Could someone please help me write a letter to an art gallery?

Question

I'm a 43-year-old Italian artist who would like to contact an art gallery in L.A. and submit my work for it to view. I just don't know who I'm supposed to address the letter to a sir or a madam? wjhat if I don't know the s*x of the person who'll be reading it? what else shopuld my letter of presentation say? I want to make it sound as professional as possible. Thanks.

Answer 1

Do a little research. Most galleries have websites, so take a look and make sure that your art fits within the style and stable of artists it has gathered.

Next, email or write the gallery, and ask them for information about unsolicited portfolios. Some galleries will have very specific requirements in terms of presentation. At this time, you can find out who to address your letter and package to.

If you are going to be visiting LA from out of town, contact the galleries you are interested in and see if they can make time for you. If you have a website you can give them to preview your work, this will help them decide to make time for you.

You should also include your curriculum vitae as well as an artist's resume with your cover letter. If you aren't sure what goes on these, google "artist's resume" and "artist's curriculum vitae".

You should also include an artist's statement about your work. If you aren't sure what to include in this, you need to do some more research and look at other's artist's statements. Artist's statements vary from artist to artist. It should explain a little about yourself and your work. It is a little like a newspaper/web article in that it should cover who, what, why, but not necessarily where, unless your work is installation based.