I want to open a gallery featuring modern Russian art.....Need input.

[Butterfield8]

I have seen some breathtaking pieces in Moscow by local artists. I dont know much about the technicalities of fine art, I just buy what's pretty.

I have met a multitude of talented artists in Russia. They need an audience, I need a business.

What can you tell me about the current fine arts scene in RU?

Any input is welcome. Please don't hold back or think your tidbit is insignificant. I know alot about the history of RU, but very little about the current arts scene.

I was going to post this in " Business ", but my investigation of the threads yielded only a triple-decker spam sandwich.

Thank you.



Butter

[John_G]

Hi Butter,

You want to open an art gallery in the USA that specializes in unknown Russian artists?

[Butterfield8]

Forgive me so long to respond...

In the short time twixt my original post and now, things have really come together.

My first trip to RU, I met an artist who had ( long story short, here ) 15 paintings trapped in storage in Florida, USA.

As of today, all those paintings are mine for the showing. They will either be shipped or my husband will drive them back here ( to California ) in about 6 weeks.

So that is my start-up. However, I will be travelling to Russia in September ( or so ) and hope to return with some tasty items for my gallery.

Thanks for your post.



Butter

[John_G]

Hi Butter,

Are you buying these outright or is there a consignment deal? Are you going to show just paintings? Consider other things that help cover the different price ranges. Find a good location and consider a WEBPAGE. I have a friend who sells her art from a webpage and also uses e-bay. Best of Luck.

[Butterfield8]

Hi John,

My good friend is a webmistress and has agreed to do a page for me. Lucky me

I would need to find out how an artist in Russia would feel about consignment. There would have to be a whole lot of trust present. As an artist myself, I know that collecting the dough requires alot of follow-up on my part.

I have some pieces in the LA Public Library gift store. When we made our consignment agreement, amongst the other paperwork I was given was a list of credit references from banks and other consigners. That was the one time I felt absolutely secure that I would be paid properly and on time.

Thanks for your ideas and keep them coming, if you would. I am making a mental list of all possibilities. One of them being finding a public space ( bank, etc ) to display some of Vladimirs canvases, as they are really beautiful and deserve to be seen.

The possibilitys are endless. But thats what I like about it. Aside from the business element, it feels to me like a creative free-fall. My other income can carry me through many non profit months, so I have alot of room to play with this.

The only failure is in not trying.

Thanks.



Butter

[John_G]

Hi Butter,

For keeping inventory records I would use a spreedsheet like excel. It could contain cost, sale price, contract information regarding consignment, total sales and expenses.

Trust is huge with consignment deals. If you give weekly or monthly status reports this might help ease some worries. Also, maybe a percentage to take the piece and the remainder upon sale? If you are good at photography, there will be some color loss, you could create a portfolio for each artist and they could keep their orginals.

What about folk art and costumes? You might want to have contacts in Russia for costumes. Have a portfolio of different styles and order direct from Russia.

How about having posters made from originals? Cost? Posters sell quicker and are less expensive. Limited editions also appreciate in value.


Janet Treby, my current favorite.

[Butterfield8]

John_G...

You have give me alot to think about. Thank you !

I am taking into consideration the idea of making prints or posters.

I'll have to consult with the artist first, but to me it sounds great. My primary consideration at this point is finding a good location for the space itself.

I found a shipping company who set me a fair price
( Florida to California ), now I only need to someone to pack up the goods properly.

What seems like a simple solution inevitably turns out to be a plate full of challenges... Still, how great ! To be able to represent a ( my opinion ) talented artist and at the same time set up a business for myself.......What can I say..Golden opportunity.

Stay in touch, please..



Butter