how to show at galleries

[ju-cee]

Does anyone know how to go about getting photographs shown
at galleries?

do you just walk in w/your portfolio one day and say here I am?

I have some pretty good ones and would like to start selling them..
any help APPRECIATED!!

TIA!!

[eepster]

Yes, you can just walk in with a portfolio. If they do want to you may have to leave it with them for some time. Some galleries dislike this and will send you away without looking at it. Some galleries are run as coops by the artists and aren't looking for members. Some galleries only look at portfolios on a given day. If you have a thick skin, patience, time, energy, and aren't at all shy going around to galleries is an opption.

There are other possibilitis too. I would go into them but DS ha s finnished NAK

[eepster]

Ok DS is asleep in my lap so I'm back.

Other things you might consider would be an arist agent who specializes in photographers. Selling your work to a stock photography service. Showing in places that aren't galleries such as libraries (most have areas where they display local artists,) churches, colleges or even restraunts.

Many artists start by submitting work to group shows, or there are art fairs. Often with these there is a fee simply to submit work to be considered, this keeps the number of submissions realatively low.

Finally there is always the option of using an online gallery.

HTH

[jadegirl553]

You could also get together a resume, focusing on your education and workshops, shows, etc... that you might have participated in, and make sure that your portfolio is easy to look at/acess.

An artist' statement would probably be great, too. Actually, I'd say that an artist' statement would be even more important than an impressive artists' resume.

Good luck!

[galadriel]

What is a good way to find out about group shows? (Painting, for instance?)

[Lynnseedoil]

Look in the back of magazines. Art in America, ArtForum, etc.
When looking at juried shows, be wary of ones that charge a big admission fee but only have one prize. Also, shipping can really add up. I recommend starting locally if there's a decent sized town near you. There are often not-for-profit organizations that cater to local artists.

I recommend the book "The Practical Handbook for the Emerging Artist" by Margaret Lazarri. She has a lot of great advice about different ways to find success in the arts, how to write a resume, etc. She also has great listings for resources.

If you do decide to approach a gallery, call first. Make sure your art fits in. Ask if they accept emerging artists. Ask if they review unsolicited portfolios. Many galleries find it very annoying for people to walk in with a portfolio in hand and expect to get it reviewed. If you do decide to approach a gallery, having some business cards or post cards that represent your work are a really handy way to introduce your art without being too forward. Include a URL for your website if you have one. Get the name and business card of the person you're talking to. Ask them how to contact them. Then follow up by email or letter. Be very business-like.

Good luck!

[eepster]

Originally Posted by galadriel

What is a good way to find out about group shows? (Painting, for instance?)

Many art schools have bulletin boards where they post local shows and calls for entries.

[Brightside]

Local?

We have been finding out about the local art orgs and that has helped.

Through a family connection we were invited to enter photos/bio for a gallery showing, and my husband and I were accepted for a joint show. It's a smaller gallery in a historical town/locale, so it's a friendly place. They only take 30% commision, whereas larger towns/galleries will ask for 40% or more.

It can be hard to market and start small. I've seen too many mediocre artists who put a lot of money into framing, etc... without really having any customers or demand for their work. So good luck. Get your work out there!

I think once you start to meet people in the area, things will happen. Sometimes even restaraunt/cafe type places are looking for artists to showcase periodically or when they open. If you photograph any landmark type of things, are there gift shops or anything close by? A good local reputation might not be a bad thing to start with.

At one art show this great artist was selling pics of his work. (Paintings, but nonetheless.) He had taken 4x6 prints and single/double matted them, put a piece of glass over and finished it off with nice black tape around the edge. (Not sure about the hanger.) I think he sold them for about $20, and they were going like hotcakes. A way to enjoy his art without the huge investment.

I wish you the best!

[eepster]

Originally Posted by Brightside

It's a smaller gallery in a historical town/locale, so it's a friendly place. They only take 30% commision, whereas larger towns/galleries will ask for 40% or more.

In Soho, NYC, it's 75%. In suburban and Brooklyn galleries it's 50%.

[Lynnseedoil]

It's 50% in the gallery I'm represented in.

In the gift shops where I sell my art cards, it's 60% and 70% (in my favour).