Robert Genn's Twice Weekly Letter
Insight and inspiration for your artistic career.

Dear Artist,

Yesterday, Teri Peterson , owner of the Lakes Gallery in North Lake, Wisconsin, USA, asked, "Do you have any thoughts for galleries in the current poor economy? So many artists are discouraged and art-related businesses are closing. I'm not closing, I'm just looking for a new dial to tune in on."

Thanks, Teri. In good times and bad, galleries are always opening and closing. It's been my experience that it's not so much the times, but the mission of the individuals running the galleries. For those who merely hang acceptable pictures on walls and who wait around until people come in, a downturn in the economy can close them. On the other hand, many dealers, including those in out-of-the-way and depressed places, seem to weather all storms. Here are a few current and timeless qualities that keep them in business:
They work the Internet and/or the telephone.
They attend to the secondary arket.
They feature living artists who are going somewhere.
They honour their artists and pay them promptly.
They also feature and promote dead artists.
They put their money where their mouth is.
They know how to advertise wisely and well.
They keep long hours and stay open through thick and thin.
They have an eye for innovation as well as quality.
They do not represent work they have done themselves.
They have a natural ability to foster trust.
They create desire in otherwise disinterested folks.
They are enthusiastic believers in art and artists.
They are proactive, hard working and practical.
They see the art game as fair, fun and rewarding for all.
They use the word "investment" with respect.
They have an understanding of human nature.

At one time I had my work in a wildly successful gallery on a busy street loaded with stock brokers and investment counselors. I'd still be dealing with him but the beautiful fellow passed away. On a day when the stock market retreated nearly 800 points (October 19, 1987), he phoned to say he had sold five of mine. I was amazed. "Yep," he said, "When stock brokers have lots of money they collect art. And when stock brokers have only a little money they invest in it. It's human nature."

Best regards,

Robert

PS "Keep your shop and your shop will keep you." (Benjamin Franklin)

Esoterica: Artists can become stuck in depressed areas and develop bleak attitudes. Artists need to look beyond the local scene. As art need not be regional, much of it can be offered worldwide. Make an effort to introduce work elsewhere. The idea is to outgrow the stigma of being simply a local artist. Artists who have the chops need to think "Dubai," not "Duluth." Giving a progressive dealer free reign in a distant location can give an artist the idea there's no depression going on at all. Create well, distribute well, live well.

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