Curators, gallery managers, directors, and folks who run galleries do more than idle their days lost in the surrounding art. We have desks (with the most amazing desktop themes), and deal with many day-to-day activities to keep the gallery running. It is a full time job and often we do not have time to tell you why you were, and perhaps continue to be, rejected as a showing artist.
My efforts with this blog are educational. I’ve found many young artists are naive and ignorant in their approach to galleries–I can only assume if they’re approaching my little gallery with such ineptness, they are also approaching other galleries and being ignored.
I am a critic, yes, but I attempt to be humorous and constructive. Take my advice with my intentions–suggestions that will hopefully help you in your artistic career outside of making art.
On the flip side, I had few references when I started my position. Even as a gallery intern many years back, there was little to go on other than my professor’s encouragement. I’ve attempted to catalog my experience, which I continue to develop, for new curators, old curators, and any wishing to try their hand at display. I hope these tips prove useful.
Best.
*Ms. Wakefield has curated over 80 shows as well as several large art events for more than six years. She is a member of a local arts collective, and graduated with a studio art degree; she has worked various art & display jobs throughout the years. She does not know everything.
Advice from the Curator's Desk 