As many of you know, the gallery model of selling art has been changing, with with many high profile and mid-level galleries closing, moving online, or becoming “art consultants.”

So how do you know that a gallery is viable, that it’s on the way up instead of beginning to close down? What are the signs? 

First, check their open hours. They don’t have to be open every day, but their hours should be visible and consistent: Wednesday through Saturday from 11-5 is fine. The gallery should also have a staff, not just the director and an intern. They should have a marketing, events, or social media person on board. 

If you’re an emerging artist looking for your first gallery, consider newer galleries rather than blue chip galleries nearing the end of their life cycle. New galleries are often listed on New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA). 

Your gallery should be actively promoting their artists online, both on artsy and instagram. Look to see if they attend art fairs, even smaller or regional fairs. Not only is this visibility good for their artists, but it also shows that they are financially successful. Art fairs cost at least $10,000 for a gallery to participate, so you know they have income to invest. 

But if your favorite gallery is not in a position to go to art fairs, don’t dismiss it.  Just check to see if they are active, hosting art talks, participating in local art walks  or collaborating on events with local businesses. A good gallery maintains relationships in the community as well as relationships with collectors. 

So don’t give up on galleries. Just find one that is still working hard to create a market for your work.