Opening a Gallery

Hi,

My husband and I are thinking of opening a gallery in the city and

are currently doing some indepth research.

There seems to be several different ways of organising the gallery:

1) min fee for the space and commission - but artist have to go

through a panel for their work to be critiqued (I believe this is

non-for-profit)

2) reasonable fee and commission (more relax overview of the art for

QA)

3) Art Store - where you have all the paintings in the store all the

time.

 

Please comment on which you prefer as an artist and what is the most

optimal way as a business owner? I personally don't like the first

one because when I was intimidated when I was going through that

process and the last thing I want to do is intimidate new or

up&coming artist. Please comment.

Most galleries I have worked with use a portfolio review, and then take no fee, but usually a 40-50% comission off any sales. This has been true in at least 3 major metropolitan areas.

 

I have also seen galleries that charge a fee, but are usually looked upon as "vanity" galleries, and don't always get he same respect (amongst the artists anyway - but it is a better business model as it doesn't rely entirely on sales).

 

As an artist, I like to see a gallery that can sell, and makes it's living on sales, (because that tells me, if my work is accepted, they think it will sell). Those that charge an upfront fee to show the work are not on my hit list, personally.

 

I agree that the portolio review process is intimidating... but also valuable. I've learned more about my art from gallery panels than I from any other single source.

Question: do you intend upon a gallery for "art" in the usual sense, that is: paintings, drawings, and sculpture, or a photo gallery, or both?

Hi

 

I have been to quite a few galleries here in LA and spoken to the gallery owners. I believe that in your position, the most important thing to understand is a) what kind of art are you most familiar and comfortable with b) do you know how to sell that art and c) (most important) do you know who's going to buy it. Most of the gallery owners I met have a tendency or taste for a type of art. As an example- Some don't like photography or contemporary art, etc; some love conceptual art. Some only show established artists; some only show new and emerging artists. In any case- they pretty much know their market. They will have an idea of who might buy the art that they're going to show. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should research your market. Is it retail-off-the-street-foot-traffic type buyers? is it more interior designers- corporate type? is it collectors, etc. How will you promote (advertise, network, market) your business to reach your target market?

 

2 interesting points I learned was 1) I was told that it was rare to sell any pieces at a show and that most sales happened 2 to 3 months after the show. People needed time to think about the purchase and many times come back to the gallery to see the art again and 2) Professional collectors from foundations or private collections (i.e.- Broad collection) don't need too much selling or 'hand holding'. They already know what they're looking for and usually don't need a gallery owner to explain and sell the art to them. Usually- it's the beginning art collector that needs the most input from a gallery owner. That makes sense to me. If you're going to spend alot of money on a piece of art, you would want someone to explain the art, the artist and the concept of the piece. I thinks it's about selling the value of the art.

 

Maybe this didn't address your question directly, but I thought this may be of some help to you. Good luck!!!!!

Thanks for all your help.

 

I am still researching - my intention is to specialise in photography; however, looking at the niche of the neigbourhood - I should have a mix media gallery focusing on contempary art, but I am afraid by doing that I will draw true photographer away --- what is your thoughts?

I suppose that depends on how one defines "true photographer"

 

It might scare away some traditionalists, but many contemporary photographers would welcome the opportunity to have their work shown with a range of other materials and styles.

 

My own work has a mixed media feel to it anyway, so I don't see that as a barrier.

 

As a gallery owner though, you will need to decide whether you want to specialize in one thing, or try to serve a broader market. Both can be successful, depending on location and competition.

I've been out of the loop somewhat since I retired in '94 and left L.A. for Bend, Oregon to retire. In my nearly 40 years as a pro down there, I saw a "zillion" stricty photo galleries start up, only to fail quite soon. I doubt if that's changed much. I think there's wisdom in diversity, so I'd research the subject of an art gallery VERY thoroughly and carefully.

Thank-you for all your inputs.

 

Happy Holidays everyone!

 

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