A gallery is a space for exhibition, usually of works of art, such as paintings or sculptures. A gallery can also be a place where people observe an event, such as a concert or theater performance. The term is derived from the Latin word galeria, meaning “gallery” or “passage.”
An art gallery is a room or building that exhibits and sells artworks like paintings, sculptures and photographs. Some galleries specialize in a certain period or genre of art. Others have a more general approach, and are more open to selling works of different styles and periods.
Besides selling artworks, galleries do other important work to support their artists. They organize and curate exhibitions to showcase their talents to the public, and they also represent artists to cultural institutions like museums and art fairs. They can also assist with the marketing and promotion of their artists’ work through a range of digital channels.
When you submit your art to a gallery, make sure it’s packaged well and addressed with care. This will help to protect your art and ensure that it arrives in the same condition it was sent, with prepaid postage so that they can return it to you should they decide not to take it. It’s best to follow the specific submission instructions provided by each gallery, and include all of the required information, such as dimensions and hanging directions.
You should be able to find the contact details for each gallery on their website. Make sure you use a professional email address and that your name is clearly written in the subject line of your message. It’s good practice to start your pitch with a short introduction to the person you’re writing to, and a mention of how you learned about them or a time that you’ve met if appropriate. Then talk about your art (2-3 sentences) and give solid reasons as to why you believe that it is a good fit for their program.
Another great way to get your art seen by gallery owners is to participate in small, local exhibitions. These are often easier to get into than bigger, more established events. They can also be a good opportunity to meet other artists and gallerists, who might be able to introduce you to other potential buyers. You can even set up your own gallery in a coffee shop or community space to give yourself a platform to share your work.