Chapter 5 blog

I felt this was a useful and enjoyed read. Major highlights are be organized and ask lots of questions. Nothing is too silly, don’t be afraid to appear a novice, better to avoid misunderstandings. Remember it often who you know more than what you know.

· When your work becomes noticed, you will begin participating in a fresh set of activities. Involving new relationships with various art professionals, dealing with deadlines, consignment forms, framing, shipping, and sales.

· To avoid future problems don’t be afraid to ask question. Get the really silly ones out of the way first. You can gage the responses you will receive in how your relationship will be.

· Taking part in an exhibition is not the same as joining a gallery.

· Get the details down for the exhibition such as,

- The opening date and closing date

Location of the exhibition

-How many pieces will be in the exhibition and how much space is available for your work.

-Who will be responsible for the framing? The gallery or you. What framing specifications does the gallery have?

-Who hangs the show? You or the gallery? If the gallery is hanging it, do you get input?

-If shipping is involved who covers that cost you or the gallery?

-Who handles the announcements? Will the gallery pay for your mailing list? Who covers the cost of the reception?

-The publicity

-Insurance

-What will the galleries commission be on sales?

-What are the galleries expectation from you about removing you show?

· Different galleries will probably prefer different pieces of your work to fit the style of their gallery

· Expectations of solo shows is probably about every 2 years

· If the gallery has a standard contract have a lawyer who specializes in business law (look for one through your state’s Lawyers for the Arts organization) read it before you sign it.

· Will the gallery help promote your career beyond the exhibition providing you with addition connections?

· The galleries expectation from you will be to continue creating art, keeping commitments and behaving professionally.

· VARA an amendment to the copyright act establishing a single federal standard regarding the rights of artists.

· Copyright is your legal protection for your art.

· Artists often change galleries several times during their lives.

· After you have come to a mutual agreement of responsibilities and expectations with the gallery putting it in writing as a letter and mail back to them. This will ensure no misunderstandings were made and be proof of your agreement.

· Keep records of all your gallery correspondence, phone conversations and meetings. Record the essence of your conversations and meetings, date them and add to your file.