ARTIST BLOCK 03: APPROACH

by Bob Freyer

I have the thought process of “you can’t tell me no if I don’t ask”.” When I started to believe in myself and my art, I contacted every gallery I could in attempts to show there and to get them to see my work. Looking back on this, I know it had to be annoying for all the galleries and curators I contacted. It was obvious that I was cold-calling the galleries and wasn’t reading any information on their sites. Now that I am more seasoned and mature (somewhat), I have a different approach to contacting galleries and curators. 

Approach is everything. It doesn’t matter if you’re introducing yourself in person or through an email. In my opinion you have a good 30 seconds to get to the point or the reason for your engagement to keep their attention. What I have learned that works for me is how I speak about myself in that 30 seconds. I have to state who I am, what I do, and what I want. All while being confident and to the point. Keep in mind to stay polite and respectful.

If you’re doing this via email, make sure you do your research on the gallery first. This helps in your email or call the gallery. The first thing to do before sending your email or calling the gallery, is to look at the art that they show, and the artists they represent. You want to make sure that your work is a fit for them and their gallery. If you’re painting pop art your work isn’t going to fit in a gallery that sells Thomas Kinkade paintings. That would be a waste of everyone’s time. Find the gallery that fits your work and your style.

Staying local is always fun and can be easier. Here in Pittsburgh there’s a large amount of shops that will hang and sell local artists’ work. Many of the local coffee shops are really open to hanging local art at their establishments to help the local art scene (editor’s note: some examples of this are Yinz Coffee, curated by Megan Shalonis, Arriviste, curated by Alec Ebeling, Redhawk Coffee at both Sharpsburg and Oakland locations, as well as Bantha Tea Bar, curated and managed by Jack Ball). There’s also a few galleries that pride themselves in being a spot for giving local artists a chance. The most welcoming galleries I have come across are Point Five Gallery, Ketchup City, Vestige Gallery, and Thoughtrobbers (I wish they were still open). These are the ones that pay attention to the local artists and show their support. They’re also not snooty and don’t make you feel less when you talk to them. It’s sad that we have such a vast amount of talented creatives in this city that galleries overlook them. This is why it’s important to do research on the gallery you’re submitting to.

Now, even if your art is fit, that doesn’t mean that the gallery is going to accept your submission. What I have found is that there’s a bigger process when submitting work. Curators look at sell ability, size, medium, subject and techniques used. If your matches then they might consider it. You also want to think about timing as well. As the year starts galleries are planning shows for the year, and possibly the year after. Between group shows and other events they have, there just might not be an open slot. This can lead to some of the hardest things we can hear, “No”. It’s best to take a rejection like a pro and be professional about it. You never know when they might want new some last minute art. 

To end this, I want to touch on a subject that can really help your artistic career or kill it. Doing anything locally our names get thrown around as participants and artists that show. I imagine we all have some use of social media to show and promote our work. I always use the thought that anyone who curates or owns a spot that shows art, they’ll checking out the artist. Not just for the work they do, but also to see how we conduct ourselves. Trust me, if you’re out there being negative, or saying some wild things online. They see it. I’m not for censorship, and I would say censor yourself on your beliefs. Just be mindful on how you say it. Be mindful how you interact with others online. I’m not even talking politics or religious beliefs. I’m speaking about putting the unhappy times about sales being down, not having enough likes or shares. Yes, these are some frustrations that we can experience, but people don’t want to hear about. The frustrating side of being an artist is known, and our viewers, followers and curators don’t want to see us bitching about it all the time. Especially if it’s daily. I know it’s best for people to talk about their frustrations, it’s just how we word it. Just keep in mind that one bad post can follow you for a while. 

— B

Bob Freyer is an award-winning artist from Pittsburgh, PA who paints images from an alternate world. Since 2013, Freyer has been showcasing work in Pittsburgh and has participated in numerous shows throughout the U.S.