Artwork in the US
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 10:46 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
Likes: 0
Artwork in the US
Hola all,
I'd love to have a conversation about art/gallery hot spots in the US. I'm a painter who's thinking about exploring the possibility of selling my paintings in the US but I'm not sure where to look. Do you know of a place or places where artwork is being bought? If so, do you see any sort of trends regarding the type of artwork that's being sold? Are you buying art?
I'm told that some places like Canyon Rd, Santa Fe are down in sales. Is this true? I'm also wondering if my timing is right because many foreign tourists say that they will no longer travel to or even through the US. I'm not even sure if foreigners buy much artwork but would wonder if tourism will effect US art sales.
I'd love to have a conversation about art/gallery hot spots in the US. I'm a painter who's thinking about exploring the possibility of selling my paintings in the US but I'm not sure where to look. Do you know of a place or places where artwork is being bought? If so, do you see any sort of trends regarding the type of artwork that's being sold? Are you buying art?
I'm told that some places like Canyon Rd, Santa Fe are down in sales. Is this true? I'm also wondering if my timing is right because many foreign tourists say that they will no longer travel to or even through the US. I'm not even sure if foreigners buy much artwork but would wonder if tourism will effect US art sales.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 11:08 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,849
Likes: 26
Having earned my living in the arts for much of my life, I think your best bet is almost always a large metropolitan area such as New York or Los Angeles. They're less effected by local downturns and have a largely resident clientele. I'd say avoid the latest hot spot and new galleries without a following in smaller places, and research long-standing art-oriented communities and galleries, even small ones with good local reputations and events such as well-attended openings where, in my experience, most sales happen.
It's a process, to be sure, to sort it all out and depends, of course on the quality of the work. Starting in a good small gallery and moving "up" in a community is, I think, a better option than moving from town to town in search of an audience. It's a fact of life that sales of art are as much word-of-mouth as who you show with. People buy what they see and, it's seemed to me, as much what they see on people's walls than on gallery walls. In any case, it takes time and effort, but I'd do a great deal of homework before making a decision.
I'd add, trends are short-term, a personal style is long-term. I wouldn't be tempted to immitate, though that may not be what you meant by "trends", I realize.
To answer your question, do I buy art, at my age I have so much that I no longer buy much. But I just returned from Oaxaca with a photograph I bought so never say never.
It's a process, to be sure, to sort it all out and depends, of course on the quality of the work. Starting in a good small gallery and moving "up" in a community is, I think, a better option than moving from town to town in search of an audience. It's a fact of life that sales of art are as much word-of-mouth as who you show with. People buy what they see and, it's seemed to me, as much what they see on people's walls than on gallery walls. In any case, it takes time and effort, but I'd do a great deal of homework before making a decision.
I'd add, trends are short-term, a personal style is long-term. I wouldn't be tempted to immitate, though that may not be what you meant by "trends", I realize.
To answer your question, do I buy art, at my age I have so much that I no longer buy much. But I just returned from Oaxaca with a photograph I bought so never say never.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 11:27 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,772
Likes: 46
Atlanta definitely has galleries with art to sell, but one of the biggest venue is the Dogwood Festival in April each year -
http://www.dogwood.org/Artists
"The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the largest and most diverse juried arts festivals in the country. More than 250 artists from around the country exhibit in 12 categories, including painting, glass, clay, wood and mixed media. Some of the country’s top painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craftsmen, glass blowers and more participate in the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Artist Market. In 2014, the Artist Market was ranked #30, out of the Top 200 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist's Magazine."
http://www.dogwood.org/Artists
"The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the largest and most diverse juried arts festivals in the country. More than 250 artists from around the country exhibit in 12 categories, including painting, glass, clay, wood and mixed media. Some of the country’s top painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craftsmen, glass blowers and more participate in the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Artist Market. In 2014, the Artist Market was ranked #30, out of the Top 200 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist's Magazine."
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 11:39 AM
#4
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,238
Likes: 0
I think mmeperdu is right on about large metro areas. Tourist places that may be affected by fewer visitors likely don't have galleries with the kind of art you want to sell. Paintings of local landscapes or something like that. I don't know about Santa Fe, but galleries in, say, a beach town tend to be famine or feast because the area can be kind of depressed off season.
However, I don't think you can generalize about "us art sales". There are likely galleries shuttering in New York while one is going strong for decades in some small Midwest town. There are little pockets of art communities everywhere and so much depends on what each gallery specializes in.
I buy art but I haven't got much wall space. When I do buy it, it's usually from a local artist that has an exhibit at my local coffee shop. It's a whim thing. Maybe some people collect a certain movement or artist, but I think more people buy what they "need" for a space or something that catches their eye.
However, I don't think you can generalize about "us art sales". There are likely galleries shuttering in New York while one is going strong for decades in some small Midwest town. There are little pockets of art communities everywhere and so much depends on what each gallery specializes in.
I buy art but I haven't got much wall space. When I do buy it, it's usually from a local artist that has an exhibit at my local coffee shop. It's a whim thing. Maybe some people collect a certain movement or artist, but I think more people buy what they "need" for a space or something that catches their eye.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 11:42 AM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
Likes: 0
Great info, so far thank you.
Mme, If not too personal may I ask what you paid for the photograph?
Did the amount spent have anything to do with your decision to buy?
lastly did you buy because of the size of the photo?
Starrs, I forgot about venues such as the one you mentioned. I'll check them out. Do you happen to know if the artists sell much and if they do are they selling originals and/or painting that are a bit costly?
I was just in a juried artist studio tour. I got tons of exposure and did sell a few inexpensive things. Problem is they put new and well known artists in the same tour. They also added to the amount of artists that were showing. There were 26 of us.
Mme, If not too personal may I ask what you paid for the photograph?
Did the amount spent have anything to do with your decision to buy?
lastly did you buy because of the size of the photo?
Starrs, I forgot about venues such as the one you mentioned. I'll check them out. Do you happen to know if the artists sell much and if they do are they selling originals and/or painting that are a bit costly?
I was just in a juried artist studio tour. I got tons of exposure and did sell a few inexpensive things. Problem is they put new and well known artists in the same tour. They also added to the amount of artists that were showing. There were 26 of us.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 11:57 AM
#6
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,772
Likes: 46
"Do you happen to know if the artists sell much and if they do are they selling originals and/or painting that are a bit costly?"
Almost all of them have expensive originals as well as some prints of favorite pieces. Many have note cards, magnets, etc. too. I do know that people in the area wait for the festival to buy art for their homes. The location and that time of year could not be better.
If I were to plan for another trip just to do a show, personally I would choose the fall art show in Jackson WY. It coincides with the Taste of the Tetons, but it an almost two week event with lots of art sold - based on casual input I've received over the last two years.
https://www.jacksonholechamber.com/e...arts-festival/
Almost all of them have expensive originals as well as some prints of favorite pieces. Many have note cards, magnets, etc. too. I do know that people in the area wait for the festival to buy art for their homes. The location and that time of year could not be better.
If I were to plan for another trip just to do a show, personally I would choose the fall art show in Jackson WY. It coincides with the Taste of the Tetons, but it an almost two week event with lots of art sold - based on casual input I've received over the last two years.
https://www.jacksonholechamber.com/e...arts-festival/
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 12:10 PM
#7
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,849
Likes: 26
Yes, you may ask. The size & price had little to do with the purchase, fairly large for a photograph, not a typical tourist-market subject. The artist, Marcel Rius, has his own gallery, also shows other photographers. Tingladography, La Constitución 213. $500MXN, unframed, unmounted.
Trending Topics
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 12:10 PM
#8
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
There are still scores of galleries in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. Not as many as after Hurricane Sandy and the recession of 2008 but many.
Because of rents many have moved to the Lower East side.
The following is a map of the galleries in Chelsea. Many buildings have multiple galleries.
http://chelseagallerymap.com/
Because of rents many have moved to the Lower East side.
The following is a map of the galleries in Chelsea. Many buildings have multiple galleries.
http://chelseagallerymap.com/
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 12:14 PM
#9
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
Likes: 0
Starrs, I took a look at the dogwood link. Looks like there's a lot of quality work.
To me it makes sense for a consumer to buy artwork this way to avoid paying the gallery percentage. In my case I'm not sure i'd buy an original online (which a lot of people do). Having a venue like this seems like a nice alternative.
...On the other hand I also have to wonder if it's a good idea to be in a venue with so many other artists.
To me it makes sense for a consumer to buy artwork this way to avoid paying the gallery percentage. In my case I'm not sure i'd buy an original online (which a lot of people do). Having a venue like this seems like a nice alternative.
...On the other hand I also have to wonder if it's a good idea to be in a venue with so many other artists.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 12:20 PM
#10
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,238
Likes: 0
I think you've got a better chance of making a sale at place like that because of the other artists. People go to those places to shop for whatever catches their eye. Then they follow specific artists online. Or at least my friends and I do. It's exposure.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 12:21 PM
#11
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,772
Likes: 46
That is my understanding as well. I've visited local galleries, mostly in Decatur, and love the artwork but am not sure how much they move. There's a really nice artist co-op that I like a lot.
But I think for both of these, there are signficant purchases of original artwork. A friend is on the board and another friend was involved with the art side of it. It is one of the largest (if not the largest) visited festival in the Atlanta area (therefore Southeast US) and is known for the art. I've purchased smaller pieces (less than $150 side) at local festivals, but they do have artwork selling in the thousands...and Atlantans wait for the Dogwood to buy art for their new homes.
But I think for both of these, there are signficant purchases of original artwork. A friend is on the board and another friend was involved with the art side of it. It is one of the largest (if not the largest) visited festival in the Atlanta area (therefore Southeast US) and is known for the art. I've purchased smaller pieces (less than $150 side) at local festivals, but they do have artwork selling in the thousands...and Atlantans wait for the Dogwood to buy art for their new homes.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 01:06 PM
#12
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,748
Likes: 0
My town hosts a Western Art Week every March. The big event is the Russell Auction, where they typically sell $5 to $6 million in art over two nights.
Galleries and artists from all over the Western U.S. set up galleries for the week. Western art isn't necessarily my favorite, but over the last 10 years, we've purchased four original paintings. We have favorite artists and galleries. We can't afford to spend thousands, but we know people who do.
Galleries and artists from all over the Western U.S. set up galleries for the week. Western art isn't necessarily my favorite, but over the last 10 years, we've purchased four original paintings. We have favorite artists and galleries. We can't afford to spend thousands, but we know people who do.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 01:28 PM
#14
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,748
Likes: 0
cybor, yes. There are several events that week. The Russell is a two day art auction to benefit the CM Russell Museum.
https://cmrussell.org/the-russell-event/
But there are several other shows and exhibits that week.
http://www.westernartweek.com/shows
https://cmrussell.org/the-russell-event/
But there are several other shows and exhibits that week.
http://www.westernartweek.com/shows
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 03:05 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,849
Likes: 26
Big profitable events for artists & craftspeople like those mentioned are often booked by participants year after year with only a few openings for new artists. Those that participate regularly can earn much of their annual income at these events and also make contacts that bring commissions and sales throughout the year. Consequently they can be hard to get into and can be expensive for the travel and show costs. I'd never discourage actively trying to get into these shows but it can be a process and even take years to do and only if the art is of high quality accepted by the jurors.
If these kind of shows appeal to you I'd apply, keeping the expense in mind, but pursue other opportunities as well. Getting into a well-run gallery that promotes your work can be a more long-term situation with less time investment that could be spent doing your art rather than traveling & selling. I suppose the best compromise would be 1 or 2 good shows plus a couple of galleries.
If these kind of shows appeal to you I'd apply, keeping the expense in mind, but pursue other opportunities as well. Getting into a well-run gallery that promotes your work can be a more long-term situation with less time investment that could be spent doing your art rather than traveling & selling. I suppose the best compromise would be 1 or 2 good shows plus a couple of galleries.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 05:47 PM
#18
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
Likes: 0
Tx all for the links.
Mme, I can only hope that a few people find my work appealing.
Good point about the long wait to even get into the better shows. Also good point about travel expenses. Many also require elaborate set ups as well.
Seems like you'd have to take a hit for the first show or more to break even. Getting into a quality gallery or two would certainly be less work.
Side note - It's interesting that artwork goes into a gallery on commission while other retail items are bought by retailers.
That and not a week goes by where someone doesn't want some sort of freebee for a charity. I've offered pet portraits and some other things but now only donate a few art cards.
It's pretty easy to not only not make money but to put oneself into a negative by being an artist.
Mme, I can only hope that a few people find my work appealing.
Good point about the long wait to even get into the better shows. Also good point about travel expenses. Many also require elaborate set ups as well.
Seems like you'd have to take a hit for the first show or more to break even. Getting into a quality gallery or two would certainly be less work.
Side note - It's interesting that artwork goes into a gallery on commission while other retail items are bought by retailers.
That and not a week goes by where someone doesn't want some sort of freebee for a charity. I've offered pet portraits and some other things but now only donate a few art cards.
It's pretty easy to not only not make money but to put oneself into a negative by being an artist.
Apr 3rd, 2017 | 06:21 PM
#19
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,849
Likes: 26
Your experience of being asked for donations is not uncommon and I find it ironic. Having lived in a community with a number of artists, we were constantly asked for donations and I'd think, wait a minute, we're the ones struggling and yet it's us they come to. We should be getting, not giving, donations.
