How to Behave at a Gallery
With increasing wealth, leisure time, and opportunities for employment, more original art is available to the masses. But that's no excuse to act like a goon in a gallery.
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You Will Need
- A sense of decorum
- And common courtesy
Steps
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Step 1
Silence your cell phone
Before entering the building, turn off your cell phone or set it to vibrate.
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Step 2
Keep kids close
If you have children along, remind them not to touch anything and keep them close to you.
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Step 3
Don’t be loud
Do not be loud inside or call to a friend across the room.
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Step 4
Don’t clog traffic
Upon entering a gallery, scan the space as you move through the door, considering how you want to approach the artwork while not clogging up traffic.
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Step 5
Stand aside
When not directly viewing a work, step aside and let others see it.
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Look where you’re going—avoid knocking over any priceless pieces!
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Step 6
Tip on complimentary food or drinks
If there are complimentary food and beverages available, feel free to partake, but tip if you’re able.
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Step 7
Don’t gawk
Don’t get caught gawking too much at other gallery-goers, no matter how pretty, handsome, or outlandish they may be.
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Step 8
Keep criticism to yourself
If there's a remote possibility the artist is present, refrain from making any critical comments.
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Step 9
Don’t say you could do that
Never say, 'I could do that.' Chance are you can’t.
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Step 10
Ask questions
Should you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the artist or gallery owner. If you get a chance to meet them, thank them for having the show.
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Many fine art galleries have frame shops on-site. Since they’re framing the really expensive stuff, they attract some of the best framers in the business.
