Anybody shows their work in art galleries?

[invisible]

After a bit of prodding from a couple of friends, I'm thinking of maybe trying the local gallery circuit, specifically the smallish joints.

Problem is, I don't know how to present my photos. How many should I bring? What size is appropriate? Type of paper? In an envelope or a binder? Already framed?

Choose one single style (e.g., pure abstract) or maybe a sampler of different styles instead?

Should I call in advance or just show up? Do I need a business card?

Who sets the prices? (I know the gallery commission is about 30-35%.)

All I have is questions, and more will come up :o

Help a rookie?

[Matt Needham]

I've shown in coffee shops and restaurants more often than in galleries, but I do have a gallery show opening tomorrow night. I'm definitely no expert, but here's my advice.

First of all get your work out there any way you can. Coffee shops and restaurants may not seem as prestigious as an art gallery, but a lot more people will probably see your photographs. Every art gallery show I've participated in I've been invited to because a someone saw my work elsewhere. The show opening tomorrow has a theme: Kansas Waterways. One of the curators remembered seeing my BW landscapes and thought it would be a good compliment to the two painters that are also part of the exhibition.

Presentation is huge. What's the difference between the BBQ smoked by the old guy in the grocery store parking lot and served on a paper plate, and the BBQ served in the fancy hotel? The old guy's BBQ is a bit better and costs $5. The restaurant BBQ costs $25. It's about presentation. A lot of decent photographers will have walked into that gallery. Many of them don't spend enough effort on presentation. Pay attention to your framing and matting or whatever, and make it look as good as your photographs. Good photos haphazardly stuck in random frames with sloppy matting look like lousy photos. I see it all the time (not in art galleries). I match all my frames and matting. Some folks' flavor might be to mix it up a bit more, and that's fine, but there should be some sort of continuity in the presentation.

I don't know how to present my photos. How many should I bring? What size is appropriate? Type of paper? In an envelope or a binder? Already framed?

If I were walking in cold I would bring one or two framed, ready to hang pieces, a smaller (8"x12"ish prints) portfolio book of about a dozen prints, and maybe a DVD with a slide show that I could leave for them to look at when they have time.

If I have an appointment with more time I would bring a few more framed pieces, and a larger (12"x18"ish prints) portfolio. I don't think the portfolio has to be all that fancy, but it should look neat. I use black, plastic Toya art portfolio books. They are affordable, and I replace them every few years as they get scuffed up.

Choose one single style?Yes. You can always direct them back to your website to see your other work.

Should I call in advance or just show up? I would try to set up an appointment, but if you happen to be walking past a gallery, and your stuff is in the car don't be afraid to stop in and inquire. If they are too busy try to set up an appointment.

Do I need a business card?They are cheap these days. You've got to leave them your contact info somehow. I think a business card is less likely to get lost than a scrap of paper. If you are leaving a disc that could be your business card.

Who sets the prices? (I know the gallery commission is about 30-35%.)You both set the prices. An actual art gallery taking only 30-35% is a really good deal. Art gallery commissions of 50-65% are more typical in my experience.

[invisible]

I've shown in coffee shops and restaurants more often than in galleries, but I do have a gallery show opening tomorrow night. I'm definitely no expert, but here's my advice.
Good luck with your gallery show! The opening is likely happening as I type this.

First of all get your work out there any way you can. Coffee shops and restaurants may not seem as prestigious as an art gallery, but a lot more people will probably see your photographs. Every art gallery show I've participated in I've been invited to because a someone saw my work elsewhere.
Yes, coffee shops and restaurants are the places I'd like to start showing some of my work first. However, someone I know made a connection for me at a couple local galleries so I want to get the most out of the opportunity. I will definitely attack the coffee store and restaurant circuit, and maybe even doctors' and dentists' waiting rooms.

Thanks very much for your detailed response, I appreciate it!