Private Art Dealers and Art Consultants
By Karen Atkinson, courtesy of Side Street Projects
The information below is part of a series of guides that outline the pros and cons of various types of venues.
ABOUT: Many work from their home or a small office. Most do not do public exhibitions. Some work with a specific genre or media, others choose artists by project. Some make their money from the sale of an artist’s work, and others don’t.
EXPECTATIONS: Generally work with a wide range of artists. Corporate art consultants work on a project basis with a client to build a collection. Most take a commission from sales.
PROS: Can be a good source of income. An artist may work with several consultants at one time.
CONS: Work is sold without being publicly exhibited.
RESEARCH: Contact individual consultants to find out how to submit work samples. Many consultants hold on to the slides of an artist’s work in order to make presentations. Some consultants will consign work.
RESOURCES: Art in America’s Annual Guide and local web listings. Other artists are a good resource.
Excerpted from Get Your Sh*t Together, an artist's professional development software produced by Karen Atkinson. This came out of her involvement wth Side Street Projects, Los Angeles.