On Art Agents & Emailing Art Galleries

Over the years I've had various emails asking me for advice on finding an agent and gallery representation, even some wanting to know how to find a rich patron. (If I knew where to find a wealthy art patron, don't you think I'd keep them for myself?) So the mention of the word "art agent" caught my eye when I was reading Edward Winkleman's blog this morning. If you think an agent is going to help you as an emerging artist, the strongly worded opinion of this NY gallerist ought to dispel the myth:

"I've never once encountered any gallerist who was even remotely interested in talking with an emerging artist's 'agent.' This is primarily because the gallerist sees it as their job to serve as the person or business authorized to act on the artist's behalf...

Scroll down to the comments for advice on emailing galleries. You'd think that things such as actually addressing the email to the specific person, not a generic "Dear Gallery", would be common sense and simple politeness. But it seems not. Read more in Winkleman's blog Double Agents and Secret Tools of the Trade.