Art Gallery

Hello, while I'm not an artist myself I decided I wanted to be my own boss so I purchased an art gallery while still holding down my full time job and raising two kids. To increase my sales I poured several thousand dollars into a new web site but unfortunately I have not had any sales to date via the site. I advertise via google and our local paper. Does any one have any recommendations on what I can do better or what I may be doing wrong. My long term goal is to feature more women artists because it appears we get the short end of the stick in this industry in terms of exposure yet we make up the bulk of the artists out there.

Mickey,
I visited your site and was very impressed. I don't have any suggestions for you but there should be some other artist here that could help.

The only thing I can think of would be bartering some services with other galleries. Like maybe networking and hosting an event together?

The artwork shown was outstanding. Joh Shaver's work was unbelievable. I felt like I could reach out and touch the water, or smell the grass the fields. Wonderful work!

The book you discussed, "changing the questions" sounded interesting but I couldn't find a link to it.

I admire you for what you done and are presently doing. I really do wish you success and hope you'll keep us posted on what happens. Its a wonderful gallery. It truly is!

JJ

Mickey,
One question I thought of last night was this. Do galleries have agents? If so, you might want to consider getting an agent to advertise for you??? Course, this may be way expensive. What do I know? I can't even color in the lines.

JJ

Northwestmom, feel free to call me at 1-877-bboomer. I'll see if I can help.

Northwest, there is an art gallery coop that one of our boomer members runs. Her screen name is Renegade Artist. You can search for her in the member directory here, and then contact her for info. Have you had an open house? Lynn329

Mickey, that's a wonderful idea. I wish more people realized the value of art in our lives.

What's your website URL? I know there are online directories for art galleries, but I don't have any other information.

Meredith,
Click on the little house and it will take you to her homepage. Hugs, JJ

Thank you for your note. The web address is www.timberstand.com

We are seeing some better traffic but no sales?

Mickey,
Have you had a reception for artsists and had them send invitations to everyone on their lists?
Also the Chamber of Commerce in your area can be helpful with events or make suggestions.
Maggie

Maggie I'm not sure where you are in Oregon but maybe you will remember that in Portland I believe the Chamber of Commerce started an event called "First Thursday"
First Thursday was hosted by different art galleries each month. They also had art gallery tours.
Northwest Mom maybe you could get something like that started where you live.
Another thing you might do is to sponsor a featured artist and each month and get their artwork displayed in some of the "hot spots" (restaurants etc) in town.

Hi Bookie,
I am on the North Oregon Coast and I think I do remember the Chamber helping the galleries. Our TV news is from Portland.
Are you from Oregon or did you live here a while?
There are still events like this. Are you an Artist Too? Always in the Oregonian Newspapers on Thursdays all the art gallery events, festivals there are listed. We drive over for a few of these.
Maggie