How do Galleries find their artists?
It was recently EXPO weekend here in Chicago, where galleries from around the world gather to show their artists in a huge convention center at Navy Pier. It is the best time for networking as the gallerists are captive audiences, sitting in their booths for four days. TALK TO THEM, THEY’RE BORED AND AT YOUR DISPOSAL!
I talked to Richard Heller, founder of Richard Heller Gallery in LA, and asked him how they connected with the artists that they show. Here are the ways he listed:
Their current artists referring their friends
Seeing the artist show at other galleries
Instagram!!
Cold Emails! YES! The thing that feels scary and almost taboo? This is one of those where I think W.W.A.M.D.? What Would A Man Do. I’m trying to channel that arrogance in hyping my art up.
Here’s Heller’s advice on cold emails:
Don’t ask if they want to see your work, JUST SEND IT. They probably won’t respond to you otherwise.
Attach 3-4 images of your best work, low file size so it loads easily.
Even if they like it, they might not respond to you. Heller said they had an artist cold email but it wasn’t the right time. They ended up showing her work a few years later when they had an opening and remembered her work.
So keep posting on Instagram and start sending those cold emails, because I will be too.
Artist: Von Wolfe
at Richard Heller Gallery, EXPO
Artist: Shawn Huckins
at Richard Heller Gallery, EXPO
