Comments on: What kind of opportunity is knocking?

By: viata libera galati

viata libera galati — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:25:19 +0000

Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

By: Maria Elena Kravetz

Maria Elena Kravetz — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:45:56 +0000

Dear Cheryl:
I knew about your comments by means of another artist I contacted in similar conditions for SOFA 2011 and considered I have a “vanity gallery”.
Let me say that I never post comments in blogs, but I feel I need clarify my position that seems to be so “commercial”.
In fact selling art is for you as artists, for collectors, for the art fair organizations and for me as a gallerist a commercial act.
In my country, share costs with artists, is a normal practice, particularly in shows in US, Europe or Asia, since after the exhibition finishes, we come back to our country and local galleries or artists in their studios many times finish sells of pieces that were exposed in the show. We don´t take any commissions for them.
I have a long list of names from artists that offered me share costs to be represented at SOFA, that I never accepted because their pieces are not at the required quality level and/or in my working line.
At the same time, I was “used” by excellent artists that never had shown at SOFA before,to be recognized as represented artist in the show and never else were exhibited there neither by my gallery nor by any other, sharing costs or not.
I talk about that with Mr.Lyman and said to him that I never subleased spaces. I invite artists announcing in my first message that I need share costs.
Sometimes, galleries buy at very low price, pieces from artists that exhibit in art shows and prices are two, three or five times higher.
I leave artists the control of their prices, pay pieces sold at same time I receive the payment from the client and take a lower commission because I had the support from the artist to afford the show investment.
Last but not least, you forgot mention that I offer at no costs, storage and transportation of pieces from my warehouse to the show and back for one year, in case the artist would decide participate in more than one show in the year, or are unable to pay for transportation when show finishes.
Regarding the quality of art I show, just see http://www.mariaelenakravetzgallery.com and decide if I have a vanity gallery or not.
I appreciate the chance I had to explain the way I can do SOFA and believe me I am sincerely sorry for not beeing in financial position to invite artists which work I am interested in, to show at SOFA for free.
Maria Elena Kravetz

By: Libby Mijanovich

Libby Mijanovich — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:09:57 +0000

Cheryl,
I have been receiving these requests for awhile and have always simply dismissed them as bulk emails. SOFA is truly the crown jewel and it is tempting to take whatever opportunity is presented. Thank you for taking the time to follow up and get the inside story. And I totally support your decision and wish that more artists would refuse these types of offers and see them for what they are. Your letter states the situation tactfully and professionally. Well done!
I will be in the NY area (for another event) during SOFA NY this year and plan to attend in order to check it out in person and see for myself what galleries may be a good fit. Who knows?

By: Mandi Ballard

Mandi Ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:18:54 +0000

Wow. What a tricky situation. You have made a tough decision and it seems the right one for you. I appreciate that you are sharing this with us.

By: Regina Benson

Regina Benson — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:10:13 +0000

Cheryl,

Such offers from this gallery have been going on for many years – guess it just reached you recently. There are quite a number of “vanity” galleries at SOFA. Even when galleries do not openly “troll” for paying artists, galleries frequently exact special participation fees from artists that want their work featured at the SOFA,in the catalogue, at presentations, etc. It might surprise you to know how many “legitimate” galleries do that. This has been going on for a long time – it’s just that some galleries have started large bulk email socilitations and artists have been becoming more aware of what it takes financially to be “represented” by some galleries in some venues.
Regina

By: maggie

maggie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:10:03 +0000

Hi Cheryl,
very interesting post. you may want to get in touch with Laurie Swim – she has been at SOFA in Chicago through the gallery that represents her
Maggie

By: Sandy Donabed

Sandy Donabed — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:54:21 +0000

Cheryl- Good for you that you did the research and found out standard procedures for the SOFA exhibit. I’ve been to several of their shows and the quality of work is amazing. Basically the gallery that contacted you was trying to pay for their booth expenses on the artist’s back! It’s tremendously expensive to be in these shows, but the exhibiting galleries are there to showcase their current and best works and new and rising art stars, and that’s the work that brings in new customers, NOT getting those artists to pay to exhibit. I am especially glad you shared your experience and hopefully save a few unsuspecting artists from such an outrageous offer! Thanks- and may your next offer be legitimate and sell everything you give them! Sandy

By: Jean M. Judd

Jean M. Judd — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:35:53 +0000

Hi Cheryl,
Thank you so much for sharing this experience and information. You handled it in a very diplomatic way and your research and contacts to check it all out show the rest of us the pathway to follow.
Continued Success!
Jean

By: Rosemary Claus-Gray

Rosemary Claus-Gray — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:02:52 +0000

Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing this information. I respect and agree with how you handled this request. There will be more opportunities for you in the future. Rosemary