How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery

First I checked out this book from the local library, as it was the only reference they had on the subject. It turned out to be what I think is the best go-to guide for this subject that I can imagine is possibly in print. Every facet of starting and running a gallery is covered, and without glamorizing the business. It's written in a straight-forward, super readable style and I have read it twice now in one month. I feel certain I now have a guide that will help me determine if I am ready to tackle this dream I have had since childhood, and it will prepare me to do it if I indeed find that my business plan is sound (business plan guidance included in the book, too!).Ed Winkleman is my new hero, and if I ever get the chance to go to his gallery I would love to thank him in person.

I just finished reading this book today, September 14, 2010. Even though I am not opening my own commercial gallery, I found it a very beneficial read for myself as an artist interested in increasing my gallery representation.It is written in a very easy to understand way and I felt like Mr. Winkleman and myself were having a conversation and not a lecture. It helps to understand all of the background information of having a gallery, promoting artists, and finding and keeping collectors interested.The information about primary and secondary market galleries was also very informative and I recommend this book for both potential gallery owners as well as artists that are interested in approaching a gallery for representation. As an artist, you will have a better understanding of the behind the scenes things that happen and the gallery owner does to help keep you in the studio making art.

I currently have 3 copies of this book in my possession, 1 that I borrowed more than a year ago from a friend, 1 that I bought so I could have my own when I returned his, and another that I am giving as a gift for another friend who is opening her own gallery. Phew!So basically I'm in love with this book. Winkleman has created a very detailed and insightful guide that doesn't ignore even the smallest of questions or tasks, and yet steers clear of becoming dry. Even if you are not an art dealer or gallery owner, I would highly recommend this book to any artist, or arts administrator.After reading this book I also stopped by Winkleman's blog which is always a great read as well: [...]

I love art, just about any kind of art. I also love real estate and am the broker owner of Weaver Realtors. In a trip to Jackson Hole WY., I saw a real estate brokerage and a fine art gallery sharing the same commercial space. Light Bulb! combine two of my favorite things. Researching the commercial gallery ins and outs resulted in a number of articles recommending this book so I bought it. I also looked at a lot of other books, many were too technical - really written (I felt) for a museum type gallery). I narrowed the books down to this one and it has not disappointed me. It is well written even for a novice opening a gallery. It not only expanded my thinking about how this could grow into a great dual business but it gave me a lot of ideas on how to begin. I am well under way, our 1st artist exhibit is coming fast - June 17th. Vickie McLead an Iowa photographer will be our first artist.

While some of the info is strictly NYC, it is a great handbook. But 90% of the information is wonderful for a neophyte in Madison, WI. My gallery will be The Opera House Gallery in Mount Horeb, and if it gets off the ground, Mr. Winkleman will have proven to be a major help in getting me started. I'd advise start-ups to contact SCORE (a volunteer organization of retired executives funded, in part, by the Small Business Administration) via score.org. Lots of wonderful people with wonderful contacts. I'm now have the help of one working artist who believes we can actually pull it off! Thanks, Mr. Winkleman, for the TO DO List!!!

This is not rocket science - no wait - it really is. A gallery is one of the most complicated and hands-on intense projects anyone can begin. This book will help you in all fronts and steer you in the directions that it does not (due to professional constraints) cover, law, state and fed regs, etc. A service has been done and we all ought to owe Mr. W some thanks for sharing what he learned the hard way. Buy it - read it - and open a gallery. I did.

It helped reaffirm what I did know and had some key points that helped me. I like that I have the contracts and commission info helped me feel like I am not too green. Liked it on Kindle.

Terrific resource for anyone interested in getting into the gallery world. We have used it for everything, and I refer to it almost daily, as we get our gallery up and running. Very clear, well organized, and incredibly helpful. I found the chapter about business plans to be especially useful; we used it as a guide to writing our plan (without any prior knowledge or experience writing business plans), and it turned out really well and has been very well received.

I am a student in Art History who is interested in working in commercial art galleries. I read this book when I did my first internship and it helps to understand how an art gallery works and how to manage it. French is my first language but this book is clear and complete, with a substancial vocabulary. I recommand it.

Great book, useful info

Molto interessante e illuminante, ricco di informazioni utili per artisti, curatori di mostre, galleristi e mercanti d'arte. Lettura piacevole e scorrevole.

extremly borring and academic...I kind of regret I ever bought it...but it is surely the best thing for students of Art.

everything you needs (headaches includes) for your first gallery, in a sense then I, personally hate the commercial part of it but I do llike the artistic one.