TIPS
ON A SUCCESSFUL PORTFOLIO REVIEW
FOR ARTISTS CONSIDERING REPRESENTATION
AT A NEW GALLERY
by Kevin J. Casey, Gallery Owner
When
thinking about approaching a new gallery or venue for
representation, there are some pointers that could be
used to insure a successful review of your artwork. The
most important thing to be considered initially is if
there would be a good match between your painting style
and the type of artwork that is now displayed in the prospective
gallery. Some familiarity with the gallery or a series
of personal visits from you, the artist, seems to be in
order to establish that this could be the right place
for you. Is this a place where only deceased artists or
a very particular style of artwork is displayed? Has this
venue only represented nationally known artists or artists
that work in a particular media? Does the gallery space
include plein air works?
Take the opportunity to introduce yourself as an artist.
Most gallery owners or staff have the ability to recognize
an artist right off and might not welcome you with open
arms if you give the impression that you are a potential
client. Be polite, make a friendly inquiry as to the gallery
policy on interviewing new artists’ work and if
there is a set of requirements that need to be followed
in order that a review of your work take place.
- Is an advance appointment necessary?
- Is there a prepared list of requirements?
- Can a review be accomplished by submissions on-line
or by mail?
- Does the reviewer require complete artist resumes,
slides or transparencies in advance of the review?
- Will you be required to bring a certain number of
actual paintings along?
- Are frames needed?
Take the review requirements seriously. Show up on time
without anyone else accompanying you and be prepared to
answer a variety of questions on your art background,
work habits, studio situation, painting inventory, retail
or wholesale pricing, current or past gallery representation,
etc. Take the time before your review to insure that any
information or materials asked for are complete and ready
for presentation. Remember that the reviewer could be
taking time from business matters to interview you and
if the situation arises when he or she needs to excuse
themselves to attend to such matters---be understandably
patient. Ordinary courtesy goes a long way in such situations,
while any impatience won’t go unnoticed.
Mr. Casey’s next article will be…
“WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED FOR REPRESENTATION
AND HOW TO MAKE YOUR REQUIREMENTS KNOWN”.
Armand Cabrera Evening El Capitan
Meadow 30 x 40 o/c
