Comments on: Don’t leave your artwork without a piece of paper

By: Alex Mitchell

Alex Mitchell — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:37:57 +0000

I’ve learned the hard way that I need to discuss the discount policy with the gallery and get that included in whatever loan agreement we sign. Turns out that every gallery has a different approach to giving discounts to their clients. It’s important for the artist to know whether the gallery plans to split the discount offered with the artist. If for example, a work sold at 1000 dollars retail with a 20% discount, and the discount is being split, then the artist would earn 400 dollars – even if the loan agreement says the artist is to get paid half the retail price.

By: Delivering Your Art to an Exhibit Venue: What to Expect — Art Biz Blog

Delivering Your Art to an Exhibit Venue: What to Expect — Art Biz Blog — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:01:04 +0000

[...] That’s right! You need a loan agreement. Never leave your art in anyone’s care without a piece of paper. [...]

By: JoAnn Martin

JoAnn Martin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:49:26 +0000

As a gallery owner (http://www.blackirisframing.com), I would WELCOME such a contract. I have a generic version on my computer’s desktop for the artists (most!) who don’t think of tracking who has their artwork (I can print 2 copies very quickly). It’s my consignment contract, and no artwork stays in my shop until it’s read, discussed, and signed. Boggles my mind, but that’s me–I’m a paper-trail-believer!

Also, in Wisconsin, an artist’s “agent” (anyone who sells work for him/her, such as a gallery owner), must provide insurance coverage. It’s the law.

Great blog post, Alyson!

JoAnn

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson B. Stanfield — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:28:01 +0000

Sari: Good advice.

Tesia: Yes! And it’s different in every state. I think you’re probably lucky to have the CA law on your side.

Patricia: You are obviously willing to take that chance, which is fine. It’s just that it’s something you can control, so the responsibility is ultimately yours.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:22:50 +0000

Ack. I hae 17 paintings at a local chef-owned restaurant. The artists change about once a month. I did not do any of that. *sigh* Still, I am very confident my work will be fine and I will get it back safely.

I am going to remember this for the future though. “Self, get a contract and make sure we both sign it.”

By: Astrid Volquardsen

Astrid Volquardsen — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:07:28 +0000

Always make clear in advance the price of the picture and the provision the dealer will get.
If the work is framed, it should also be mentioned.

By: Tesia Blackburn

Tesia Blackburn — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:07:41 +0000

With so many galleries having financial difficulties and closing down, artists should be sure there is a provision for their work in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency on the part of the gallery. In California, all artwork is ‘held in trust’ or something like that (I’m not an attorney) so that should the gallery shut down and the assets of the business go to the creditors, your artwork doesn’t end up being sold to pay the gallery’s bills! Check, check and double check.

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:27:58 +0000

Excellent advice! Too often a casual loan or consignment ends up in a misunderstanding and trouble. I like what Sari added, too.

By: Sari Grove

Sari Grove — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:43:11 +0000

check to see where it is going to be…I don’t like my work sitting on a floor, especially with frameless painted canvas edges format- galleries often have special shelves where they will assure you your work won’t touch the ground-ask…-bring along a small piece of canvas or other fabric & ask that the piece sit on that, instead of on the floor…better yet, I have pretty water-resistant laundry bags which the piece arrives in…