I've been OCD lately and I've compiled a list of the galleries that I've sent my brochure to. These were mostly galleries that I researched from the Art in America Gallery Guide. I've been wondering how many I mailed out and how many responded...
Starting in April of 2005, I sent my brochure and cover letter to 168 galleries from Arizona to Wisconsin.
Rejection
As of September, 2006, I've received 39 rejection letters (some form letters, some hand-written notes, and a few with valuable feedback).
Acceptance
I've received interest from 5 galleries for possible group shows in the future.
A gallery invited me to participate in a group show.
I received gallery representation and that gallery recently sold two of my paintings. That paid for my brochure printing and postage right there...
Consultants
Three months ago, I sent my brochure, cover letter, and CD to 15 consultants (also from the Art in America Gallery Guide). I've only received one letter - a rejection... It's still fairly soon, though.
Thoughts
It was interesting to look back through the rejection letters. I so appreciate the people who took the time to write a note or give specific feedback, although after a while, I was happy to even get a form rejection letter. Well, not happy, but you know what I mean...
Next steps
I still have a list of galleries that had specific submission guidelines. I'm going to double check their websites one more time (to make sure they're still accepting submissions) and send them packets. I was specifically looking for galleries that would accept CDs. I haven't taken slides in a while - I document my work digitally now. Anyway, slides are just too dang expensive to send out to just sit on somebody's desk for six months.
I'm going to add all of the galleries that sent me rejection letters to my mailing list. Many of them specifically said, "Keep us on your mailing list," or "We'd like to see your work in the future." So who knows? Maybe someone who rejected me last year will like my work next year...