5 Common Misconceptions About Art Galleries

Art galleries are often seen as intimidating places where you can't take photos and there's an unspoken rule that you should be quiet. This article will address the five most common misconceptions about art galleries, so that next time you go to one, your experience is less like stepping into a museum and more like hanging out with friends.

1. Art Galleries Only Hold Paintings

No, art galleries are not just filled with paintings. A  common misconception about art galleries is that they only hold paintings; this isn't correct! Although you can often find traditional paintings at art galleries, the truth is that art galleries are home to all kinds of art - not just painting or drawing. 

You might also see sculptures, installations (a large work designed for public space), photographs, prints or graphic works made with an image transferred from another surface, textiles or decorative woven fabrics, and the list goes on!

2. Art Gallery Owners Enjoy A Life of Luxury

Art gallery owners typically have a college degree in art history or business and work very hard to keep their art galleries up and running. Art gallerists are people with a passion for art just like you!

Art galleries are not a way to get rich quickly. Gallery owners often must work long hours for little pay in order to make the business successful.

3. Art Galleries Make a Lot of Profit

Many art galleries, especially art galleries in major cities, may charge a fee to the artist who wants their art displayed. But this does not mean they are making a lot of profit. In fact, many art galleries will dedicate much time and resources to promoting local artists' work without expecting to make any sort of monetary gain from that effort.

In other words, many art galleries do not expect or require monetary compensation from an artist whose works they display; rather, these types of art venues often take on costs for promotion and marketing efforts while foregoing potential revenue streams as a way to support local artists. This is one misconception about art museums - there's no real association between how much money artwork can earn at auction with its art gallery value.

Art galleries, art museums, and art auction houses are different types of art venues that attract very different types of collectors for very different reasons. As an artist or collector looking to sell art in these areas, it is essential to understand the differences between them so you can choose the right venue or a combination thereof for your artwork.

4. Art Found in Art Galleries is Very Pricey

Art galleries do have art pieces that are very pricey, however, most art pieces in art galleries aren't as expensive.

In fact, many of these artworks can be found at affordable prices!

Artists who exhibit artworks at art galleries typically do not expect to make a substantial amount of money from the sale of their art. Instead, they are selling art pieces in order to get exposure or recognition for their work and promote interest in their visual styles or subject matter among art gallery patrons.

Galleries often carry art that is very reasonably priced, and sometimes art can be found for great prices at galleries as well!

Many art exhibits are inexpensive or free to attend. For example, museums always have a special section on their website dedicated to discounted tickets so students should check there before making any purchases.

By Dru Bloomfield - https://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/3836187025/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95427764

5. Art Gallery Employees are Snobbish and Unfriendly

Not at all. Most art gallery employees and art dealers are happy to discuss the art they're showing, answer questions about it, and provide any other information that visitors need or want. It is true, however, that art galleries can be intimidating for some people because of their formal appearance.

People who work in art galleries love talking about art so feel free to ask them anything you like!

The best art galleries around the world are open for you to explore and appreciate at your leisure. So take all of the time that you need to enjoy what each gallery has on display – it can be beneficial if you understand a little bit about art beforehand, but it isn't necessary either - art is meant to evoke emotions and creativity within us, so whatever way we feel or think about an exhibit is just as important as how we might expect others would feel based on traditional art rules or classifications! So don’t worry and let yourself go with the flow – after all, this stuff was made for us, the audience, not vice versa; art should make our lives richer by being exposed to it!

Are You Looking for Contemporary Art to Complement Your Home?

The Marshall Gallery, located in Scottsdale’s Historic Arts District, has been the center of contemporary art since its founding in 1998. Boasting a collection of paintings, sculptures, and exquisite glass pieces, the gallery hosts several exhibitions each year plus a biennial glass invitational that attracts top-notch talent. Here you will find exceptional art presented in an open and relaxed gallery space, which is perfect for browsing the ever-changing collection. Explore on your own, or allow our expert art consultants to offer complimentary assistance to find the perfect addition to your own collection. Looking for the perfect piece of art to complement your home’s decor? Visit us in person or browse our online art store!