The Basics:
What is an art gallery?
Art galleries are institutions that represent many individual artists, curate shows with work from those artists, and sell their art.
Are galleries FREE to visit?
YES!
The gallery world is your oyster.
Why should I visit local galleries?
Galleries are a great place to learn about what contemporary artists are making these days, but they’re also just a great place to hang out and look at cool things. Fun, free, and fruitful (in terms of the variety of art you’ll encounter and the research-backed benefits of taking time to appreciate it).
What should I do when I visit a gallery?
*None of the following is required. You do you.
Say hi to the gallery attendants, to be friendly.
Grab a show brochure, or if they don’t have any, check out the show title and any descriptions on the walls.
Take a spin through the gallery — try walking clockwise around the space, unless the setup seems to direct you elsewhere… follow your heart, I guess.
Curious about one of the pieces? Ask someone about it. You don’t have to have an eloquent question. “Can you tell me more about this?” will do.
Pick a favorite.
You can really do whatever you want. Just don’t touch the art (unless it says to).
What do I need to know before visiting a gallery?
TBH, nothing!
Besides the hours (to make sure it’s open), there is no required reading before a gallery visit.
It’s okay to wander around the gallery without making any revelatory points about the sociopolitical, art-historical, or conceptual impacts of the work.
And any questions that come up during your visit are a great excuse to talk to the cool gallery attendants.
What can I do to make my visit fun?
Check out these Gallery In-Sight approved tips!
