Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2019: Open Studio Join Us

"Art is Business" 

Experimental-ism Photography, Painting, and Process-

"Art is Business"

 bit.ly/BronzevilleArtTROLLEYTOUR

“Black Bodies In Nature” 
Painting Photography and Process
Photography @Larissa Kim Akinremi 

July16th, 11am Part 1
Larissa Kim Akinremi uses nature as an experiment to showcase the Black Body in outdoor landscapes.
In Physics, the black body is defined as an object that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation that falls into it. It can radiate any wavelength of energy. In America and around the world, the Black Body is a vessel of beauty and wonderment. It is magnetic. It has been sold, is for sale, is revered, sought after, despised, copied, and used as a source of entertainment and pleasure. The Black Body is perceived differently through the lens when emotion is evoked; through speech, anger, happiness and through triumphant times. 

"Wire Figure It Out" @ LaDiPo

 July 23rd 11am, Part 2
Experimentalism to me represents the process of learning by doing - a pedagogy I apply to both my scientific work and artistic practice. As a materials researcher, I am eager to find the potential in products deemed as waste to other industries and incorporate them into the concrete. As an artist, I’ve discovered my own personal style in creating abstract-yet-human-like wire figures. Through exaggerated gestures, these figures greet each other and activate every object they encounter. LaDiPo Famodu. 

Painting, "Man with Butterflies @ Cesar Conde
"Of Human Survival Series" 
August 6th, 11am
Experimentalism - "Of Human Survival Series" is a body of work influence by Michelle Alexander's book "The New Jim Crow" regarding mass incarceration of black and brown bodies. As an artist who deals with social issues, I started using endangered species juxtaposed with black and brown bodies to serve as a bridge to a conversation of difficult issues. Black and brown bodies are also endangered due to unbalanced systemic racism in the justice system. The lively colors of these animals and insects soften the pathway to a difficult conversation, it’s a commentary on both racial inequality and climate change and who suffers the consequences of both. Cesar Conde

EXPERIMENTALISM -Creative Conversation 
BlogTalkRadio Interview Questions to contemplate
"WE ONLY THINK WHEN WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH PROBLEMS.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or Why not?
“Learning is the ability to reflect on the experience, to make sense of what came our way, and to grow personally and socially as a result.”

EXPERIMENTALISM is largely centered on the human experience. Universal education was the key to teaching people how to abandon their habits and think creatively.

EXPERIMENTALISM

”WE ONLY THINK WHEN WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH PROBLEMS.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or Why not?

SAVE THAT DATE! RSVP BAD Trolley Tour

"Art is Business"

Experimental-ism- Three Chicago Artists Present: Painting, Photography, Process

"Art is Business"  “EXPERIMENTALISM” Painting Photography and Process

New Works by artist

L. K. Akinremi, Cesar Conde, LaDiPo Famodu,

July 19, 2019 - August 9th, 2019

Opening July 19th, 5pm 

Join us on BlogTalkRadio "Creative Conversation" for a candid conversation with three Chicago artists each presenting critical thought and expressing experimentalism in their artwork. 

The specific question I want to press is what are some ways we define "Experimental-ism", while we exam the state of our environment? Each has thought critically about experimentalism in their art practice and what that means. 

Call in to speak with the host at (760) 888-5766

 “EXPERIMENTALISM” 
Painting Photography and Process

Photography @Larissa Kim Akinremi 

 July16th, 11am Part 1
In Physics, the black body is defined as an object that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation that falls into it. It can radiate any wavelength of energy. In America and around the world, the Black Body is a vessel of beauty and wonderment. It is magnetic. It has been sold, is for sale, is revered, sought after, despised, copied, and used as a source of entertainment and pleasure. The Black Body is perceived differently through the lens when emotion is evoked; through speech, anger, happiness and through triumphant times. Larissa Kim Akinremi uses nature as an experiment to showcase the Black Body in outdoor landscapes.

Creating Abstract-yet-Human-like Wire Figures @ LaDiPo

July 23rd 11am, Part 2
Experimentalism to me represents the process of learning by doing - a pedagogy I apply to both my scientific work and artistic practice. As a materials researcher, I am eager to find the potential in products deemed as waste to other industries and incorporate them into the concrete. As an artist, I’ve discovered my own personal style in creating abstract-yet-human-like wire figures. Through exaggerated gestures, these figures greet each other and activate every object they encounter. LaDiPo Famodu. 

Painting, "Man with Butterflies @ Cesar Conde

August 6th, 11am

Experimentalism - "Of Human Survival Series" is a body of work influence by Michelle Alexander's book "The New Jim Crow" regarding mass incarceration of black and brown bodies. As an artist who deals with social issues, I started using endangered species juxtaposed with black and brown bodies to serve as a bridge to a conversation of difficult issues. Black and brown bodies are also endangered due to unbalanced systemic racism in the justice system. The lively colors of these animals and insects soften the pathway to a difficult conversation, it’s a commentary on both racial inequality and climate change and who suffers the consequences of both. Cesar Conde

EXPERIMENTALISM -

BlogTalkRadio Interview Questions to contemplate

"WE ONLY THINK WHEN WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH PROBLEMS.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or Why not?

“Learning is the ability to reflect on the experience, to make sense of what came our way, and to grow personally and socially as a result.”

EXPERIMENTALISM is largely centered on the human experience. Universal education was the key to teaching people how to abandon their habits and think creatively.

EXPERIMENTALISM

”WE ONLY THINK WHEN WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH PROBLEMS.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or Why not?

Reference:

PROPONENT JOHN DEWEY (1859-1952)

American Philosopher, Psychologist, and Education Reformer

-As a Philosopher: What is LEARNING?

Experimental-ism - "Of Human Survival Series" Cesar Conde

"Art is Business"www.cesarcondeart.com

Phantom Gallery Chicago Network Presents 

"Of Human Survival Series"  a body of work influenced by Michelle Alexander's book "The New Jim Crow" regarding mass incarceration of black and brown bodies.

July 19th- August 9th, 2019 

Opening 5-6pm VIP Pre-boarding Reception

Open Studio Reception/Trollery Tour - 6-9 pm

 As an artist who deals with social issues, I started using endangered species juxtaposed with black and brown bodies to serve as a bridge to a conversation of difficult issues. Black and brown bodies are also endangered due to unbalanced systemic racism in the justice system. 

 The lively colors of these animals and insects soften the pathway to a difficult conversation, It's a commentary on both racial inequality and climate change and who suffers the consequences of both.

Cesar Conde

www.cesarcondeart.com
nonoconde@gmail.com
773.412.7609
Born: Manila, Philippines, 1963

A product of Filipino diaspora, Conde landed in Chicago’s west side 40 years ago. He then moved to Seattle and where he participated in Seattle’s first school busing integration program. He resettled in the Windy City 28 years ago. Conde is a contemporary painter who deals with relevant social issues. He is an artist and activist who believes that art is a powerful tool for social change. 

He tackles issues across color lines and communities.
As an intersectional artist, Conde believes that we can create empathy and with that, we can affect actions for the good of humanity. He studied at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. He also studied with the French master, Patrick Betaudier.

Angered by the shooting of Trayvon Martin, Conde created “In The Hood – Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie” in collaboration with his friends and other activists who were his subjects for the series placing professionals in a hoodie altering their reality to our racist societies perspective of black bodies. The main theme is “Perception” vs. “Reality”. African American lawyers, doctors, business owners, pilots, Artists were amongst his collaborators who wore a hoodie to re-examine and co-protest with societies biased against black men and women and the disproportionate amount of killings by the police.

This series won the first “Paul Collins Diversity Award” in ArtPrize 2014. On November 2014, “The Bang Bang Project” was conceptualized during the protest march on Michigan Ave. after the acquittal of Michael Brown’s killer in Ferguson, Missouri. It focuses on “Racism” and “Police Brutality”. Conde found
collaborators to be subjects of this difficult works placing collaborators on the sidewalk as if they were holding on to their last breath, having their dreams deferred. 

The collaborators in the paintings became the activators for the viewers to re-think about our current judicial and policing system. They became the "ACTIVISTS".

Conde’s current series called “AmeriKKKa – Reflection of a Divided Nation” which echoes the racist narrative of the current Trump regime recording epithets thrown at immigrants, POC’s, marginalized groups, and African-Americans during his campaign to his current white house occupancy. Currently,

Conde is working on “Of Human Survival”, a narrative of our survival along with other species as we experience climate change.
Conde has exhibited nationally and internationally most recently at Purdue University, The Field Museum, Chicago, Museo de Arte Moderno in Turin, Italy. He is part of the 17th annual juried exhibition at Freeport Art Museum in Freeport, IL. 

Conde has exhibited in France, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan, Germany and in and around the U.S.A.

EDUCATION:
Master Patrick Betaudier
Atelier Neo-Medici
Monflanquin, France
2005 - 2007

Master John Michael Angel
The Angel Academy of Art
Via Nardo di Cioni 10
Florence, Italy
2005

University of Washington
Seattle, WA
BA in Speech Communication
1982 -1987

Universidad de Sevilla
Seville, Spain
Emphasis on Spanish Literature and Language
1984-1985

Universidad de Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Mexico
Emphasis in Latin American Relations and Literature
1983 - 1984

Museum Show

2017 “14 th Regional Exhibition”, Freeport Art Museum, Freeport, IL.
2016 “24” x 24” “, Museo Naturali Di Scienze Naturali, Turin, Italy.
2015-17 “Art and Anthropology – Portrait of an Object as Filipino”, The Field Museum, Chicago,
IL.
2011 “Network: From Turin to Chicago and Vice Versa”, Museo Regionale Di Scienze Naturali,
Turin, Italy.
International Art Fair
2015 Art Taipei, Blue Ryder Art Gallery, Taipei Taiwan.
2014 Miami Art Basel, Spectrum, 33 Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL.
2013 Miami Art Basel, Spectrum, 33 Contemporary Gallery, Miami, FL.
Solo
2017 “AmeriKKKKa – Reflection of a Divided Nation”, Reuff Galleries, Pao Hall, Purdue
University, Lafayette, IN.
2017 “AmeriKKKa – Reflection of a Divided Nation, Fulton Market Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2016 “Collision”, Lee E. Dulgar Gallery, South Suburban College, Chicago, IL.
2016 “Collision”, The Elephant Room Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2015 “The Bang Bang Project”, Art NXT Level Project-Fine Art Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2015 “Collision”, The University Church, Chicago, IL.
2015 “In The Hood – Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie, Oct 16 – Dec
20, 2015, ACS Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2013 “In The Hood – Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie”, Nov 15 –
Dec 14, 2013, 33 Contemporary Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2013 “Figures and Faces”, Sep 12 – Nov 4, 2013, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL.
2012 “Celebrating Humanity – A Tea Party”, F*M Gallery, Chicago,IL

International Group
2016 “Tempo Memoria”, MIIT Museo Internazionali Arte Italia, Turin Italy.
2015 “Art Taipei”, Taipei, Taiwan.
2015 “Art and Anthropology”, Erehwon, Quezon City, Philippines.
2015 “Chicago Invasion”, BlueRiderArt Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan.
2012 “Synergy”, 33 Contemporary Gallery Artists, ARTSPACE 191, Vienna, Austria.
Group
2018 “To Be Heard National Fine Art Exhibition”, Old Courthouse Arts Center, Woodstock,
IL. The USA.
2018 “Art For Life”, The Golden Triangle, Chicago, IL.
2017 “Connection”, Phantom Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2017 “2 nd Annual Portrait Show”, CC’s Art Garage, Chicago, IL.
2017 “Impolite-ic Politics: Let’s Get Civilly Disobedient”, Lesley University College of Arts
and Design, Cambridge, MA.
2016 – 2017 “Inspired By Social Issues”, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2016 “Faces Not Forgotten”, Genesis Art Exhibition Space, Chicago, IL.
2016 “Freak Out”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2016 “Cultural Bridge Art Exhibition”, Scharpenberg Gallery, Dank Haus, Chicago, IL.
2015 “I American”, Dordt College, Sioux City, Iowa.
2015 “Art and Anthropology”, Field Museum, Chicago, IL.
2015 “Art and Anthropology”, Erehwon, Quezon City, Philippines.
2015 “Centerline”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2015 “ArtPrize”, Grand Rapids, MI.
2015 “Chicago Invasion”, BlueRiderArt Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan.
2015 “Good Dog, Better Art”, Sidetracked Studio, Evanston, IL.
2015 “Remnants”, Open Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2014 “ Blue November”, Nych Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2014 “I American”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2014 “Borderlines”, 33 Contemporary Gallery, Chicago
2014 ArtPrize – Grand Rapids Michigan.
2014 “7 Deadly Sins”, Hermann & Audrey Gallery, Lacuna Artists Lofts, Chicago, IL.
2014 “I AM American”, White Ripple Gallery, Hammond, IN.
2013 “From Motion To Stillness”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago IL.
2013 “33 Contemporary Exhibition”, JCC Art Gallery, Julliet Junior College, Julliet, IL
2012 Juried “Sacred Spaces”, The Art Center, Highland Park, IL.
2012 “Bustes and Rose”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2012 “Art for Haiti”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2012 “F*CK EM/Forgive ME”, F*M Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2011 “Impetus”, 33 Contemporary Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2010 “The Filipino as an Artist in Chicago”, Philippine Consulate of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
2010 “Centerline”, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
2009 Juried “5th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition”, 33 Contemporary Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2005 “Beyond The Barrelmen”, Acme Art Works, Chicago, IL (Juried)
2004 “Works On Paper”, Prairie State College, Chicago, IL (Juried)
2004 “FCPA 2ndAnnual Members Art Exhibition. Joliet, IL.
2004 “No Straight Lines”, High-Risk Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2004 “Best in Show”, Urban Studio, Chicago, IL.
2003 “Chicago”, La Galeria Samuel Menace, Zona Rosa, Mexico City, Mexico. Juried show.
2003 “The Elements”, High-Risk Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2003 “CHOP”, A Collective Benefit Show. The Hothouse. Chicago, IL.

RESIDENCIES
Lacuna Artists Lofts with Hebru Brantley, Chicago, IL, 2014
Monastir, Tunisia, 2008

Awards
ArtPrize 2014, Paul Collins Diversity Award, Grand Rapids, MI.
“Best in Show”, La Galeria Samuel Menache, Mexico City, Mexico. 2003.
Certificate of Appreciations for contribution to the Chicago Art Scene. Presented by Mayor
Richard Daley. May 28, 2002.

PUBLICATIONS:
Poets and Artists, May 2015
Poets and Artists, Feb 2013
Poets and Artists, Oct 2011

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS ART TALKS

Art is Business - Summer of 2019 listen to our podcast on BlogTalkRadio- Tuesday Morning 11am, call to speak to our guest at

"CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS" ART TALKS is a forum/lecture series hosted by curators during gallery exhibitions. The Phantom Gallery will look at how the city influences art, and how the artist transforms the city by contributing to civic dialogue and quality of life. These installations will produce "Creative Conversations" presenting artists speaking about their art.

Panel speakers: Nevin, Dan Godston, Benyamin McCabee, John Song, Tamasia Williamson, Switching Station Artist Lofts

Popup Research Station- BlogTalkRadio free publication, SoundCloud, and Speaker are platforms used to disseminate our podcast interviews.

Episodes 44  Followers 4
ON-DEMAND EPISODES Black Experimentalism-“Let Us Examine the State of Our Environment.”
BREal Ali, and Jessica Davis
Highest listening interviews since the show launched of all-time numbers.

1. Cultural Ambassador's Jennifer Porras Opens the Door to Art and Activism,   126  
2. Hilu Fanta Celah Afro-Futuristic' Mermaids to Renaissance Woman has  107  
3. A Conversation with Tracie D. Hall Intersection Between Purpose and Experimental has 86, 
4. Gathering Spaces an Intersection Between Cultural and Nature, 82 listeners

Format:
Introduction talk about yourself as an artist and what began the trajectory of your art practice as an arts activist?
Investigation: The specific question I want to press, is what are some ways we as artists examine the state of our environment, and what is the intersection of art and social justice, as seen in the practice of curators?

What does it mean to exhibit temporary installation spaces outside of the museum? Unanticipated Impacts? How does the current body of work, intersect with the ideas of art and social justice? Tactile Urbanism.

FEATURED ARTIST OPEN STUDIO TROLLEY TOURS- SUMMER 2019
Alpha M. Bruton, Renee Baker - JUNE
Cesar Conde, Ladipo Famodu,  Larissa Kim Akinremi,
Lois Stone - Phillip Cotton- AUGUST
Dionne Victoria Milton - SEPTEMBER

Sunday Salon Series Celebrating New Works by Artist Renee Baker

"Art is Business"

MESSAGE FROM HOST

Join the Phantom Gallery Chicago for our Sunday Salon Series on July 07, 2019,  as we celebrate new works on by Renee Baker. 3 pm - 6 pm.

Because We Are Nature By Artist Renee Baker

Inspiration From Poet Jon Cone Application for Life.

A salon, based on the French word living room, is a conversational gathering of intellectuals, artists, and politicians. 

A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation. 

BECAUSE WE ARE NATURE

"Art is Business" Artist Renee Baker, featured artist

 Because we are Nature Sculpture Assemblage Copyright@ Renee Baker,

Opening June 21, 2019

6PM -  9PM 

436 E. 47th Street, Room 205

Chicago IL 60653

Because We Are Nature is a surreal environment that shows how pleased we are with ourselves.

Because We Are Nature is an exhibit of our everyday life and fears. Too fat, too skinny, did we leave the stove on, are our teeth too yellow, scared of worms and turnips, the taste of fingernail clippings are we too ugly, are your panty lines showing, frightened of bees and electric wiring... we are composites of nature and fears.

Because We Are Nature is our lives birthing a new every moment, we're alive and beyond.. stepping into the sunlight of our casual journeys.

 INSPIRATION FROM POET JON CONE APPLICATION FOR LIFE.

 Because we are Nature 1 Copyright@ Renee Baker,

 Because we are Nature 11 Copyright@ Renee Baker,

Renee Baker as Guest- Artist in Residency 2019

The Phantom Gallery Chicago Network is proud to announce Renee Baker as guest- artist in residency. She will be working directly with Phantom Gallery Chicago’s chief curator Alpha Bruton. The Phantom Gallery Chicago will provide AIR with technical and administrative support, support for the creation of new work and the exploration of new ideas with a two-month installation that concludes in August 2019.

Join us for our Open Studio during the BAD 3rd Friday Trolley Tours- The Phantom Gallery Chicago Network is on the 2nd floor, ROOM 205, of the Bronzeville Artist Lofts. The VIP reception begins at 5pm - 6pm. 

Early boarding RSVP at the www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com 

ART PARTNERS 2019 BRONZEVILLE ARTS DISTRICT OPEN STUDIO TOURS

"Art is Business" www.bronzvilleartdistrict.com

ART PARTNERS 2019

BRONZEVILLE ARTS DISTRICT 

3rd Friday TROLLEY TOUR 

FREE ADMISSION!

Join us on the 3rd Friday of each month from June to September for the Bronzeville Art District (B.A.D.) 3rd Friday Trolley Tour, for fine art & culture; celebrating 13 years of the trolley in Bronzeville. Join Chicagoans and tourists who come to Bronzeville to enjoy fine art, fun, food, live entertainment, and great networking.

Our mission is to provide artistic offerings of Bronzeville’s fine art galleries as well as expose patrons to the rich culture and history of the community. Share this with friends & family and visit each month to experience the evolution of art in Bronzeville; different art and experiences each month at each location.

Open to the public, free admission! Explore 5 art galleries and the art studios in the Bronzeville Artist Lofts located in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood on the tour. R.S.V.P now for Friday, June 21tst from 6pm-9pm. Bronzeville art galleries will have fine art on exhibit and for purchase, with live entertainment, food, & drinks.

The trolley stops at each location on the 15-minute intervals. Hop on and Hop off at any location on the tour.

Want to be a 2019 sponsor? Contact Frances Guichard at 708-772-9315.

Highlights include the exhibits at #Gallery Guichard and the Great Migration Sculpture Garden, #Bronzeville Artists Lofts, which include open studios, #Faie Afrikan Art, which displays pieces from the Western, Eastern, Central and Southern regions of Africa,#Little Black Pearl and Carver47, #Blanc Chicago Art Gallery and the #South Side Community Art Center. We look forward to seeing you!

www.bronzevilleartdistrict.com

#BronzevilleArtDistrictTrolleyTour #Art #Chicago #Bronzeville #ArtGalleries

Phantom Gallery Chicago Sponsors for 2019 

Trolley Season Open Studios Tour 

Approaching a Gallery with your Painting

"Art is Business" by Marion Boddy-Evans  From Discover on Google

APPROACHING A GALLERY WITH YOUR PAINTING

Updated January 06, 2019
You’ve reached the stage in your development as an artist where you have a body of work, are thinking seriously about selling your paintings, and see the next step as showing in an art gallery. Where do you begin if you want to be represented in an art gallery?


First of all, it's important to know what's involved when working with a gallery and how to approach them with your work. It takes a little encouragement, but once you understand the process and get up the nerve, you'll have no problems. Of course, every art gallery is going to be a little different and many have their own policies in place, but they all work in the same general way.


Commission or Outright Sale
There are two ways that you can sell work through a gallery. The art can either be sold on a commission basis or the gallery can choose to buy the artwork up front. The majority of gallery-artist agreements work on commission.

Commission sales mean that your artwork is displayed in the gallery for a certain period of time. Neither you nor the gallery makes any money until the artwork sells. At this point, the two parties split the sale according to the commission split agreed upon in the gallery contract.


The Average Commission
Typically, art galleries ask for between 30 and 40 percent of a sale. Some may be higher and some lower, it just depends on the individual gallery and the local art market.

Artists can have a hard time grasping the fact that galleries do need to make money as well. It can be painful to see 40 percent of a sale for your work go to someone else, but you have to remember that they have expenses too. Galleries need to pay the utilities, rent, and employee expenses along with taxes and marketing to get your work seen. They are marketing for you and if they do a good job at it, both of you benefit.

Who Determines the Price?
Again, every gallery is different, but in general, gallery owners work with artists to reach a retail price that both of you are comfortable with. You can often tell them what you would like to receive after commission and they will have opinions of what the work is worth on the art market.


This can be one of the most uncomfortable conversations to have. Pricing is rarely an artist's strong suit and it can be a touchy subject. Yet, you also have to realize that most gallery owners know the reality of the local art market thanks to years of experience.

As an artist, you should remain aware that some people will want to take advantage of you. Remain vigilant, don't agree to anything if you're uncomfortable without seeking outside advice first, and watch out for shifty gallery owners. There are great gallery owners and not-so-great gallery owners. Your job is to weed out the bad ones.


Will My Work Sell?
There is never a guarantee that your artwork will sell in a gallery, plain and simple. A lot of it depends on the customers the gallery attracts, the amount of marketing they do, and how much people like your work and want to take it home.

Some artists sell very well in gallery situations. They have taken the time to choose the best galleries for their particular style of work, priced their work appropriately, and offer a final presentation (e.g. framing) that customers love. Other artists do not do so well in the gallery environment and may find that the personal interaction of art fairs is a better market for their work.

How Much Work?
Some galleries have restrictions on artists they contract with and require a certain number of new pieces over a certain period of time. Other galleries are more relaxed and will base the amount of work they want on space available or some other factors.


It is best to have a nice selection of artwork available when you approach a gallery. This allows the owner to choose the best pieces for their customer base and gives you more sales opportunities. One or two pieces - unless they're significantly sized - is not likely to cut it.

How Do I Approach a Gallery?
When you are ready to approach a gallery, there are a few ways that you can go about it. You may not be comfortable with asking for representation, but don't be shy. Gallery owners are always seeking new artists and work to display. The worse they can say is 'no' and, as the old adage goes, you will not know until you ask.


There are two common ways to approach a gallery: either go in cold and in person, with some photos of your paintings or phone beforehand to set up an appointment.

Another option would be to send an email asking to set up an appointment. Attach a few small photos of your work or include a link to your website (though this relies on your email being enticing enough for the person to click through to your website).

Many artists find that the 'old-fashioned' way of showing up at the gallery is the best method. This allows you to get to know the gallery and its owner or manager and it gives you a chance to charm them with yourself and your work.

If you have original, creative, and well-executed artwork to show them, it's very likely that they will take the time to look.

Do not show up on weekends or evenings. Instead, choose a time that is less busy for the business like a weekday afternoon.
Do not take original pieces of work. It may be nice to have one or two small pieces in the car, but it looks bad if you walk through the door with a canvas. Instead, bring a printed portfolio or a few copies of your work.
Look the 'part' of an artist. Appearances and first impressions make a big difference in the art world and you're actually selling yourself as much as your art. Dress nice but be your wacky artist self at the same time.
It may be best to call and ask for an appointment with bigger galleries. The decision maker may not always be around and it's sometimes best to not assume that they have the time to talk to a prospective artist.
It's also not a bad idea to scout the gallery before asking for representation. This is as simple as walking in and checking out the work on display. Better yet, attend an artist reception and mingle with the crowd and owner. This will give you a good feel for the gallery's clientele and if the work they sell is in line with the work you do. A landscape painting will not work in a gallery that focuses on abstract work.

What You Should Know About Gallery Contracts
Galleries make agreements with artists to protect both parties and to ensure that everyone knows what's expected of them. Some big galleries have very formal contracts and smaller gift shop-like galleries may be more casual. Either way, it's important that you understand everything in the agreement before signing it.

Here are some of the questions you should have answers to:

• How long is the work expected to be on display?
• When do you have to pick up the art?
• Will your art be displayed 'permanently' or in a temporary exhibit?
• Who is liable for damages while the artwork is on display?
• What is the gallery's commission?
• How long will it take for you to get paid after a sale?
• What happens to ​any unsold artwork?
• Will the gallery offer sales? If so, do you split the discount?
• While showing at the gallery, can you display work for sale at other galleries or is your contract exclusive?
• What happens if a customer wants to commission an original piece from you?
• How will the gallery market you?
• What is expected of you for marketing?
• Do you receive a regular inventory report? (Never leave the gallery without a list of work you left and the retail/post-commission prices.)
• If the contract seems too complicated, have someone you trust or your lawyer look over it before signing. Be sure to read everything carefully as some of the fine print can make a world of difference in your gallery experience.

Keep Track of Your Art
What happens if the gallery goes out of business? How will you know and what will happen to your artwork? The art gallery business is a very fickle thing and even the most established galleries can close up at any time.

Sadly, sometimes they will simply leave your work for someone else to deal with. It's a shady practice but it does happen. It's very important for every artist to know where their artwork is and to keep in contact with the gallery just in case.

What’s a State Seller’s Certificate?
A State Seller’s Certificate or a retail permit may be required in some states in the U.S. and it will vary from state to state.

Depending on the requirements of the state you live in, you may need one if a gallery buys a piece outright from you. The State Seller’s Certificate allows you to sell to the buyer as a buyer for retail use (essentially a wholesaler of original product) and they then don’t have to pay tax. Ask your local Chamber of Commerce for help.

BORDERLINE (1930)

"Art is Business" Reposted for Renee C. Baker. Sponsored by The Black Film Center/Archive at IU and hosted by the IU Libraries Moving Image Archive/Screening Room.

BORDERLINE (1930)
Adah, a black woman, has an affair with Thorne, a white man, much to the dismay of some of the prejudiced townsfolk and Thorne's wife, Astrid. Adah attempts a reconciliation with her man, Pete, but eventually leaves him and the town. Meanwhile, Astrid goes mad and cuts Thorne's face and arm with a knife, but then mysteriously dies. Thorne is tried but acquitted. Because of the events, the mayor sends Pete a letter asking him to leave town for the good of all concerned.

Scored by Renée Baker and the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project.
Directed by Kenneth MacPherson
Starring Paul and Eslanda Robeson

RENEE BAKER is the founding music director and conductor of the internationally acclaimed CHICAGO ORCHESTRA PROJECT CMOP), a polystylistic organization that grew from classical music's plums as jazz. A member of the world-renowned collective Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), there are few barriers to the creative turns of this composer, conductor, artist, and instrumentalist. As a featured ensemble, CMOP has been chosen to work with NewMusicUSA and the EarShot program of the American Composers Orchestra. Called the latest AACM visionary by DownBeat Magazine, Baker is one of the brightest and most fertile minds active in composition today.

Sponsored by The Black Film Center/Archive at IU and hosted by the IU Libraries Moving Image Archive/Screening Room.

Bronzeville Art District 2019 Trolley Tours

"Art is Business" "Save The Dates" - RSVP BronzevilleArtTROLLEYTOUR