How a contemporary art gallery works, step by step
Walking into a gallery is easy. Understanding what goes on behind the scenes — how exhibitions are chosen, how works are priced, and what actually happens on opening night — makes the experience richer for everyone, whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned collector.
How exhibitions are selected
Most galleries, including ours, work on a rolling submission basis. Artists send a portfolio — typically eight to twelve images alongside a short artist statement — and the curatorial team reviews them against the upcoming exhibition calendar. At Meridian, we prioritise artists living or working in the Central Okanagan, though we occasionally include voices from further afield when they speak to a theme we are exploring. Selection is not purely about technical skill; we are looking for a coherent body of work that will hold a room and reward sustained looking. Once an artist is confirmed, the conversation turns to which specific pieces will be shown, how they will be arranged, and what story the exhibition tells as a whole.
From submission to opening night
After selection, the practical work begins. The gallery team and the artist agree on a list of works, dimensions, and any special installation requirements. Printed exhibition notes and an artist statement are prepared — these are the quiet companions that help visitors understand what they are seeing without being told what to think. Installation day is methodical: works are hung at a consistent eye level, lighting is adjusted to suit each piece, and the flow of the room is considered so that visitors move through the exhibition naturally. Opening receptions at Meridian are free and open to the public, because we believe the moment an artist meets a collector face to face is one of the most valuable things a gallery can facilitate.
How sales and commissions work
When a work sells, the gallery typically retains a percentage of the listed price to cover handling, insurance during the show, and the administrative work of processing the sale. At Meridian, we retain 35% and the artist receives 65%, paid within 14 days of a confirmed sale. Prices are listed transparently — there are no hidden buyer's fees added at the point of purchase. If a work is not for sale, it can be marked accordingly; in a solo show at our gallery, up to 30% of pieces may carry an NFS designation. This matters because some artists exhibit work that is already committed to a private collection, or simply pieces they are not ready to part with.
What happens after the show closes
At the end of the exhibition period — typically 30 days — unsold works are carefully de-installed and returned to the artist. The gallery documents the show with photographs, which become part of both the gallery's archive and the artist's exhibition record. For artists, a gallery show is a meaningful line on a professional biography, and we take that responsibility seriously. For collectors, the works they purchased are handled with the same archival care we apply to our framing work, packaged securely and ready for installation in their home.
- Submit a portfolio of 8–12 images with an artist statement when applying to exhibit
- Confirm which works are for sale and which are NFS before the exhibition is finalised
- Attend the opening reception — the conversation between artists and collectors is irreplaceable
- Ask the gallery for printed exhibition notes to take home with any purchase
- Keep documentation of any work you buy: title, medium, dimensions, and the artist's statement
Do I need to be an established artist to submit work to a gallery?
No. Most galleries, including Meridian, are actively looking for emerging voices alongside established names. What matters is a coherent body of work and a clear artist statement. Submit what you have made with intention and let the work speak.
Can I negotiate the price of a work at a gallery?
It is reasonable to ask whether there is any flexibility, particularly on larger purchases. Galleries generally have limited room to move on price because the listed amount reflects the artist's valuation of their own work. A respectful conversation is always appropriate; pressure is not.
What should I look at when I visit a gallery exhibition?
Spend time with the works that stop you first, then move through the rest of the room before returning. Read the artist statement after you have formed your own impression. Notice how pieces relate to one another — a well-curated exhibition has a logic that rewards a second look.
A contemporary art gallery is a meeting point between artists and the people who want to live with their work. Understanding how that process unfolds — from submission to sale — makes every visit more rewarding and every purchase more meaningful.
Ready to bring something beautiful to your walls?
Walk in during gallery hours or send us a message and we will get back to you the same day.