Are query letter for gallery submissions like cover letters? any examples?

One Response to “Are query letter for gallery submissions like cover letters? any examples?”

1. Trimere says:

   July 4, 2011 at 7:59 pm

   A query letter is basically like a cover letter with a few differences. I’ll give you an example using one I wrote to a gallery a few years ago but remove my info and tell you instead what should go there. You’ll see what I mean.

   (Your Name)
   (Your Address)
   (Your City, Your State)

   (Month ex. December) (Day ex. 11th), (Year)

   (Person you’re sending it to. Usually the person in charge of dealing with submissions.)
   (Place you’re sending it to ex. Grimshaw-Gudewicz Art Gallery)
   (Their Address)
   (Their City), (Their State)

   Dear (Person you addressed it to):
   I am writing this letter to introduce myself and my work to you and express my interest in having my work considered for “(Name of show OR Name of Gallery.)” I am (give a short example of yourself, such as if you’re a painter or photographer etc) who saw (how you became aware of their gallery or show). My work is (talk briefly about what your work is about).
   I have enclosed my resume as well as my statement of artistic intent and slides of my work(Instead of slides, often times galleries will allow you to leave a digital disk (CD, DVD) of your work. Others require hardcopy photos in a portfolio. Check beforehand.) If you require any additional information, I would be most happy to have it available to you. Should you find my work desirable I would be glad to arrange a visit to my studio(obviously if you don’t have a studio don’t say that) for you or I can bring a selection of works to you.
   Thank you kindly for taking time to review these materials. I look forward to your response.

   Sincerely,
   (Your Name)

   As for Artist Statements; your artist’s statement can be anything you want it to be, but primarily, it should help potential buyers, students or employers to understand what you believe to be the most important aspects of your art and the techniques you use to make it as well as the meaning of your work and your influences of why you do the work you do.The statement should summarize these things in as few words as possible, preferably short ones, and not be a lengthy dissertation on your place in the future history of art. A paragraph of three or four sentences should do it. You won’t keep your readers much longer than that.

   Writing down the answers to these few questions can help you figure out just exactly what you want, but also should say in your statement.

   Why do you like to make art?
   What subjects do you prefer? Why?
   What processes and techniques do you use? Why?
   How is your work different from others?
   What do you see in your artwork?
   What do other people say they see?
   What are your goals and aspirations as an artist?
   Who or what inspires you?

   The first time can be daunting, but once you do more than a handful, you’ll be a pro at talking about your work, both on paper and in person.

   Hope this helps, and good luck with your submissions.