My name is Elizabeth and I’d like to first say how awesome your website/magazine is! I just happened upon it when someone asked a craft question on Yahoo! Answers, and one of the individuals answering the question provided a link to ya’ll in their response. And walla I’m in L-O-V-E! My question is in regards to opening a gallery. I live in Texas and, at this point, as far as I can tell no one has opened a gallery of this sort in the area. To be honest, I didn’t even know this idea that popped in my head to bring other crafters like myself together was called a gallery–I was not even sure how to categorize it. So, the idea popped in my head when I found a smaller storefront that I really liked…close to home, loads of traffic and recently renovated. But, other than knowing I need to charge tax, get insurance, find other artists and advertise my behind off…I’m at a loss. What kind of licensing (if any) would be needed? Do I have to get permission from the city, county, state, etc. just to run this type of business? How can I find someone to ask all my “How do you do that?” questions to get an answer specific to my needs? How do I know where to start when contacting the chambers of commerce (to be honest, they are kind of intimidating)? I already know what makes my idea unique, but in times like these, I don’t want to trip over the city, county, or state’s toes and face possible failure or fines for stones unturned. Thanks so much, I’m so glad to have found you!
-Elizabeth, via e-mail
You don’t say what your idea for a gallery is but read the answer to the preceding question; a co-op can be one way to have a gallery. It allows a group of like minded artists to have a business that provides a guaranteed space for showing their work. It also means that the work of keeping it going and the financial responsibility is shared. These options are attractive to many people. If you mean to have a sole proprietorship then you get to make all the decisions, invest all the money, and also do all the work.
The tasks you will have to take on fall into 2 categories. The first and usually the most uninteresting to new gallery owners has to do with all the business stuff. In addition to the tasks you list you will need to choose and register a name, set up all the utilities, organize the bookkeeping and other office systems and oversee the physical preparation of the space. A trip to city hall or your community’s website will provide answers to most of the legal questions that relate to your community. Perhaps you have a friend with a business who will mentor you through this. You can also go on line and look for answers specific to your town. There is no legal reason to check in with the Chamber of Commerce. But you’ll want to get to know the people there; it’s an organization that can be very helpful in promoting your new business.
The second set of tasks, the ones that I think are the most fun, involve the creative side of the business. You’ll want to have a logo designed, business cards and other forms printed, and signs made. One of the most important early decisions centers on the kind of art you will show. Most gallery owners have a point of view that is reflected in the art they choose to show. Collectors and customers visit venues because they collect art similar to what they have seen there. For this reason it is important to develop a consistency both in the quality and the content of the work you show.