How to get an art gallery: part four

One of the easiest ways to get involved with a gallery is to first sign up for their newsletter. And then read it.

This is the best way to know what shows they have going on, what shows they have coming up, what projects or fairs they may be doing, and if there are any calls for entry, workshops, or other events you should know about. You can find their newsletter sign up usually on the front page of their website, or it may come as a popup.

When signing up for their newsletter, understand that you will be receiving that newsletter, and that you asked for it. Don't unsubscribe because they send too many, or they are not what you expected. Remember that one of the best ways to get into a gallery you have your eye on, is to get involved with them. And the best way to know what is going on, is their newsletter.

Worse, do not report them for spam. This is a horrible thing to do to any business, let alone a gallery you have your eye on. Not only does this severely impact their reputation with their email service provider, but they will know it was YOU who reported them. There is nothing worse than having someone sign up for your email list, and then report you for spam. So don't do that.

Once you start getting their newsletters, take note of things you could potentially attend or get involved with. Openings, workshops (online or off), special events, or an art fair you could visit them at. Also, make notes on your database (remember that guy?) of what shows they are doing, so you can compliment them later in an email or in person if you happen to personally attend an event.

You need to research the galleries you are interested in prior to first approach, and subscribing to their newsletters are the first action to take, and also will provide you with the most info. Don't forget, that the gallery knows how long you were a subscriber, how many times you opened an email or clicked on a link (etc) should they want to know this info. It's a very simple thing to do, and shows a gallery you're sincerely interested in what they have going on.

One of the first things I do when approached by an artist (if I don't know them already), is to check and see if they are on my mailing list, and if they are a long time subscriber. It's a really bad impression to be hit up by an artist who has not done their research, they ask for you to look at their portfolio, but they haven't even signed up for your newsletter. It's like the least they can do, right? If they haven't subscribed, it says they have no clue what you do, and they couldn't be bothered. Seems very one-sided right out of the gate.

So sign up. Learn what you can about what they're up to. Record that info each time you get a newsletter into your database. This is the easiest ways to get to know them, and be involved. You might find that the gallery isn't right for you, and your efforts are better spent elsewhere. You might learn something new about them, or discover artists that you love, a new project or fair you didn't know about, and more. No matter what, it's a win-win.

No go subscribe!