Gallery Courtesy & Honoring Contacts – March/Apr 1996

I would like to comment on gallery courtesy. Many of you may be new to the world of the gallery show, so I want to say a little about what is expected of you, the artist, after the exhibit is over. During the course of a show, many of you will have made new contacts with whom you may have future business.

It is important to be aware that you are trusted to give the gallery their agreed upon percentage of a sale. This is for work sold during the exhibit and for any sales made as a result of the exhibit. This means that if the client saw the piece at a particular show and later purchases it, the gallery is entitled to their share. If the sale is for a different piece, but the cause of the sale is directly due to the show, the gallery is due at least a portion of the agreed upon percentage. This rate should be discussed with the gallery prior to the show. Most gallery owners will be glad to work with you on this. It is best to clarify these issues in a contract in advance, so there are no misunderstandings later. Remember the gallery owners are your representatives and deserve to be compensated for their work. Since you may wish to have future dealings with the gallery owners, they need to feel they can depend on you to understand the terms or that you will stand by your agreements.

The art itself is the center and celeb of any exhibit. But even though the primary share of sales should be for the work of the artist, the people who assist the artist must also be rewarded. Mounting a successful exhibit is a joint venture. Vision and skill are required from the promoters. organizers, and sales people. Not only is the quality of the sculpture of value, but also the talent of the gallery staff who present the work.