Replies to This Reviews

Permalink Reply by Bradley (aka: Oak) on 20 April 2008 at 6:13pm

If you are serious about having your work seen by peers and those who are able to help you grow and establish yourself and your work as an artist.... then I say: RUN, do not walk, away from any and all Vanity Galleries of all types and sizes! Vanity galleries are all owned and operated by hungry vampires who care nothing at all for the artists they feed upon.

Oak

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Permalink Reply by Sorg on 22 April 2008 at 4:24am

Bradley's pretty adamant here; it depends on YOUR place in the world Christopher. If you're expecting a windfall of loyal followers after your show at this vanity joint–fucking forget it, I'm with Brad. Without knowing your stuff or your resume yet I can't say about your question. BUT IF you have your own mailing list with more than 200 people on it, depending on the price to rent the place and your go-get-it-ness, depending on how 'sought after' your work is; if you're just coming out of your own lil' artist box into the big art world....

Basically, vanity galleries WONT get you a new following, so if you know no one, once you get a mailing list and then, if the price is okay for you, do it. It's like a reception hall for artists–literally. They won't help you, they just rent you a space to show it. Period.

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Permalink Reply by Bradley (aka: Oak) on 22 April 2008 at 4:24pm

Sorg,

I was a bit dramatic. Sorry, Christopher. My reaction comes from hearing so many stories about such places, all reeked of taking cruel and financial advantage of young and/or new artists showing their work for the first time in a recognized art center. In my younger days I did do a few "come on kids, lets do an art show!" exhibits. They were fun and we even sold a few paintings (on the cheap) enough to cover the costs of putting up the show. At that time, of course, none of us were serious artists. Nevertheless, I still think vanity galleries are for the most part - counter productive. That said, I do have to agree with what you said, Sorg, with the right attitude and one's "eyes wide open" there are worse things an artist such as Christopher could be doing at this point in his career.

Thanks for bringing me back down to earth!

Bradley

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Permalink Reply by Olga Dmytrenko on 23 April 2008 at 3:36am

In some way I do understand the galleries that charge artists - they need to survive and even get some income. It's a business. I was surprise to find that in Washington DC area, there are about 1000 artists ready to exhibit. Some local artistic organization found the possibility to do a big art exhibition in new multi-store building. Fee was just 90 USD and the registration on internet was open about two weeks. After two weeks all space was taken! So... what I want to say - these vanity galleries will always find clients - too many artists are on the market and some of them have rich husbands or wives or partners. whatever...And then...who cares, I mean buyers - most of them have no idea how much artist paid to get an exhibit.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Gulick on 23 April 2008 at 5:11am

Hi Friends,
Well, I wanted more perspectives/ experiences.
I have been solicited by "vanities" at what seemed outrageous fees. After adding costs of all things involved I more understood the fees, regardless of the "profit margin" that that gallery would obviously be collecting. I know no one is in a business to NOT make money.

Also I have used a vanity in Berlin.
It was very reasonable in comparison to my cost to produce my own exhibit domestically.
I had a wonderfull experience with gallery and owner whom has become a good friend and loyal artistic comrade.
Also, I curate/advise/produce exhibits at a "vanity".
We call it more acurately a "Venue for the Arts".
We are in the midwest USA in a secondary metro.
The mainstream artworld ( NYC, London, Tokyo, Basel, Berlin, etc.) could give a shit about us.
So..we care for ourselves.
Galleries in the midwest, the "percent consignment/ artist stable" types of galleries, are rare and typically flounder and fail only because the patrons are not now nor ever will be consistent enough with purchases to support a gallery as such in upper eastside NYC.
BUT...
artist still live, breathe, produce and want to exhibit.
Regionally.
At least to get their legs, then they jump from the nest to fly or die.
And we boast a great art "scene".
So..for a small fee, we rent them space in our version of the equivelant of an "Art District".
I mean SOMEONE has to pay the light bill, eh?
Then they find out if they are a serious artist or a hobbyist.
Then what?
How the hell is a small town kid to find their way out?
Buyer beware is important.
As Oak mentioned, there are fucking vultures out there, whom do nothing for you.
We, here, help one to do for one self.
And as I found after research, there are good deals out there as well.
Basically...math is the deciding factor.
How much for submission packages?( Printing CDs, Slides-(who the hell uses slides?this is the 21st century for petesake)
mailing?
Jury fees?
Shipping?
Wondering if "Foo-Foo" girl ever even opened your submittal?
What shit mood was the curator in that day?
Did intern-airhead use your CV for a drink coaster?
ect, etc.
So...there is good/ bad/ indifferent in all things. Even Pay-for galleries/ reps.
Whew!
Thanks, Chris

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Permalink Reply by Olga Dmytrenko on 23 April 2008 at 5:25am

Chris,
I live in Delaware and recently tried to get into the NYC gallery located in Tribeca. I did not hear that they are vanity type. So I participated at their competition. Was not a winner, but something like a semi-finalist - they contacted me later. To make my story short, they asked 2.500 USD for being in a group show with 4-6 paintings, they said they like my works but they ask this 2.500 from non-New Yorkers or even New Yorkers who did not exhibit in top NYC galleries:( I said I'll try to find a sponsor...

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Permalink Reply by Sorg on 23 April 2008 at 5:41am

Chris, you tricky bastard! Midwest? So where's your Vanitas and what's the name? I hail from Indiana.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Gulick on 25 April 2008 at 4:40am

Hi Sorg,
Go to artreview.com/profile/commercegallery.
Read through the gallery description ( which is basically a prospectus)
Then hit our website. You can submit to me at info@artcontractor.com
We keep it simple. You come do your own exhibition. Flat fee, no commission.
We break even on time and electricity, the community gets cool art exhibits.
Talk soon, Chris

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