Both my husband and myself are laid off I saw an ad on Craigslist of a gallery wanting fiber artists, I want to do a wallhanging and submit it but am afraid of rejection. We need the money if it sells but oh the fear is almost as great as the need. I know the saying it doesn't hurt to try but when your already down more rejection hurts.

Have you checked out their criteria and made sure that what you are planning to submit fits those criteria? If your answer is an enthusiastic YES! then by all means go for it.

I encourage you to do it. Don't take it as a rejection, but an opportunity to share with others the beautiful gift and talent you possess. I hope things get better for both of you.

Ask yourself this: If you enter and are rejected are you any worse off than of you hadn't made the quilt and entered?

We don't always realize it, but so much of what we call 'luck' in other people is really hard work and taking claculated risks.

IN other words, go for it!

Is there an entry fee?

I would read the "fine print" and go from there.

I would go for it!

You definitely need more details before you decide whether to go further. Some things to consider: What type of gallery is it? Commercial, co-op, vanity? Are they looking for new artists to represent or is this for a one-time only exhibition of works from many new artists? Does the gallery's style match yours? Ask to see a copy of the contract in advance.

Be aware that commercial gallery commissions can be as high as 60% of the sales price and their contracts are fairly restrictive as far as sales rights. In other words, even if you sell a hanging piece to your neighbor while it's on exhibit, the gallery gets their commission. They do work very hard to market the artists they represent and the works they have however, and gallery representation is considered a major career step for many serious artists. Good luck to you!

when we first started looking for galleries to sell our quilts, the same quilt, in two shops, brought two reactions
A- it's too traditional for us
B- it's too modern for us.

If they reject you it is not because of anything YOU did (unless you are making really bad quilts, lol) - it is just a reflection of what they are looking for.

Go for it gal!!

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Jump in.

This is a great point. Go for it!