Dear Alexander:

My name is Lise Richards, I am the owner of The Creativity Center, Inc and Red Door Gallery. How exciting that you have a wonderful opportunity to create something new at your grandmother's shop. To answer your question about copyright laws and licensing agreements. Those two areas are not in question when you are displaying work for sale under a consignment agreement. A gallery owner can sell on consignment, and feature work exclusively in the gallery without having to sign a licensing agreement. If you are duplicating the work in some way, say to make greeting cards, then you get into licensing agreements. The artist maintains the rights to their work, unless those rights are transferred in a written agreement to someone else.

Before accepting work from local artists, I suggest that you come up with a theme for your gallery, and specialize in an area. For example, regional, modern art, or more traditional art. Once you have a theme, you will need to create a contract for the artist's to sign. This contract should include information about who's responsibility it is to get the art to the gallery, payment schedules, discounts on the art, promotion, competition in the area, etc. There are many books on the subject that can guide you in the right direction when you begin to write your contract. Or you may want to consult an attorney.

There are also some aesthetic considerations for a gallery space. There are typically three styles of galleries. 

A stark space, with art hung sparingly on the walls, and highlighted by spotlights; a gallery with a grouping of all types of art, hung on nearly all the wall space, with prints available for purchase unframed, or a combination of the two. You should consider how the theme you've chosen for your art gallery matches the physical space.

Another area to consider is what your services will consist of. Are you marketing to corporations, interior designers, retail, etc. The art you choose needs to work with whatever market you identify. Larger pieces may appeal to a corporate market, while prints, and lower cost art may appeal to a general retail market.

The total costs involved are hard to pin down, because I'm not sure what you are starting with. A significant cost may involve making the space suitable to hang art, and sending out marketing materials. You will also need a good computer and office equipment. You could get started for under 7k if you have initial stock, and some of the things I already mentioned.

If you need any additional help visit us online at www.centerofcreativity.com . Good luck to you. I wish you much success with your exciting new business venture.

Lise Richards

June 04, 2003

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com. Users should not treat the Guide's response as legal, accounting, or professional advice as all answers are intended to be general in nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or circumstances, such as an attorney or accountant.