Ask a Gallery Owner | Does an Artist’s Death Result in an Increase in the Value of that Artist’s Work?
There’s an old, morbid joke that in order for an artist to see a significant increase in the value of her work, all she has to do is die. Underlying…
Special Report: Xanadu Gallery Sales Trends for the 2023-’24 Season
This past season at Xanadu Gallery has defied the notion that the art market is in terrible shape. Despite widespread concerns about economic challenges and a sluggish market, our experiences…
Ask a Gallery Owner | Getting Back in Touch with a Client Who Missed out on a Sale
It’s not uncommon to have clients who are slow to make a decision. You follow up and express willingness to help them acquire the art. However, while they may still…
Discussion: Are Promotional Sales Appropriate in the Art World?
Recently, I received an email from an artist announcing her “End of the Season Sale.” According to the email, this is the fifth consecutive year she has held the sale….
RedDot Podcast | Episode 022 | An Interview with Ninth Street Women Author Mary Gabriel
Many of you know that I love art history and deeply enjoy reading about the artists who made history. Earlier in the year I had a number of you reach…
Introducing Yourself to New Clients
I’ve observed that many artists, even those who have been selling their art for years, can sometimes find the process of meeting a new client a bit awkward. The first few moments when you are meeting someone new at an art show or a gallery opening are important – we want to get off on the right foot. The importance of this moment can put a little pressure on you, and sometimes, instead of getting off on that right foot, you end up putting that foot right in your mouth! Or worse, I’ve seen many artists and salespeople who don’t make any introduction at all. Instead they say something like “Hi, let me know if you have any questions.”
Ask a Gallery Owner | Follow up with a Client Who Has Failed to Make Payments
I received the following email from an artist who was in the awkward situation of having sold a piece to a collector and agreeing to a payment plan, only to…
I Bought an NFT (So you don’t have to)
Update: This article was originally published in the spring of 2022. The crash in value in cryptocurrency and NFT values over the following months has born out many of my…
How Galleries Select Artists
One of the great mysteries of the art business is how galleries select the artists they represent. The reality is that there are far fewer galleries, and far less wall-space than it would take to show the work of all of the artists who would like to show in galleries. It can feel overwhelming to think about the odds that seem to be stacked against you if you are seeking gallery representation.
So what is the process that occurs in galleries as they are selecting new artists to show? It seems like it would be helpful to understand this process in order to prepare your work and submission materials so you can optimize your chances for success.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “the process” for selecting artists. Every gallery approaches the question differently. Let’s explore the different review processes and discuss how you can best approach the galleries that employ each.
Watch This: Jackson Pollock’s Mural: The Story of a Modern Masterpiece
I love art history, and, over the years, have particularly enjoyed learning about mid-century, modern artists. I’ve read biographies on Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and others. The…