When Leaving Art/Crafts at Galleries/Shops
July 9, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Home & Living
Allyson Stanfield, artist-author-speaker, offers many great suggestions on her blog for those involved in art and craft work. Many artists and artisans don’t immediately think like business people, so have to get into this mode.
Kara Mastin quilt; photo by artist
One of Allyson’s latest suggestions is found in the blog post, Don’t Leave Your Art Work Without a Piece of Paper. Make sure when you do leave art work for display or on consignment, that you have a written agreement, signed by both parties. Allyson has a good list of suggestions.
Do you have any tips to add?
Make sure to check what the gallery or shop’s policy is about stolen or missing artwork. I’ve had a few pieces stolen, and usually the response is “too bad, so sad – it’s your responsibility”.
I no longer have art quilts in shops, it was just too discouraging when my 2nd one was stolen. The kicker? The shop didn’t even notice it was stolen (it was in another city and I couldn’t monitor what was happening) so the theft went unnoticed for quite awhile!
This is a good point, Chloe, one that most craftspeople don’t think about in their excitement to display their work of offer it for sale. Allyson Stanfield mentions, in her blog post, that you should inquire about this and include it in any agreement…who is carrying insurance, what to do about stolen or damaged items, etc.