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- This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 23 years, 11 months ago by leesmith.
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December 15, 2000 at 4:54 pm #982829
I am faced with a quandary ..and being new to the world of galleries I am unsure how to proceed.. Two months ago I showed my work to a dealer in a gallery and much to my delight she immediately agreed to take a few pieces on consignment..I had shown my paintings in cafes,juried shows and exhibitions..but this felt like a big giant step in the right direction.!. However.. I am having second thoughts..Although the gallery is in a good location..I have my doubts about the professionalism of the dealer..and her ability to represent her artists well.
The last two solo shows I attended sold only one painting per artist..and a group show I participated in was not very well publicized or organized..Some of the other artists were openly disgruntled..yet seemed uncomfortable talking about it with me.
When I had inquired about participating in other exhibitions, events..she was quite adament that I remain exclusive to her gallery..no shows..private sales..etc .I understand this to be the norm, but have others had experiences such as this..and if so ,how have you handled it?
As I am still finding my artists feet..I am feeling rather reluctant to conform to this agreement..I have’nt signed anything yet..but I initially agreed verbally to her parameters – but now it just doesn’t feel right.
Am I legally bound..even if i didn’t sign a contract? I would be grateful for any feedback/ experiences and insight!
cheers, MaeDecember 15, 2000 at 9:57 pm #997729Exclusivity is not the norm, and I believe not in the best interests of the artist. Unless this gallery is great at representing and selling for their artists, they should not be given an exclusive. From your description they are not. Having said that, the artist has a responsibility to assist in promotion of their work at the gallery, and to avoid things that would divert sales away; like shows nearby, redirecting clients to other sources like your studio, selling for less than the gallery, etc. When you associate with the gallery you become a partner in making a success of the relationship, so both of your benefit.
See my plein air landscapes at Tierra Pintada Studio
Plein Air Florida, artists working on location.December 16, 2000 at 1:11 am #997728I would not sign an exclusive contract…but I woul do what the previous poster has suggested in terms of being honest and supportive toward the gallery that displays your art.
I would ask the gallery if they are willing to display your art on a rconsignement basis and see how it goes. It’s a way for you and the gallery to see if your art is successfull before committing to anything definitive. If the gallery owner is really interested in you work and think he can make money with it…he will agree.
Two years ago I was approached by a gallery that wanted my work on consignement but had a qualms with me showing and selling at my studio/home. I was very clear and told them that if I had to choose I would rather sell from my studio. However, if they decided to take me on anyway, I would agree to sell my work from my studio at the same price than they would. (this is very important, your work should sell at the same price anywhere). They have sold quite a bit of my stuff in two years and I continue to sell privately. They are in another part of town and we don’t have the same clientele. So things can work well for both of you, as long as everything is clear.
Also be careful and take information about the gallery. I used to deal with another gallery that sold my work but was very slow in paying. They still owe me money!
Coffee shops and restaurants shows and your studio sales can sometime be more beneficial to your self esteem and your finances than a bad gallery.——————
http://www.geocities.com:80/SoHo/Exhibit/1799/index.htmlDecember 16, 2000 at 4:36 am #997726NEVER EVER LET A GALLERY DETERMINE YOUR FREEDOM.
exclusivity is NOT common.
never sign anything.
send the gallery to this site. we’ll drag ’em over the coals.
…..{M}
——————
“it’s alright to be judgmental,,,,,,,,if you have taste”…MILT"it's alright to be judgmental,,,,,,,,if you have taste"...MILT
December 16, 2000 at 6:45 am #997725Exclusive? NOT
My first experience with a gallery was not the best either, but at least the restrictions you have were not part of my experience. Milts idea is cool…send her here – she will find out really quick.
Carol——————
http://www.artistnation.com/members/lofts/oleccDecember 16, 2000 at 8:56 am #997724AnonymousMae,
The gang is right, exclusivity is not the norm. It is tactic employed by galleries who either think they are publishers, or have a strong desire to be. Of course, there is much more to being a fine art publisher than placing art in a window. Publishers market your work to a multitude of galleries (the way it should be), as well as help you find other deals, such as commissions, commercial contracts, etc.
Of course, as long as you don’t sign anything with her (with regard to exclusivity), you should be able to continue seeking a publisher on your own.
Cheers.
Scott——————
B. Scott Burkett
Founder, WetCanvas!
http://www.scottburkett.comDecember 16, 2000 at 9:16 pm #997727Thank-you Carol, Milt, Rita, Scott and TPS..
I can certainly rest easier! .I suppose I was flattered by the interest of this dealer in my work and unsure of my ability to negotiate ..or what my rights as an artist were in this situation. I can learn so much from my artist neighbours south of the border and the feedback is appreciated
Rita..Thanks for your Canadian perspective too.. She ( the gallery owner) did initially take 3 pieces on consignment but was quite sticky about me not showing, selling ANYWHERE
else..even if I where to sell at the same prices as her gallery..It’s also 50% commission for her ..which seems to be the norm here..
I have been riding on such an exciting wave of creativity this year..I am not ready to be stifled or shut down!
I was not comfortable losing so much control over my creative life.. Your encouraging words are truly appreciated Milt!
So a big thanks to Carol,Scott and TPS too..
it’s very empowering to be supported by all of youcheers, heather
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