Post #97219 by mmoderntiki on Sat, Jun 19, 2004 1:29 AM

Regarding prints from original works in the show. As Kooche pointed out, the cost of issuing a run of prints can be very expensive. The artist or publisher (sometimes one and the same) have to bear up front costs with no gauranty of sales. The financial return on prints is usually very low, especially for the artist. SHAG, Mark Ryden & Tim Biskup may be exceptions to this, however, people tend to complain when these artists finally get into a position where they can actually make a few dollars on some of their prints.

Many people could use a serious economics lesson when it comes to the art market. Please don't misinterpret, prints are very cool and fill the need for a mass price point, but purchasing original artwork is what keeps the artists working and the gallery open.

Many of you may find it interesting that putting on an art show runs between $ 7,000 to $ 10,000 for a month. Consider:

Staffing
Advertising
Rent
Utilities
Show Cards
Graphics
Snacks & Drinks for the Reception
Credit Card Fees
Business Fees
Materials & Labor for Hanging Shows
& Many other Miscellaneous Costs

This is why so many art galleries go under. Art galleries, especially those that cater to tiki, are a labor of love and very seldom make the gallery money.

When the original works from artists don't sell at gallery shows, it can become very difficult for them to get future shows since galleries can only show so many pieces per show.

So go out there and support your favorite artists by purchasing their original works. Otto has a very cool Tiki show coming up and if it doesn't make money I suspect there will not be a second one (and that would be sad).