Some galleries do not accept submissions. If this is the case, look for connections that you might have to artists who have been in the gallery, and ask them to refer you to the curator. This might be your only option for getting into more prestigious galleries.

Include high-quality images of your work as attachments to the email. If they’re interested, they’ll look through your work and have a copy of it on hand.

Always be respectful of the people who you are asking for a referral, and be understanding if they don’t feel like they can offer you one at this time. Ask if there’s anything that you can do better. They might be able to steer you in a new direction with your work!

For example, if you’re a painter, you could say “I work with oil on canvas to create representative images of the contemporary, middle-class version of the American Dream. I like to focus on the imagery of capitalism and overabundance. ”

If you have a connection with or were inspired by one of the artists who has been featured in the gallery before or is being shown there, mention that to the curator.

However, make sure you do your research before claiming that your art style is completely unique or one of a kind. A curator will know their art in and out, so making an unsubstantiated claim like that can hurt you. If your medium isn’t completely unique or you’re participating in a more traditional form of art, explain to the curator how your take on this classic medium is different, modern, and refreshing.

For example, you can say “These are the first 5 pieces of my Intergalactic Pioneers Series. All 15 of the pieces will be completed within the year, and will showcase the faces of the future of space travel, including portraits of both real-world figures from NASA, SpaceX, and the ISS, as well as imaginary creatures from afar. ”

For example, if you have a set of sculptures that are all related in the subject, you might present them in the order that you made them because they are intended to be viewed as a series. If you have a set of paintings that have a similar theme, be comfortable with connecting the similarities of the paintings to one another.

Keep in mind they are offering you a space to exhibit and sell your work that you would not have otherwise had.

Thoroughly read any contract you sign, as it may stipulate that you may show and sell work exclusively through that gallery.

Developing a positive relationship with the curator and becoming part of the gallery community is a great way to get yourself on their radar, even if your work might not fit their specific gallery. You never know who they might know!

Have your elevator pitch in mind! Keep the discussion of your art short, especially if they don’t seem interested in discussing it. Remember you’re at someone else’s gallery and viewing someone else’s work.

Include only high-quality digital images of your artwork. Once you have digital images of your work, create a website and get a professional email address.

Becoming a member can be very competitive, so you will likely still need to present your work and artist statement for acceptance.