Expert: DJ Murphy - 2/17/2004

Question
Hello,
I'm a freelance illustrator/artist living in New Zealand.
Over the years I've had several exhibitions of paintings in cafes, but I want to get into  galleries.
Is it literally a matter of going along to an appropriate gallery with a folio?
I can't help feeling  there's a secret handshake I should know about.

Thanks for your time,

Dave

Answer
Hello Dave,

This is the age old question from artists wanting to exhibit commercially.  There is no "secret handshake"......what happens is if you can get the gallery directors attention....your work is something he/she either likes and thus makes it easy to promote.....or there is a market for the works.  It helps to gain attention if you indeed have sold your works and have a history of sales.  Not to be crass.......but art galleries are not museums......and they want to sell art work.

To get into a gallery.......you should put together a simple portfolio showing hard copies of a representative sample of your work......send it with a short note asking for a review and then following up in a few weeks with a phone call.  Many galleries receive these all the time, and don't generally get back to the artist, so it is up to you to make the follow up call.  Also send a self addressed stamp envelope if you expect to get your portfolio back.  The portfolio doesn't have to be extensive...a bio, artist statement a few photo's...some pricing info and your note.

good luck!

dj murphy