Thanks again for the feedback.
Rather than respond to each, I'm going to grab selected comments that apply to the core concerns I have and reply to those.
…but if you want to make money off print sales then you need to ask the gallery to show a history of actual sales/ how are they going to market your show for you, what's their mailing list, do they have actual buyers that they feel will be interested in your work?
Excellent points. I will find out about these details.
…look at return on investment - or if one wants to get fancy the economic value added - and opportunity cost of displaying at the gallery.
This is a core issue. I've solicited about a dozen local galleries so far. Each says that my work is great or > but each has said that they already have lots of photographers. As a result, I'm not putting a lot of faith into making $ from galleries. I see it as a necessary step in promoting my art. I see a few of these opportunities as being necessary to build a resume.
…or making a new website (haven't looked at his so this is not a hint ).
Heh, thanks I needed a laff
I'd say it is a no-brainer to go for it. For only $150 (a price of some high-end filters for instance), you get the opportunity to find out if your prints will sell, at which price, and how fast.
This is along the lines of my logic. I'm thinking of renting 2 of these spaces if the gallery owner is willing. While I'm okay to be at the gallery for Art Walks and certainly for an opening, I'm not thrilled with needing to be there 1 day a month. They don’t force the issue but only ask that of the premier artists. OTOH, long ago when I was developing my other company, I did regular presentatons and made good money from those presentations, so the opportunity truly has some legs and it’s a standard for a business starting out.
In Justan's case, as the gallery is taking little to no financial risk (and may, in fact, be making money on the deal) they have little incentive to properly advertise or promote the exhibit.
This is a valid comment in the abstract but based on facts not in evidence. I won’t defend or attack the practice. I will find out how they advertise and promote events. How they promote is the absolute core detail of the value a gallery provides. That aside, I may do it anyway, especially if I can do a show in December!
With such a setup, the gallery *could* very well be financially viable with little to no sales...ever.
Again, a good comment in the abstract but based on facts not in evidence. From what I've seen, the gallery makes a sincere effort to bring in both artists and the community. They appear to do everything that a business should to promote themselves and their products.
The other thing the gallery owner should be able to do is give you advice about reasonable pricing. It's in the owner's interest to do this honestly.
This is a good question and one which I will ask about.
Thanks again!