Replies

1. 
   Kaleo | Sep 20, 2007 02:17pm | #1

   I have a personal view that the galleries are a nessary evil. They provide a place for use to get our work out there. But they take no responsibility for what they have. I would think that you could go to them and ask them about the cost of fixing the piece. Technically they should be taking care of the pieces. But unless they actually buy the piece from you then they have no vested interest in the piece. I guarentee that if they owned the piece not only would they being taking the utmost care of it, and they would sell it as fast as they could.

   Kaleo

   http://www.kalafinefurniture.blogspot.com

2. 
   Ronaway | Sep 20, 2007 02:53pm | #2

   I have had some pieces in galleries and shops in the past, and my recommendation to you is not to put major pieces in a shop. Pieces that are smaller, easier to move, but yet still show your skill level are a better idea. Your investment is less so you are risking less value to the way the piece is treated. In almost every case where a gallery or a shop has sold one of my pieces they ask me to repair the shop wear on the piece. My biggest problem was seeing my pieces used for displaying other wares to the point where one had to wonder if the item was in fact for sale. When I complained they didn't seem to understand why this was a problem.

   Like any other business arrangement, you need an agreement that spells out how your item is to be displayed and who is responsible for damages and the cost of repairs, and by all means do not put something of a great deal of value in the hands of people that do not know first hand how much effort is required to produce items of high quality.

   Ron

   If you're too open minded your brains will fall out.
3. 
   Floss | Sep 20, 2007 04:23pm | #3

   Jerry,

   You should have an artists agreement with the gallery who is representing your work. This agreement outlines the specifics of the consignment of work. In the agreement should be a part about responsibility for the piece once it is in the possession of the gallery owner.

   Most galleries will have a piece repaired or give it back to the artist for repair.

   I would do the repairs and send the invoice to the gallery owner. If you are on good terms with them then they should pay the bill or work out some other arrangement for compensation.

   When I send my pieces to galleries I am responsible for insurance while the piece is in transport to the gallery. Once they take possession they are responsible for the work plus return shipping and any applicable insurance.

   I think this is a pretty standard deal. At least for galleries I have worked with

   Good luck.

   J.P.

4. 
   jerry | Sep 20, 2007 05:07pm | #4

   thanks to all for your thoughts. i like the idea of using smaller pieces,and not putting bigger pieces at risk. but really don't feel too good about trying to reduce the quality of the work - feels like the gallery patrons should see the best that i can do. and i sure can relate to galleries that use the larger pieces (tables, chests) to display other artist's smaller pieces - especially when the top may be a superb 4-way bookmatch veneer - "well i put a doilly on the top so it wouldn't get scratched" - grrrr.

   thanks again
   jerry

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 20, 2007 05:47pm | #5

   Jerry, surely there was a written agreement/contract between you and the gallery.  What does it say?  If there is none, biiiigggggg problem.  There always should be.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

5. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 22, 2007 08:39pm | #6

   am wondering how folks deal with galleries that mess up pieces..

   I have never made anything fit for a gallery but I think I do nice work..

   I'd tell them I will sit outside and tell the folks entering..

   My work was Beautiful before the owner messed it up!

   The ART folks WILL understand!

   The owner may not!