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Fine Art Gallery Jobs

If you want to work in the arts, but don't want to dive into a studio profession, a job in a fine art gallery allows you to work with artists in a creative environment. There are different positions in a fine art gallery, and different skills are needed for each. Smaller galleries usually are run by a single person or someone with a partner. Larger galleries have directors, art handlers and others to keep the operation running smoothly.

  1. Director

    • A gallery director is the primary manager of the gallery. The director is responsible for arranging shows, selecting artists and staying in touch with important clients. In addition, the director is responsible for the fiscal management of the gallery and for conducting sales. It is a multifaceted position that requires solid management abilities, business sense, art connections and good people skills.

    Art Handler

    • The art handler is responsible for hanging exhibitions and the proper care, storage and shipment of artwork. Artwork can be extremely delicate and valuable, so experience with different kinds of media and an understanding of how to work with fragile materials are key. In addition, the art handler may face challenging installation projects. Large, heavy or multielement installations require creativity, and building and construction skills.

    Archivist

    • The archivist keeps careful records for the gallery. This could include a precise manifest of all the artwork currently being held by the gallery, records of shipping and complete documentation of the artwork for the gallery archives. In addition, press or publications on any of the gallery artists must be kept on file. The archivist's job requires and eye for detail and an ability to organize information.

    Receptionist

    • The receptionist is usually the first person a visitor sees when they come to a large gallery. The receptionist answers inquiries from the public--who are potential clients--makes appointments and does the scheduling for the director or other senior staff. She also types and review documents such as press releases. Good computer skills and the ability to deal with the public are important in this job.

    Art Appraiser

    • The art appraiser position in gallery is an important one, as the appraiser researches and evaluates the value and authenticity of the work for sale. The appraiser must be able to examine and price work based on the artist, the work's condition and market prices. A degree in art history, while not mandatory, is extremely useful. There are even some specific graduate programs devoted to appraising art.

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