

Are there any basic steps or is it varied?

Answer 1

Years ago, i was an Artists' Representative.

It's a lot of footwork, go the galleries and let the Gallery Director look at your work.

Two artists friends have asked me to Rep them. I haven't had the time, interest or energy to do it. It's a lot of work.

I may do it for one friend because he has a good historical pedigree, that would interest gallery owners and the public.

Answer 2

First off make to personal visit to all art galleries you are interested in. See what kind of work they have, if they show local artists or are just taking work from published artists. You Art work must fit into the general work they are selling. You could paint brilliant spark plugs or colorful animated dragons but these are generally not subjects that get chosen for gallery work.
The art should be oil or acrylic on canvas, (watercolors and pencil and pastels require too much framing and do not command the dollars) Your gallery will charge 50-75'% commision to hang the work. Sometime you can find a gallery that will let you rent a small piece of wall space. This way you can try a few pieces and get public feed back.
Go visit some model homes and furniture stores and see what kind of art they have on the walls and the colors. This is the kind of art that will sell well in a gallery too.
See if local restaurant or hair salon might be willing to hand a few nicely framed or gallery wrapped pieces on speck.
buy the book "The mystery of Making it" by Jack white. it has volumes on this subject and more than can be written here. His web site is www.jackwhiteartist.com

Answer 3

It's pretty much the same, though each gallery may have variations on the same theme. Look for galleries that have posted calls for entries or say that they are reviewing portfolios. You should have quality photos of your work (a portfolio), an artist's bio or resume, and an artist's statement prepared to submit as a packet. Follow the gallery's instructions for submitting your portfolio. Many now accept digital photos, rather than slides. Ask them if they would like to see examples of your work as well, or just photos, and when they expect to make a decision. Include a stamped, addressed envelope for them to return your portfolio if you want it back.

Also look for other opportunities to show your work, as a history of exhibiting your work is much more impressive. It's also good experience. Check out Craig's List for artist listings in your community, or Art Calendar magazine, and any local arts guides for calls for entries, art fairs and competitions. Don't overlook the art co-op galleries, where you may pay a flat fee to hang your work, as well as commit to gallery sitting. Those can be excellent sources for artists just starting out.