Comments on: Thinking of Opening a Gallery Space?

By: Weekend Favorite Reads and Links-Jan 21 | Beacon Arts Community Association

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:43:07 +0000

[…] • Thinking of Opening a Gallery Space? – here’s another great post from Alyson which is important for anyone looking to open a gallery in Beacon, or anywhere else for that matter. […]

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By: What I Learned From Running My Own Art Gallery. | Kesha Bruce

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:27:54 +0000

[…] If you haven’t stopped by Alyson Stanfield’s Art Biz Blog lately, you should. For one, every blog post is packed with really great, concrete, useful information for working artists, and two because this week I’m the featured guest post writer. […]

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By: Durinda Cheek

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:19:00 +0000

Great advice, Kesha. I ran my own retail gallery/studio for three years. Yes, it made a little income for me, but it also took up all my time and energy. I found out that I really didn’t like small talk with the visitors who are asking for art lessons (how did you do that? What colors did you mix?). It is different than being at a show or art fair where the customers are coming to look for art. Having a partner would help as long as one of you has a business mindset. Or better yet, a rich backer who lets you do your own thing!

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By: Canvasprints

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:56:35 +0000

Nice Article +art. Thank you Kesha for sharing your learning experience it was very insightful and helpful.

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By: connie solberg

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:45:31 +0000

3 of my artist friends and myself rent a walk-in location just off the beaten path in the middle of a small city. We decide a year ahead of time which month we want to have our own exhibit-then rent out the other 8 months to artists looking to promote their work. We each pay the month’s rent and electricity, and all expenses incurred with an exhibit. Each artist sits as his own shop keeper during the month, and that seems to be the hardest obstacle to overcome. Talking about one’s work to everyone off the street, and being welcoming and inviting them into your space is a HARD thing. It seems superficial but at the same time, breaking the ice by saying “welcome”, is easy enough. I feel that the hardest part is the interaction, but when it goes well, it is very gratifying to get immediate feedback on your work. All the practical details around pricing the work is also very difficult, because I feel like I will never be making money at this passion no matter how affordable I make the work. I don’t ask as much as a regular gallery, as I am saving the price of paying that overhead, but if I sat down and tried to price according to what my studio expenses are for the year, plus rent for the gallery, plus material costs, that doesn’t leave much leeway for paying myself for my artistic efforts. After just one month of sitting at the gallery, I am glad that it’s about a year til next time. Running a gallery is hard work, especially the people part….

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By: Victoria on Okinawa

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:40:51 +0000

Thank you Kesha for sharing your learning experience it was very insightful and helpful. I’m sure it will help many others in evaluating their decisions how they will present their art to the public. It sure did give me a clearer understanding of choices that would be involved and whether I would want to go the self-gallery route or not. Thank you again for this open and honest report on your experience and what you learned. Yes the “Blast Off” class is very helpful in this respect too. I recommend everyone, those who are able, to take this class.

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