That’s what my guest, Katherine Hébert, and I talk about in this episode of The Art Biz. Katherine has a rare perspective, having worked closely with both artists and gallerists. She knows what happens when communication breaks down, and what it looks like when partnerships truly work.
The small and mid-size galleries she works with as a consultant and founder of Gallery Fuel are passionate about art and want to do right by the artists they represent. But passion alone isn’t enough to sustain a business or a relationship. Both sides need to show up professionally, communicate honestly, and understand what the other is trying to achieve.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
- Why the “dating period” before gallery representation matters as much as the relationship itself.
- How to ask for regular quarterly check-ins without feeling pushy (and what to do if your gallery says no).
- The communication missteps that undermine trust on both sides, and how to avoid them.
- Why post-show reviews strengthen partnerships more than any other touchpoint.
- What galleries wish artists understood about the stories they have to tell every day.
- How younger collectors are changing what galleries need from their artists.
This isn’t just about fixing broken relationships. It’s about building ones that actually work from day one—with clear expectations, mutual goals, and the kind of collaboration that helps both your careers grow.
Whether you’re represented by a gallery, considering your first partnership, or wondering if it’s time to reset expectations in a current relationship, this episode will give you new ways to think about how you work with others.
Your art career will be stronger when mutual respect is at the center of every relationship.