the gallery that wanted me to pay for the opening night wine
I still get a little annoyed thinking about this. Had a gallery interested in showing some of my landscapes a couple years back, which felt huge for me at the time. Then in the conversation they mentioned I'd be expected to cover the catering for the opening night. Not split, not share, me, fully. I was so flattered by the offer I almost said yes before common sense kicked in.
What's the weirdest thing a gallery has asked you to pay for or provide? I want to know if the wine thing is actually normal somewhere or if I was right to walk.
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You were right to walk. I've heard variations of this, galleries asking artists to cover the wine, the printing, even the framing once, and it's not standard anywhere decent. It's them testing how green you are.
I've been on both sides of this. Did a few group shows where the gallery covered everything proper, and I've also dealt with spaces that act more like they're doing you a favor than a partnership. The opening night isn't a party you're throwing for your friends, it's part of the gallery's business. They're selling your work, the wine is their marketing expense.
The flattery thing is real though. That first offer makes you feel like you've arrived and you want to say yes to everything. Good on you for pausing. The right gallery won't ask you to bankroll your own introduction to their clients.
Framing's not that uncommon actually. Some decent places will split it with you, or cover it and take a higher cut. But if they're asking you to eat the whole cost upfront, that's a different thing. That's them not wanting to carry any risk.
The wine thing though. That's just cheap. They're selling your work and they can't cover a few cases of wine? They're not a gallery, they're a party venue using your art for atmosphere.
The framing one is wild. I can't imagine handing over a piece and having someone come back asking me to pay for the frame too. You're right though, the flattery really does do its job. I was so busy feeling picked that I almost missed how ridiculous it was.
That framing one is wild. I can't imagine handing over a piece and having someone come back asking me to pay for the frame too. You're right though, the flattery really does do its job. I was so busy feeling picked that I almost missed the red flags waving in my face.
It's reassuring hearing from someone who's seen both sides say it's not normal. I've second-guessed myself on walking away more than I probably should have. Still stings a little but I'm glad I trusted my gut on it.