Art Galleries

Opening an Art Gallery

So youve got a passion for art, think you have a good eye for art work, and think you can make a good business out of it. Youve looked and looked at galleries in your own town and in the big cities of the world. You decide to open an art gallery.

This is definitely a profession that is a labor of love. It will take all the passion, patience, and knowledge you have plus a sizable amount of money to invest and connections in place with the art community. The first two things you decide is what kind of art youre going to handle and where your gallery will be, and sometimes these two things work hand in hand. If you want to represent contemporary art, youll likely want to be in a trendier area of town. Even an area undergoing revitalization which is attracting artists. If youre going for a more traditional approach, the neighborhood will be different. Its easier to get people out in their own neighborhoods than getting them to drive across town into a dicey neighborhood. Big loft spaces are excellent for art because you have plenty of room for large pieces and for extra money, you can always rent the space out for parties. Interviewing artists and seeing their work is the next part, and youll have to have all the diplomatic skills you can muster. Artists have delicate egos and need to be nurtured until their work is at a point it is ready to show and sell. Get busy deciding whether youll be doing your own picture framing or hiring it out. Staff up. Set up the art and buy a few cases of white wine. Your first opening will be exciting. art show