Art Chat: Finding the Delicate Balance Between What's "New and Unique" and "What Sells"

In keeping a small independent art gallery, one of the daily challenges we face is how to balance making the gallery always look fresh with unique and interesting new artwork... while also keeping an eye on the all important issue of "what sells."

"Wow!" Doesn't Necessarily mean Marketable

Of course, there's nothing we'd love more than to just put in every piece of art we believe is wonderful, but unfortunately that's not possible.

One of the things we've learned over the year is that "cool" and "amazing" doesn't necessarily mean marketable. And that's not just a price issue, by the way.

We've seen some amazing art over the years-- art that has been greatly admired by visitors to the gallery-- that we quickly learned people thought of as "amazing," but they had no intention of taking home, at any price.

We've even had a few pieces hanging in the gallery that people would come in to "visit" on a regular basis, sometimes even bringing friends to show off. In essence, the gallery ends up serving more as a museum, than as a venue for helping artists sell their art. To a few, that doesn't matter... but since most people have to eat and pay bills, for most it does matter.

One of the most common inquiries we get from artists is "Have you SOLD anything?"

Where Idealism and Artistic Vision Meets Reality

As a venue-- an Art Space-- we have to deal with reality. That reality is called monthly rent, keeping the lights on, keeping our web site running, putting on events, advertising and so forth.

"Dirigible Crow" fine art print from original watercolour by Braden Duncan

Since we don't have any "wealthy patrons" who underwrite those expenses purely as a philanthropic gesture, we have to sell art. As a result of which we also have to focus a large part of our attention on readily marketable art... art that is "popular" and "appealing" enough that a substantial number of people can visualize it in their homes, not just on the walls of an esoteric art space in a cute tourist town.

A large part of the reason we are trying to get a "toehold" on Steemit is for the opportunity to promote and expose art without always needing to "make a sale," while still getting at least a basic reward that can go towards the expenses of running the gallery... thereby keeping a space available for aspiring artists.

So-- in a very real sense-- your "follow, upvote & resteem" on this page is a vote not only in support of art, but in support of independent artists!

Till the next time-- thank you for reading!

The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art & handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.