What Galleries Want: Preparing Your Art and Yourself (226)

The Art Biz

Getting gallery representation isn’t just about having great work—it’s about preparation, professionalism, and relationships.

At Gabba Gallery in Los Angeles, those values are at the heart of how things run. For more than a decade, owner and director Jason Ostro has led the gallery’s mission to elevate emerging and mid-career artists, while curator and manager Elena Jacobson makes sure every show runs smoothly. Together, they bring a practical and deeply human perspective to the artist-gallery partnership.

In this conversation, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Jason and Elena about:

• How they collaborate and divide responsibilities at Gabba Gallery.
• The qualities they look for in artists and what makes someone a strong fit.
• Common mistakes artists make when submitting or working with galleries.
• Why proper preparation makes a big difference in working with an artist (or not).
• How Gabba’s 50/50 commission model works and what artists should know about gallery finances.
• Why relationships, networking, and trust are just as important as talent.

Whether you’re actively seeking gallery representation or want to better understand the dynamics behind the scenes, this episode offers honest insight into what it takes to succeed.

Takeaway: Showing your work in a gallery isn’t a handoff—it’s a partnership. The more you understand the gallery’s role, the stronger your relationship (and opportunities) will be.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES and POSTS

Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (ep. 123)

Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries (article for some perspective)

The Investing Artist: Art, Real Estate, and Legacy with Mary Erickson (ep. 19) — how she juggles 7 or 8 galleries

The Art Biz Unfiltered: Dealer Michael Findlay on Collectors, Curiosity, and Changes (ep. 209) — longtime NY gallerist on his memoir

Why I Want Partnerships with Art Galleries with Evita Tezeno (ep. 175)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/gabba-gallery

⭐️ Connect with Elena and Jason and read about the artists they represent at https://gabbagallery.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶 full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

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