Mechellerene

Carson Collins, about 1 month ago

I wouldn’t do it. Their fees are outrageous; clearly, their business plan is to make a profit off of the exhibiting artists, not by promoting and selling the artwork. Plus, this is what’s disdainfully referred to as a vanity gallery; nobody who’s anybody is going to be impressed when they see this on your CV.

Mechellerene in reply to Carson Collins’s comment, about 1 month ago

I had a hunch. But, but, but…they said Slash bought his stuff from them… :) :)

Mechellerene in reply to Mechellerene’s comment, about 1 month ago

...and thank you Carson!

billyboy, about 1 month ago

I tend to agree with Carson. In any case, the fact that it’s on the other side of the country would put me off. Why not visit some places around DC with your portfolio? If they like your work, you’ll see it in their eyes.

Mechellerene in reply to billyboy’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thanks Billy. Shy little me??? I could never!!!

Mike Finley, about 1 month ago

are they just looking to make a fast buck off the front end

No – their commission on any sale looks on the high side to me, too – especially given the upfront charge. Look for other places to exhibit than conventional galleries. (Note though I’m not US based so might be wrong)

Mechellerene in reply to billyboy’s comment, about 1 month ago

That’s reminds me…I did approach a locally owned coffee shop 2 weeks ago, and almost threw up asking if I could put a piece up…she took my card and said she’d look at my site. Yeah…riiight. :) I don’t know if I have the stones for this! lolololol…

Mechellerene in reply to Mike Finley’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thank you Mike!

Marilyn Brown, about 1 month ago

I think you should research the galleries in your area first, take tiny steps and get to know how the system works. 65% commission wow! What’s the norm in the US?
In Australia it ranges anywhere between 25 – 50% depending on the type of gallery and it’s reputation. Most galleries here charge you to hang your work though.

Mechellerene in reply to Marilyn Brown’s comment, about 1 month ago

I agree.

I think the commission rate around here is around is the same as yours.

Thank you Marilyn!! :)

Samuel Durkin, about 1 month ago

Galleries like this take huge amounts of money out the the pockets of hopeful artists.these galleries charge a hanging fee because they know most artists will fail to sell anything during the month, but that hanging fee pays for the gallery rent it’s employees and the lighting or the next two months.

If a gallery really thinks they can sell your work they won’t charge a hanging fee. and anything more than 40% commission and the gallery better have one hell of a good mailing list , so good that you must be able to sell your work for several thousand dollars.

I’d walk away from this. Think about the advertising you could buy for the same money.
Could you set up your own website with a shopping cart system, could you pay for adverts in a state or city newspaper/magazine. could you and some other artist hire somewhere to exhibit and run adverts to get people to the show? How many google ad word clicks would that cash buy you?

these are the things to think about as your basically buying advertising, is a gallery in LA going to be worth the amount of money they charge, can you get a better deal somewhere else?

I am sure you can easily get more for your money from somewhere else.

Mechellerene in reply to Samuel Durkin’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thank you Samuel. That helps put major perspective into play. As soon as I read the word “opportunity” in the first paragraph, I knew something was a bit out of line on the whole proposal. When I downloaded the contract my suspicions were realised. But, then again…I wanted to be sure…ya know? I mean, I made first contact, so I didn’t want to just write them off. I’m so thankful for you all!!!

Firedrake, about 1 month ago

As Marilyn says, here in Australia a fee for the room is not unusual. But it’s normally balanced by a lower % per sale. 65%!! I consider that a lot.
What is their fee for putting up and taking down? Roughly what could you expect to pay to insure and ship them over (and back again if you don’t sell)?
My first impression is that it’s not a very good deal. But if the gallery is the kind that will expose you to a good audience for your work, and will help your career, and will also look good on your CV, I guess it comes down to ‘what are you willing to pay to get your stuff out there?’. Sometimes it’s worth it to make a financial loss on a show because of the benefits further down the track.

I’d add the gallery cost up ($250 + setup + take down + shipping + insurance), and assuming you don’t sell anything (worst case scenario), is that figure ‘worth it’?
Bearing in mind the price you’ll be putting on these pieces, how many would you have to sell to cover your costs?

I would google the gallery and see if anything comes up – you never know, maybe someone has blogged about them, find out which other artists have shown there etc. If you know or sort of know someone who has shown there, I’d email them to ask how it went.

Mechellerene in reply to Firedrake’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thanks Firedrake! The good information keeps pouring in! I appreciate it!

Nancy Stafford..., about 1 month ago

i agree i would not do it. it sounds like bull to me. if your looking to show your art get the book artist market or photographers market. 2008. look though. it has alot of places esp near you that would be better….. find out about the gallery.

N Kumar Bellani, about 1 month ago

Hi good to see you this morning from Delhi

Consider a studio exhibition and let the newspapers know about your show…most newspapers feature art exhibitions without charging the artists, they would select the paintings they think are good and publish pictures of those with a brief…the art buyer is assured of a fair price while buying directly from the artist and your still sitting pretty with your money still in your own pocket!!!...try this…I’ve posted some of these newspaper clippings on my page if you’ve seen my bubble…good luck…

Carol Haberle, about 1 month ago

Sounds to me like they’re ripping you off….start small…start local…and build from there!!

Mechellerene in reply to Nancy Stafford IPA’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thanks Nancy!

Mechellerene in reply to N Kumar Bellani’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thank you! Another great idea. :)

Mechellerene in reply to Carol Haberle’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thanks Carol!

AlteredIllusions, about 1 month ago

Run as fast as you can from this “deal” – it is a rip off -They are expecting you to be gratified and excited (which you are!) but they also want an INORDINATE amount of money from you!

Mechellerene in reply to AlteredIllusions’s comment, about 1 month ago

I was… (gratified and excited) for about 2 seconds. :) :) Thanks so much for responding. I think these types of things really need to be exposed for what they are. My husband was in LA last week not even a mile from this gallery, I so wish we would have gotten the info. then. He could have ducked in there and seen what they had going and asked some hard questions (he’s like that). When he goes back, he’s definitly making a side trip. He’s way curious.

Jo Hoden, about 1 month ago

Mechellerene,Gosh I was shocked at there prices.I have never ever paid a price for exhibiting,mind you I am in a differant country,but it seems very unfair to me.I have three resaurants/cafes that show my work at the mo,plus I have my work for show in my appartment/studio.I know it can be nerve racking I would rather be painting but its part of promoting,Perhaps you could make up a leaflet about you and your art and drop it off at some places,,Keep strong and never pay any money out to exhibit,they should be pleased to have your work up. :)

pentangled, about 1 month ago

I was interested to read this post & the replies. You have some really great work, have you tried contacting galleries direct in your local area? Have faith & belief in your art & they’re bound to make you a real deal. Wish you well :o)

Mechellerene in reply to pentangled’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thank you! Not yet. This was just a whim. I wasn’t expecting a response from them. lolololol…!

HelenAmyes, about 1 month ago

thanks mechellerene for sharing this experience. i am hoping to try to exhibit, other than local competitions, and have read your post and the replies with great interest. its good to network and get a feel for whats in the ball park for costs, and commissions. i too find the “self promotion thing’ pretty difficult. i have bought work from a norweigan artist erika tysse, and she has built up a client base, online, so i am trying to follow her method, if you like. she has a website, blog, sells on etsy and ebay, through local shops, and does commissions. you might find it helpfull to check her out, i am sure there are lots of other examples.

Mechellerene in reply to HelenAmyes’s comment, about 1 month ago

And thank you Helen! People have had so much good input!! Yours included! I do have a website. Didn’t think seriously about Etsy or Ebay. Maybe this summer, when we wrap up homeschool I will get myself in gear and look into those options! Thank you!!!! :)

HelenAmyes, about 1 month ago

i think maybe people overlook ebay , because they think its ” cheap”? but i have noticed that if people like a work it will push the price up, also volume, you may be happy to sell lots of smaller pieces. it does require quite a bit of attention though, ie checking on a daily basis while you have a listing. both artists whos work i have bought [ partly by way of research] are mums with young children, who work from home, and it seems to work for them. good luck!