Where Can I Sell My Art – Exploring Alternative Venues

If you are wondering, “Where can I sell my art?” but not ready to jump into the world of art gallery sales just yet, this article is for you.

Selling your art doesn’t have to be restricted to galleries or the occasional art fair. Think outside the gallery altogether—the key is to be proactive, creative, and willing to adapt to new opportunities.

Whether it’s a cozy cafe, a swanky hotel, or a vibrant community center, your artwork deserves to be seen, admired, and, most importantly, purchased by those who love it. Many artists have started in these unconventional venues and eventually built up enough of a following to make a living from their art.

Hospitality Venues

Hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants are fantastic places to start displaying your work. Many artists have found that these spaces are a great way to sell your work, especially when you’re still building your name and reputation.

Hotels

Hotels are an excellent venue to display larger collections of your work. Upscale hotels love adding a little pizzazz to their lobbies, and artwork can play a huge role in creating an unforgettable experience for their clientele.

• Pros: High foot traffic, generally from people with disposable income. You keep all your profits if someone buys your work. Hotels often want to create a unique vibe, so they’re ready to sell your art as a part of their ambiance.
• Cons: Your art might end up looking like decor if it’s not clearly labeled as being for sale. And tying up eight or ten paintings for a whole year could take a long time, limiting your options elsewhere.

How to Approach Hotels: Pitch them the idea of featuring your art as a rotating exhibition. Offer to make your art collection as easy as possible for them to manage, and discuss adding your information to their front desk, social media, or even the hotel’s website. An opening reception in the lobby is a great way to bring in local art lovers and get the buzz going!

Restaurants and Coffee Shops

Restaurants and cafes are another great spot if you’re ready to sell your artwork. Think about it – people go to these places to relax, chat, and, of course, look around! This is where your art can shine. You can easily set up displays that make people feel like they need that piece of art hanging in their own homes.

• Pros: Regular customer traffic, relaxed atmosphere, and you’re exposing your work to a local area audience. Many artists start here to get to know their communities and build relationships.
• Cons: Your paintings might get damaged with food and drink around, so frame them well and use glass for protection.

The Mitre, a popular venue in Richmond, UK, collaborated with local artists to display their work throughout its space. This initiative resulted in over £30,000 worth of art sales in just six months. By showcasing the art as part of the venue’s ambiance, the artwork resonated with patrons, many of whom were inspired to make purchases.

This partnership also increased The Mitre’s revenue by 12%, demonstrating how alternative venues can be mutually beneficial for artists and businesses. Local artists gained exposure to new audiences, and The Mitre created a unique selling point for itself in a competitive market.
Read more about this success story here.

Tips for Selling in Cafes and Restaurants: The key is to talk to the manager or owner, preferably during quieter hours. Suggest a commission-based system where they get a small cut of the profits if your painting sells. They’re more likely to say yes if there’s something in it for them. And hey, consider offering an opening night event – free publicity for both you and the venue!

READ MORE: 7 Essential Tips on How to Sell Your Art Locally and Thrive

Retail Spaces

Want to sell your art in a way that feels more tailored? Retail spaces like boutiques and spas can provide the right kind of exposure, especially if you’re interested in targeting a specific audience. These venues are generally filled with people with an eye for aesthetics—perfect for an artist!

Boutiques

Boutique stores are ideal for smaller art pieces that would look great in someone’s personal space. Think about targeting shops that align with the aesthetic of your art. A clothing boutique with a similar vibe could be perfect if you’re into colorful, vibrant works.

• Pros: Personalized setting and a clientele that appreciates one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Cons: Limited space and the risk that people are focused on clothes rather than art.

How to Get Started in Boutiques: Walk in, introduce yourself, and bring some samples. Ensure your pricing is clear – maybe even provide a price list that the store can keep handy. Some boutiques will work on a commission basis, while others might charge a rental fee for wall space. Decide what you’re comfortable with before making the approach.

Furniture Stores

Furniture stores are another option. Imagine someone coming in to buy a couch and seeing how beautiful your art looks above it. They might decide to take both!

• Pros: Customers get to visualize your art in a home-like setting.
• Cons: Customers are often focused on buying furniture, so sales might take a backseat.

Approaching Furniture Stores: Offer a deal where you rotate pieces every few months to keep the showroom fresh. Make sure your contact information is clearly visible and talk to the store about co-promoting your exhibition on their social media.

Public Spaces

Libraries

Local libraries are an underrated way for artists to showcase their work, especially if you’re into selling your work within the local art scene. While libraries might not be known for big-ticket sales, they are a fantastic way to build community relationships and get to know art lovers in your area.

• Pros: Exposure to your local community, often with no rental fees.
• Cons: Limited likelihood of direct sales, as people come to read, not buy.

How to Approach Libraries: Propose an art event or workshop to increase foot traffic. You could even offer a demonstration on how you create art, which could help boost interest in your work.

Community Centers and Co-working Spaces

Community centers and co-working offices are growing in popularity, especially since they often host events and get-togethers. These are places where local businesses and individuals meet, which means potential buyers who may have a professional interest in art.

• Pros: Lots of people from different walks of life passing through, good chance for face-to-face interaction.
• Cons: Your work might have to compete for attention with event posters and general clutter.

Making It Work in Co-working Spaces: Talk to the space manager and ask if you could host a small opening event. Include QR codes next to your work for easy online access—people love convenience!

Airports

Airports are bustling spaces with high foot traffic, making them an exciting option for artists looking to sell their work. Imagine travelers worldwide, with hours to kill, coming across your art and falling in love with it. Airports are perfect for large-scale artwork or pieces that evoke a sense of place and travel.

• Pros: High volume of people from diverse backgrounds, including potential buyers with disposable income. Great for gaining international exposure.
• Cons: Strict security regulations, potential high rental fees, and limited interaction with potential buyers.

In 2024, Brooklyn-based artist Ron Bass achieved significant recognition by installing a series of public artworks in Terminal 7 of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Known for his eclectic style that blends pop culture, street art, and fashion, Bass’s vibrant murals transformed the terminal’s ambiance, engaging travelers and enhancing their experience.

This high-profile installation not only elevated Bass’s career but also underscored the impact of integrating contemporary art into public spaces.
Read more about this airport art inititive here!

How to Get Started in Airports: Airports are usually managed by private operators or government bodies, so getting a spot can be competitive. Start by contacting the airport’s art program or community outreach office. Propose an exhibition that aligns with the theme of travel or movement. Highlight the benefits to the airport, such as enhancing the experience of waiting passengers and creating a more vibrant environment. Be prepared for a lengthy application process, but remember that the exposure could be well worth the effort.

Specialty Venues

Spas and Wellness Centers

Spas often have the perfect vibe for artwork that evokes tranquility. You might find a fantastic audience here if you create art that’s all about calming imagery.

• Pros: Relaxed clientele, good atmosphere for impulse buys.
• Cons: Less wall space, and your art needs to fit a specific “vibe.”

Tips for Spa Displays: Keep it small and intimate—the art should add to the sense of peace, not dominate the room. Think about providing contact info or a small card describing the work to pique interest.

Event Venues and Wineries

Places like event venues or wineries often hold gatherings like weddings, corporate events, or tastings—each bringing in people who might love your art.

• Pros: High visibility during large events.
• Cons: Exposure can be fleeting, depending on the frequency of events.

Getting Your Art in Event Spaces: Approach venues when they don’t have something major going on. Propose setting up a rotating gallery that adds value to the venue and makes events more appealing.

Hospital, Doctor, and Dentist Waiting Rooms

Hospitals, doctor offices, and dentist waiting rooms can be an interesting venue for artists to display their work. These spaces are usually quiet, and visitors often have plenty of time to take in their surroundings, making them an ideal setting for artwork that can offer some much-needed distraction or comfort.

• Pros: High visibility, with a steady stream of people who often have time to sit and observe. The calming nature of art can be a welcome addition for patients, which makes these venues receptive to art displays. Additionally, these spaces often feature diverse audiences, providing good exposure.
• Cons: Limited interaction with potential buyers, as most people are there for medical reasons. There might also be strict requirements on subject matter—hospitals usually prefer calming or neutral images.

How to Get Started in Waiting Rooms: Contact the office or hospital administrator to discuss the possibility of setting up a rotating exhibition. It helps if you can offer a collection that fits the tone of the space—think serene landscapes, abstract pieces, or art that has a positive, uplifting theme.

Be sure to provide your contact information alongside each piece so potential buyers can easily reach you later. Including a QR code linked to an online gallery or payment platform can also make it convenient for interested individuals to learn more or make a purchase.

Tips to Work with Venues

It’s always best to walk into any discussion knowing how your art can benefit the venue. Does your collection create a certain ambiance that aligns with their brand? Show them that you’re willing to be flexible—maybe even offer to adjust the pieces depending on the season or type of clientele they get.

Negotiate Terms Clearly

Know how to sell without giving away your rights or taking unnecessary risks. Use written agreements to clarify expectations.

• Who is responsible for damage?
• How long will the work be displayed?
• Will they charge rent, or are they interested in a commission?
• Are there any fees involved for promoting or maintaining your display?
• Can you replace sold pieces with new ones during the exhibit period?

Make sure all of these questions are answered before you say yes. It’s also a good idea to have a clause specifying that you can remove your art if a better opportunity arises, giving you some flexibility in case the venue isn’t working out as hoped.

Minimize Risks

Some venue owners may be thrilled to have your art for free, while others might just be looking for wall decor. Reduce your risk by agreeing on a short trial period. If it doesn’t work, you can move on without much hassle.

How to Approach and Secure Venues

Finding the right venue to showcase your art can be a game-changer for your career. The key is building connections, presenting your work confidently, and showing venues how your art can benefit them.

• Secure the Deal – Suggest hosting an opening event to kick things off. Events create excitement and make your art more than just decorations. If you can attract people through local media or social media, venues will see the value in partnering with you. Remind them it’s a win-win—your art could help bring more customers into their space.
• Build Relationships – Start by connecting with your community. Attend local events, open houses, or art fairs to meet people and learn about potential venues. Focus on places you visit often—it’s easier to pitch to someone who already knows you as a regular customer. Building trust and familiarity can make all the difference.
• Pitch Your Work – You don’t need to be an expert marketer to sell your art. Bring a simple portfolio, either printed or on a tablet, to show off your work. Be upfront and clear: say something like, “I’d love to display my art here for the next few months. I think it would fit perfectly with your space.” A confident, friendly approach can go a long way.

Make It Easy for Customers to Buy

Making it easy for people to buy your art is the best way to turn them from admirers into buyers. A simple, clear, and convenient setup helps customers feel confident and excited to make a purchase.

• Visibility – Make it obvious that your art is for sale. Use clear price tags on each piece, and have business cards and easy instructions on how to buy. A neat and professional setup shows you take your art seriously and makes people more comfortable buying.
• Use Technology – Add QR codes to your display for a simple and modern touch. Each code can link to your website, an online gallery, or a payment page. This way, customers can learn more about your art or even buy it right from their phone, with no awkward conversations needed.
• Offer Different Payment Options – Give buyers plenty of choices for how to pay. Accept credit cards, PayPal, or even offer payment plans. The easier it is for someone to pay, the more likely they are to take home a piece they love.

Last Few Words…

The trick is to start selling your art wherever you can and to do it with confidence. Your journey might take you from coffee shops to boutiques to wineries and beyond, each venue offering a unique chance to connect with art lovers.

So if you’re wondering, “Where can I sell my art?” remember—there’s a world of opportunities waiting outside the traditional gallery’s doors. Go find your spot, hang that painting, and let your art do the talking!