A gallery is a room or series of rooms in a house or building where art is displayed and offered for sale. A gallery may also be a virtual online venue. The right gallery representation can catapult an artist’s career, validate their work, and drive sales. However, getting into a gallery can seem daunting, especially for emerging artists. Fortunately, with persistence and a professional approach, any artist can find gallery representation that will benefit them.
The term gallery comes from the Latin word for “galeria” or “hall,” used in Renaissance houses to display art and as long passageways for promenades. Nowadays, the term has evolved to mean a space in which paintings are shown. The word is also used to refer to an area in a church or legislative house where additional seats are located, as well as a second-story balcony in a theatre.
In a commercial setting, galleries specialize in either contemporary or classic art forms, such as painting and graphic arts. They act as classic brokers or traders of artwork, and sell it to private collectors and corporations.
When looking for a gallery, be sure to research the type of art they represent and their exhibition program. Many galleries focus on a specific genre, such as abstract or landscape. Others are more broad in their selection and offer a mix of styles and mediums.
To get into a gallery, an artist must submit a portfolio of their work. This could be a physical book of prints, a thumb drive with digital images, or a link to an online portfolio. Regardless of the format, it is essential to only include works that are recent and relevant to the gallery’s program. A good portfolio should also include a brief artist biography and list all upcoming shows.
Once an artist is selected by a gallery, the gallery will work with them to create a curated exhibition program and promote their work in order to drive sales. They will assist with arranging studio visits for collectors and the press, as well as handle all sales and shipping costs. In addition, they will provide advice and support to their represented artists.
The best way to increase the likelihood of being invited by a gallery is to build relationships with other gallerists and curators in your field by attending openings and events. It is important to be polite and respectful when interacting with people at these events, and to refrain from discussing your art unless explicitly invited to do so.
Writing press releases is an important part of a gallery’s job, as it is what gets the public in the door to see the exhibition. It is important to keep in mind that the press release should speak directly to the meaning of the artwork, rather than attempting to impress with jargon or academic style. It is also helpful to think about the audience of a press release as one would consider the audience of an academic essay, as this can help guide the tone and language used in the statement.