New York, New York!

I often get flattering e-mails with so called "offers" from galleries. By reading between the lines it's easy to work out that this is just another matter of "Pay to Play" fishing for optimistic artist's money and not a serious gallery entirely devoted to exhibiting good works of art.
Another of these e-mails came the other day in the form of a reminder:

Dear Elizabeth, 

I recently emailed you regarding your artwork and possible promotional / exhibition opportunities at Agora Gallery.

Agora Gallery has been in business since 1984 and is located in the center of the New York City art community, providing exposure and promotion to talented artists, for these services the gallery charges an annual promotional fee. For more information about gallery representation and the services that we provide please visit: http://www.agora-gallery.com/artistinfo/gallery_representation.aspx

I would be happy to answer any preliminary questions you might have. You can reach me at 212-226-4151 ext 207 or chiara@agora-gallery.com

I look forward to your response. 

Best regards,
Chiara Mortaroli
Marketing Assistant / Agora Gallery http://www.Agora-Gallery.com 

By clicking on the gallery's website faqs I found the following:


"If I am accepted what is the cost of the annual promotion and representation?


We offer a few options starting from $3850 which can be paid in six installments of $635 each. Renewal will be offered at the end of the first year at a reduced cost along with a profile in our bi-annual publication ARTisSpectrum Magazine http://www.artisspectrum.com/ at no additional cost. Please note that many of the artists that we represent renew their agreement after the first year"

So I decided to answer them, here is what I wrote:

Dear Chiara
Thank you so much for the genuine interest you have taken in my artwork.
I have been a professional artist since 1967 exhibiting my works internationally in renowned galleries and art museums for four decades.
Therefore I would be happy to accept your offer of paying me $3850 per year for the
honour of representing me and promoting my works in your gallery. Renewal will be offered at the end of the first year at a reduced cost along with a link to my website at no additional cost.
Please note that many of the galleries that represent me renew their agreement after the first year.
I look forward to your response
Best regards
Elizabeth Tyler

You can read more about this widespread business here http://www.artbusiness.com/artist-pay-to-play-list.html

PS. I'll post the answer if I get one.