Getting Gallery Ready – FREE Taster Session
Navigating the path to gallery representation can feel daunting, particularly when faced with questions such as ‘Where do I start?’ or ‘How do I get noticed by the right people?’ This one-hour taster session will introduce you to the Gallery Ready & Exhibition Representation course and offer a preview of how to strategically develop your portfolio, build relationships with galleries and agents, and take the next steps in your professional art career.
Whether you’re an emerging artist seeking your first gallery show or a more established artist aiming to expand your reach, this session is a valuable starting point. You’ll learn more about how the art market works, gain insights into how galleries select artists, and understand what it truly means to be ‘Gallery Ready’. The session will also explore what you can expect from the full course, including real case studies, industry best practices, and strategies that help artists stand out.
Free Taster Session – Gallery Ready & Exhibition Representation
Date: 6th August 2025
Time: 13:00 – 14:00 GMT
Location: Online via Zoom
The taster will include practical advice, a live Q&A, and time to reflect on whether you’re ready to take that next professional step. Participants will also receive follow-up resources to support further learning.
This session is ideal for visual artists working in any medium who are curious about developing commercial relationships with galleries, agents, or publishers.
Session Lead – Karen van Hoey Smith
Karen is an artist mentor and independent art broker and curator, she has degree in Fine Arts Valuation and has been in the arts and antiques world since graduating in 2001. She was the youngest female auctioneer in the UK, has been consultant expert for BBC, magazines, newspapers and for radio, was an art consultant in London and managed galleries in Bristol as well as being a senior partner at an art publishing house. With a successful history working as an art broker having sold pieces by Banksy, Picasso, Bomberg, Karen has a wealth of knowledge representing artists, curating exhibitions and imparting this knowledge to help artists achieve their goals whether that be selling more art or being accepted into public art institutions
Maeve Doyle, Artistic Director of Maddox Galleries
Maeve Doyle is an internationally renowned art critic, broadcaster, and Global Artistic Director
of the Maddox Gallery group.
Studying at the Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver, Canada, Doyle previously
founded London gallery, Doyle Devere, and was a Director at Mayfair’s infamous Bankrobber
gallery, an institution best known for its sale of the Banksy mural ‘Slave Labour’ and ‘Girl with
Balloon’.
Currently working at Maddox Gallery, a globally celebrated contemporary art gallery based in
Mayfair, Doyle provides the team with unique insights and a wealth of industry knowledge,
helping the gallery situate itself in the ever-changing landscape of the art world. She is both a
BBC Arts correspondent, as well as the host of her own podcast, ‘A Private View with Maeve
Doyle’ on Soho radio’s culture channel. She has also participated in other art broadcasts such as
co-hosting ‘Goldie: The Art That Made Me’ on Sky Arts.
An esteemed thought-leader within the industry, Doyle has led panel discussions at many art
fairs, including Wimbledon Art Fair, London Art Fair, The Other Art Fair & Art on a Postcard. She
also has curated and led tours for Browns Hotel, Ham yard Hotel, The Lanesborough, Four
Seasons and Soho House
Louise Minnaar
Based in South Africa, Louise Minnaar brings a deep passion for art and a wealth of experience to her role supporting artists at the Visual Artists Association (VAA). Her creative journey began early, attending Art School for four years before earning a degree in education. With over 8 years of experience in the art industry, Louise has worked across multiple sectors — from international art auctions to one of the UK’s largest publishers, Whitewall Galleries. Throughout her career, she has helped clients from all walks of life engage with art — from collectors acquiring works by Picasso and Miró, to first-time buyers discovering emerging talent. Now, at the VAA, she channels her expertise into helping artists at all stages of their careers grow, connect, and thrive in today’s art world.
To find out more about Gallery Ready and Exhibition Management Short Course, visit: https://visual-artists.org/event/creative-mindset-short-course/
If you have any questions, please reach out to events@visual-artists.org
