A gallery is a cultural center that displays art, usually paintings or sculptures, and serves as a venue for art talks and workshops. Some galleries specialize in certain mediums, while others exhibit a variety of styles. Many galleries are privately owned and operated, while others are publicly funded. They are often located in urban areas, though they can also be found in rural or suburban settings.
The word “gallery” is derived from the Greek word for a place where people gather to see and discuss art. The purpose of a gallery is to showcase the work of artists, allowing them to build a reputation and collectors base and earn a commission from sales of their artwork. The gallery also helps promote the work of emerging or established artists, introducing them to new audiences.
Artists can approach a gallery to be considered for representation at any time, but there are some things to consider before doing so. For starters, it is a good idea to visit any gallery that you are interested in on a personal basis before approaching them. Look at their exhibitions, read their statements and website information and review their social-media pages to get a sense of the kinds of artists they represent. Visiting galleries a little further afield can also be helpful, as many galleries have a more regional focus and may place a higher emphasis on local artists.
During a visit, if the gallery owner or a staff member is present, it might be a good opportunity to ask them questions. This is a great way to get a feel for the personality of the gallery and whether or not it is a good fit for you. While there are no guarantees that you will be accepted, you will have a much better chance of being accepted if you are able to establish a connection with the gallery owner or someone on staff.
If you are able to secure an appointment, be prepared with a full portfolio of your artwork. Some galleries prefer a physical portfolio, while others will accept digital images on a thumb drive or sent through email. Each gallery has their own submission guidelines, which are available on their websites, and should be followed carefully.
It is important to remember that the gallery will be evaluating your work in comparison to other works by their represented artists. If your work stands out in a unique way, it will be more likely to attract attention. This will be especially true if your work is of a very high quality, with fine detail and a strong artistic perspective.
Once a gallery has decided to represent you, it will begin promoting your works and building a relationship with you. This may include participating in art fairs, arranging for additional exhibition opportunities for you at other galleries or institutions and helping you pursue book publishing if that is something that interests you. A well-run gallery will also take care of publicity and press relations, both online and in print, to help promote the work of their artists to an audience beyond the walls of the gallery.