Richard: I’m glad you found us. Many artists display reproductions rather than originals. Not sure how the photo thing would work, but would be interesting to see.

Could a good display of PHOTOS of your artwork, well done, and creatively displayed, be helpful in getting customers to contact you?

The artwork would stay in your possession, but most of the other policies of “coffee shop” displays could still be used. i.e. Rentals, etc.

The photos could be used on your website, storefront, etc. as well.

Depending on the physical aspects of your artwork, it may be much easier to handle the photos in the coffee shop than to handle your actual artwork.

Also, the size of your photos would be adjustable to just about any location.

Also, leaving a supply of brochures in an attractive holder could have a full description of the pieces in the photos, along with all contact info.

Frequent trips to the coffee shop then becomes a routine of re-supplying brochures if needed, and conversing with mgmt. about any queries. Also, photos of new artwork, on your handheld device or wallet-sized photos, can be shared with mgmt. with the goal of adding photos to the walls or switching some out for new photos.

ANOTHER ANGLE: An inducement to a “coffe shop” owner to show your work could be like this:

You get a location to display your artwork and information as well as sales on location. In return, you the artist, supply some local form of advertising for your display at that location. You show photos in the ads of your artworks and some of the menu items, etc.

Cooperation between you and the coffee shop owner brings agreement on the copy for the advertising format, whether a paid ad in a publication, flyers on neighborhood doors, or brocures at any locations agreed upon.

You need to meet with the owner and staff: “How can we sell more art?” Maybe give them incentives.

Teresa: If all the artists agreed to negotiate, you could probably get more out of it. Unfortunately, most artists are just happy to have a free place to hang the work.

Ouch! Yes, you MUST have everything in writing for ANY venue.

Elva: Sounds like a lovely relationship. How fortunate you were for that period. I hope you’ve been able to successfully move beyond and find new venues.

Don: This is so great to hear. How nice that you handle all of the sales. How much commission do you receive?

Kay: See #3 above. You have to do the work to get people into these venues. It’s VERY possible to sell work if you do.

Neat! I will try to do that, Carol. Not lots of extra time there, but we’ll see.