For Collectors

 
Kathleen Avram , “New Roots”, ink on clayboard, 18 x 24", 2019, Nouveau Gallery, Regina

Kathleen Avram , “New Roots”, ink on clayboard, 18 x 24", 2019, Nouveau Gallery, Regina

 

How do you buy art?

We offer clients the advice of "buy what you love." You don't need an art degree to visit a gallery or to purchase art - just like you don't need to know how to build a combustion engine when you go to purchase a car.

Do you have to be rich to buy original art?

No, you do not have to be rich. There are many affordable works available and, if the piece is in a higher price range, most galleries offer a payment plan or lease.  Some of our clients set aside a little money each month, much like planning for a trip, and use that money to buy a piece of original art. Or, they buy art as birthday presents, anniversary gifts or for special occasions. If you are interested in a work, talk to the gallery staff or take a look at their website before you visit to see what their policies are. We know of one client who bought a painting of flowers for his wife and told her “Now you can never say I don’t buy you flowers.”

What do the red or blue dots mean?

The red dot beside an artwork indicates it has been sold. A blue dot lets you know the work is reserved for someone, but not necessarily sold yet. With a blue or ‘hold’ dot, you still might have a chance to purchase the piece, so tell the gallery owner you’re interested if the other person doesn’t buy it. 

What if we take art home and we don’t like it?

Most commercial galleries can arrange for you to ‘test drive’ the art. They can install it for you in your home, you live with it for a week or so and then decide if you like it and want to buy it—or try another piece of art. Ask the gallery if they have this option available.

Can we do a monthly payment plan to buy art?

Most commercial galleries do have payment plans and some have leasing plans as well. If you are interested in a work, talk to the gallery staff or take a look at their website before you visit to see what their policies are.

Should I buy art as an investment?

Our gallery owners recommend that you buy what you love. Yes, some people do buy art as an investment, absolutely, but remember the piece is going to be in your home or your office for a long time so it’s a good idea to also enjoy it! The gallery owners can tell you about each of their artists, including their exhibition history and art practice — things that affect pricing. It’s good to know if the artist is an emerging, mid-career or senior artist with exposure nationally or internationally. 

How is the art priced?

Well, there are a few ways to describe this, one is using economic terms; high demand and a small supply creates a price. Art is unique because there is a limited supply at any given time. Price is also determined by an artist’s exhibition and sales history, career level, and scale of artwork.  In general, the list price is meant to be consistent throughout North America and around the world. Artists with reputable dealers will have work of the same material, period and scale priced equally whether it is for sale in Regina, Calgary or New York.

Our advice:

Visit any of our galleries and, if you’d like, sign up for an email list of exhibition openings, gallery news, etc. The owners are approachable and knowledgeable about the artists they represent. They're not the stuffy/fake accent gallery owners you see in movies. We promise. Ask any question you'd like and they'll gladly answer it or get the answer for you. Our gallery owners got into the business of selling art because they love it. And they want you to love it too. They have already curated the art for you and built a relationship with the artists.

Know that when you buy art from a SaskGalleries’ member, the artist is a professional (they create art for a living and have a consistent art practice) and they receive fair payment for the work from the gallery.

Approaching a Gallery

Commercial galleries are in the business of selling fine art (and for some galleries, fine craft). If you’re an artist who is interested in selling your work, gallery representation may be the right fit for you. A lot of emerging artists often find it difficult to be “picked up” by a gallery.

Though there are no hard and fast rules, the following information will help you to avoid some of the common mistakes artists make when applying to a gallery for the first time.

Take heed and with hard work and a little luck, these tips may help you to secure a representation relationship with a commercial gallery.

DO RESEARCH

Galleries are as diverse and varied as the artists they represent. There isn't one single business model that works for everyone and once you start looking into it, you’ll likely be amazed at the broad range of commercial galleries out there. Before you inquire about a submission or studio visit with the staff at any gallery, make sure you know about their business: the artists they represent, their reputation, their brand—you might even find information about whether or not they accept artist submissions. Once you’ve learned a thing or two about your potential options for gallery representation, you’re ready for the next consideration.

FIND THE RIGHT FIT

Selecting a gallery to approach is just like shopping for clothes; the right fit is not only flattering, it feels better too. Before you settle on a gallery (or galleries) to approach, it is best to assess your work and career accomplishments as honestly and objectively as you can. Once you understand your own artistic identity, you can assess whether a potential gallery is the right fit or not. There may be one gallery in particular you would love to show with because they are well known and have a great reputation, but if you’re an emerging artist working in contemporary sculpture and installation, and that particular gallery mostly shows established and historical painters, it might not be the best fit for your work. Don’t lose hope. No matter what kind of work you make, there is probably a gallery out there for you.

SOMETIMES THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

If you look around your local market and find that no gallery seems to be a good fit for you, don’t stop there. With today’s communication technology, it has never been easier to market your work elsewhere. There are some huge advantages and conveniences to having local representation, but finding the right market for your work is way more important to your long term success than convenience alone. There are definitely challenges and often additional expenses (shipping) that come with selling through an out-of-town gallery, but sometimes it’s well worth it.

ASK FIRST

We suggest you never submit an unsolicited application for representation to a gallery. Sometimes galleries will post that they accept submissions on an ongoing basis. Sometimes they will indicate that they have an annual submission deadline. If you’ve just missed the deadline, keep an eye out for the next one. Some galleries may specify that they do not want unsolicited submissions of any kind. This is their choice and you should respect it. Sometimes galleries won’t publicize their position one way or the other. In this case, it doesn’t hurt to e-mail or phone to inquire about their policy on submissions, but be prepared to accept their response. Whatever you do, never send an unsolicited submission without asking first or, even worse, if they have explicitly forbidden them.

GIVE A GALLERY WHAT THEY ASKED

When putting together your submission package, give the gallery what they've asked; nothing more, nothing less. If they have posted a call for submissions, or have noted their willingness to accept submissions at any time, they will also likely tell you exactly what you should include in your submission. Make sure you send them everything they have asked for and don’t include anything extra that they have not requested. In general, most galleries will request images of current work and an up-to-date CV. Artist statements may also be requested. Website links are increasingly encouraged since they often include these materials. Most galleries will specify the number of images you should include as well as the size/resolution requirements. They may also indicate whether they would like to see only recent work, or if they would prefer a broader range of current and past work. Whatever they want, make sure you give it to them, it makes for a better start to the relationship for you and for them.

DON’T FORCE IT

Galleries are in the business of selling, and sometimes in sales, people just aren’t buying. When you’re approaching a gallery for representation, remember that you’re hoping to sell yourself and your work to them. Respect their right to refuse it.

DON’T GIVE UP HOPE

Not getting a fit with a potential gallery is not the end of the world. There are many factors and considerations in their decision to turn you down and it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of your work. It certainly doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep trying. You may have felt that your work was a good fit, but the gallery may have felt differently. Maybe it was “too much” of a good fit—your work may have been too similar to another artist they already represent. Sometimes it comes down to timing. This is especially true for emerging artists. Most galleries are looking for long-term representation relationships. They want to work with artists that are looking to make a career of their art practice. Sadly, the statistics show that a lot of artists coming out of University art programs give it up within a few years. If you’ve only just begun your artistic career, the gallery may be interested, but will wait to see where you stand in a few years’ time before adding you to their roster.

IT’S A RELATIONSHIP

Nobody likes a cold sales calls, even if the gallery is open to submissions. To improve the chances that your submission may lead to a studio visit or gallery representation, it’s a good idea to make efforts to build a relationship with the gallery and its staff before sending them a submission package. If they can put a face to a name, it might make them more receptive to your submission. Join their mailing list and start attending the gallery's openings and other events. Introduce yourself, and get to know the gallery’s artists and other members of their audience. In addition to improving your submission chances, you might end up meeting some really great people. And, you’ll be amazed at what the engagement with expanding your artistic community might also contribute to your practice.

 
 
 
 
Joe Fafard "Brady", Slate Fine Art Gallery, Regina

Joe Fafard "Brady", Slate Fine Art Gallery, Regina

Giving art. What a great thing to do.

Sometimes it's hard to find that perfect, special thing for someone. For a birthday. For an anniversary. For a wedding. For a retirement gift for someone in your midst.

We sell gift certificates in almost any denomination. The gift certificates are good at any of our full or associate member galleries. Just call it a gift of art cash panache.

Buy a gift certificate online here, or contact us and let us know how much and when you need it by.

art services

Our member galleries offer many services in addition to selling art and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

appraisalscommissionsconsultations & private viewingscorporate servicescustom framingfinancinginstallation & re-installationsprivate eventsshipping & delivery

 
Brian Ganong, “Western Red Lily” , Traditions Hand Craft Gallery, Regina

Brian Ganong, “Western Red Lily” , Traditions Hand Craft Gallery, Regina

appraisals

SaskGalleries does not do art appraisals. For appraisals, we recommend you go to someone who is a certified art appraiser. Please contact them directly about their rates and process:

Susan Whitney Appraisals Inc., Regina 
Assiniboia Gallery, Regina 
The Gallery / art placement inc., Saskatoon
Yolande Krueger, Fine Art & Craft Appraisals, Lumsden

commissions

If you’ve fallen in love with an artist’s work but maybe haven’t found “the one”, galleries are happy to help you with a custom commission by your favourite artist. Contact your local gallery today and ask them how they can help you create that perfect piece. View all our member galleries here.

consultations & private viewings

New to art collecting? Need something to fit in just the right spot? Some galleries offer personalized consultations just for you. They can provide advice on different mediums, styles and artist that are suited to your art interests. If you see some things you like on their website, book a personalized viewing appointment where they will show you those specific pieces and others they think you’ll love. Contact your local gallery today to book. View all our members galleries here.

corporate services

Galleries offer special services to meet their corporate client’s needs, such as consultations for office spaces, installation of artworks, and corporate gift services. Contact any of our member galleries below.

Assiniboia Gallery, Regina: consultations, installations, corporate gifting, show home staging, photo shoots
The Gallery / art placement inc., Saskatoon: consultations
Nouveau Gallery, Regina: corporate gifting
Slate Fine Art Gallery, Regina: acquisitions, and investment assistance
Traditions Hand Craft Gallery, Regina: corporate gifting
And Art Gallery, Davidson: corporate gifting
Black Spruce Gallery, Waskesiu Lake: consultations
Dervilia art + design, Saskatoon: consultations and installations
Yvette Moore Gallery, Moose Jaw: corporate gifting
Bryson Art Services, Regina: installation, event audio and video support

custom framing

Many galleries offer in-house framing and can help you choose a frame for your new art purchase, or an existing piece you would like to have reframed. Contact these galleries to ask about their framing services:

Assiniboia Gallery, Regina 
The Gallery / art placement inc., Saskatoon
Slate Fine Art Gallery, Regina
Black Spruce Gallery, Waskesiu Lake
Dervilia art + design, Saskatoon
Yvette Moore Gallery, Moose Jaw
Bryson Art Services, Regina

financing

Often, galleries will offer a financing or lay-away option for your art purchase. This is a great way to buy art on a budget.

Leasing options are also available through Art Lease Canada. Member galleries that are partnered with Art Lease Canada include: Assiniboia Gallery, Dervilia art + design, Nouveau Gallery, Slate Fine Art Gallery, and Traditions Hand Craft Gallery.

installation and re-installations

Most galleries are happy to professionally install your new art purchase in your home or office. Some can also help you rearrange your current collection. Contact the galleries below to ask about their installation services:

Assiniboia Gallery, Regina 
The Gallery / art placement inc., Saskatoon
Nouveau Gallery, Regina
Slate Fine Art Gallery, Regina
Black Spruce Gallery, Waskesiu Lake: available in the Lakeland area and Saskatoon
Dervilia art + design, Saskatoon
Bryson Art Services, Regina

private events

If you are looking for a unique space to host an event, why not an art gallery? You will be surrounded by beautiful art in a relaxed atmosphere. Contact your local gallery today to see if they are able to host your special event. View all our member galleries here.

shipping and delivery

If you live out province or even out of the country, you can still purchase Saskatchewan art! Gallerists are trained professionals in art handling, packaging and shipping and can help ease your mind when your art is on the road. If you need to move your art collection, some galleries may offer art moving services to ensure your art collection stays safe. Contact your local gallery today to inquire. View all our member galleries here.