Art Careers / Gallery Owner
What Does a Gallery Owner Do? An Art Career for Kids
Curious about this job? Here is what the work looks like, a typical day, the tools, where people do it and how to get started, plus a small activity so you can try it yourself.
What a gallery owner does
A gallery owner runs a space where art is shown and sold. They choose artists, plan shows, and connect artists with collectors and other people who buy art.
A day on the job
- Visit studios and choose artists to show
- Plan, hang and light exhibitions
- Talk with visitors and collectors about the art
- Handle sales, shipping, marketing and art fairs
Tools of the job
- Computer and sales software
- Hanging hardware and lighting
- Price lists and wall labels
- Camera and social media
- Packing and shipping supplies
Where they work
- Their own gallery
- Art fairs
- Online galleries
The path in 4 steps
Start now
- Set up a pretend gallery at home with your art and a price list
- Visit local galleries and art fairs
- Practice talking about why you like an artwork
In your teens
- Take art history and business classes
- Help hang a school or community art show
- Volunteer or work at a gallery or art fair
Training
There is no single required path. Many gallery owners study art, art history or business, and practical experience such as gallery internships and working at art fairs is very important.
Build a portfolio
Not a typical portfolio. A history of exhibitions and artists they worked with matters.
Skills that help
- Knowing art
- Sales and business
- Building relationships
- Planning exhibitions
- Marketing
Try this job
A small taste of the real work, using things you already have.
Choose 4 of your own artworks. Hang them in a hallway or on a door at eye level with even spaces between them. Write a label for each with a title, materials, and a pretend price. Then invite your family to your gallery opening and tell them about each piece. Gallery owners help people fall in love with art.
Related art careers
Which art career fits you?
Answer a few quick questions and see which art jobs match what you love to do.
Take the Which Art Career Fits You quizQuestions teachers and parents ask
What does a gallery owner do?
A gallery owner runs a space where art is shown and sold. They choose artists, plan shows, and connect artists with collectors and other people who buy art.
How do you become a gallery owner?
There is no single required path. Many gallery owners study art, art history or business, and practical experience such as gallery internships and working at art fairs is very important.
What skills does a gallery owner need?
Knowing art, Sales and business, Building relationships, Planning exhibitions and Marketing.
The Artastic Collective art curriculum
Full art lessons, videos and units for the whole year, ready when you are. Monthly, yearly and VIP plans.
