Advice From A Gallery Owner
Davika Weston
The Weston Gallery in Carmel
1. Design a website so gallerists can get a true sense of your different series.
2. Make sure your work has a unique voice so it stands out.
3. Apply for scholarships and grants. You may be awarded access to funds to help with you career and your name will gain some recognition and validity in the art community.
4. Make use of local resources including art councils and museums.
5. Submit work to benefit auctions. Many gallerists watch these, bid and/or can at least see new talent.
6. Send materials to galleries you may be interested in having represent you. ONlY if they are accepting submissions. It is very important to know the gallery’s policy and respect it.
7. If galleries are accepting new artists for representation, always make an appointment first. Don’t just show up. When presenting, work should be shown as it would be sold (overmatted if applicable etc.), and have a clear sense of edition number, size and basic pricing structure.
8. Take part in exhibitions, whether group or solo.
9. Social media: Promote yourself and your shows, grants awarded, your sales, your vision, etc.
10. Attend as many art shows as you can and introduce yourselves to gallerists of interest. Do NOT bring your portfolio as they are busy working the show but you can leave a business card/small brochure.
11. Rely on other artists and your clients to promote you by recommending a gallery view your work.