how do you choose artists to work with?

This is a very common question here!

There’s not one answer but here’s a short summary.

Masham Gallery is in a rural area of the Yorkshire Dales and much of the wall hung work we sell represents that in some way. It’s not always literal but we are interested in the atmosphere, the wild, light and landscape that surrounds us throughout the changing seasons. We are keenly interested in stories, all sorts of stories, and so many things are displayed with stories and much of the work has a narrative feel about it. It’s good to know how a work has come about, the inspiration and tale behind it. When an artists work has these connections we feel more drawn to it and know we can do it justice here.

Every year we choose a number of themes for exhibitions - in 2024 for example we have “The River Runs Through” and “The Midnight Garden” both referring to nature and the cycles of the weather and the year. The artists that show in both exhibitions won’t necessarily show work that is literal rivers or gardens but you will see their interpretation of the titles. 

We like to have long term relationships with artists if possible, so we will often look at the artists we know first and invite them to participate in a show if it fits their work. We also come across artists all the time at open studios, fairs, instagram and by recommendation. Every year we approach a few of these too. We look for work that’s really well crafted, where the artist knows their style, has a consistent pricing, is presented beautifully and has something really special about it. We also like to work with really lovely humans and that’s a really big part of it too. We look for people who are mutually supportive - we want ideally to be able to share each others successes and stories. We get applications from artists to sell here all the time and very very occasionally one of those will be shown, but unfortunately many of the applications are sent without much reference to Masham Gallery.
​
There are a few areas which we know a lot about, and over the years we have come to specialise in a bit - one of these is printmaking. At the moment looking around the walls I can see seven different types of printmaking! As for subject matter we tend to avoid seascapes, we don’t sell many urban landscapes or much purely figurative art. We don’t tend to sell photography or digital art so much, and we’ve never found a textile artist that works really well here  - but we never rule anything out. 


So if you’re an artist here are a few top tips for applying to a gallery:

• Ask if and how the gallery likes to take submissions - everyone is different.
• Choose a gallery that shows work that you admire from artists that you like. 
• Choose one that aligns with your values. 
• Never cold call / doorstep with work.
• Have a number of good photos of your work.
• Make sure your website /social media is up to date and represents you well.
• Be sure of your style/s  - don’t rely on a gallery to tell you what sells.
• Make sure you’re not already represented by a gallery, or you do events that are close by.
• Make sure you have a clear and well planned price structure that includes commission and is consistent everywhere you sell (whether that’s on your own website, at a fair or through a gallery).
• Check how the gallery represents the artists they show - do they use social media, have an online shop, do art fairs?
• Make sure you have really good records and delivery notes for your work
• Make sure your faming and presentation is showing your work to it’s very best.

If you would like a more comprehensive friendly hand up or support in your creative business our Artist Mentorship programme might be right for you: https://www.happyhousemasham.com/artist-development-mentorship.html
​