"Curator’s Comments:
What Surrounded Her Smile pulls me in for closer viewing and suspends my response, as I can’t definitively establish if the piece is an ironic commentary of the stuff that surrounds us, or a pure expression of joy.…"
I would be wary of a gallery that charges you money to represent them. It's not something to reject outright, but it could be playing on your vanity, getting representation in NYC, a show, etc. But you have to look at the bottom line costs, the reputation (do art magazines and blogs review anything from that gallery for example). You also can contact artists who have shown there, see what they have to say. The 30% doesn't sound too bad for a gallery, but you have to judge what you can sell your work for and who you would be selling to. Lots to consider!
Have you had any luck in San Diego or LA finding a gallery?
i live in Carlsbad right now. I am new to artist2artist and figure all artists can use all the networking they can! I was just offered representation in NY but am still thinking about it. They want 3k upfront, for which you get 3 week exhibit (only) and then on their website for a year. Although it's in Chelsea, it still seems like a lot, plus they get 30%. It's not easy out there for us artists, especially these days.