It seems like you all are talking apples and oranges:  for-profit gallery 
exhibitions vs. non-profit museum exhibitions.   I believe Mr. McCollum was 
talking about being the only unpaid participant in an art museum exhibition; 
whereas Mr. McShane is pointing out the capital outlays of a commercial art 
gallery.

A for-profit gallery invests in PR, real estate, etc. in anticipation of a 
profitable return on sales.  The artist and gallery get paid when the work 
sells.

A non-profit museum or university gallery is a completely different ball 
game.  I think we at museums should pay artists something when they exhibit 
their work with us, especially since we do not promote or broker sales 
through the museum. Here we do not book shows unless we can afford them; 
meaning, I don't book a solo artist show unless I can afford to pay the 
artist an honorarium and travel expenses.  Likewise, I don't book a show 
that requires a dedicated security guard unless we can afford to pay one, 
and so forth. When the budget gets crunchy, we find ways to produce 
less-expensive exhibitions (from the collection, from local collectors, 
etc.).

I can't say we pay much - usually $250 each - to our artists, unfortunately. 
No one has ever gotten mad at us for the modest size of the check, as yet. 
I have found that the more financially successful artists will decline an 
honorarium, but seem happy to be offered one.     If we just start thinking 
of an artist honorarium (small or large) as a non-negotiable exhibition 
expense, like wall labels, shipping, and a mailing, it would go a long way 
to making it a standard practice.  It works for us.  If it means one less 
exhibition per year (and the rest a week or so longer), I think it's worth 
it.

Jill R. Chancey, Curator
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
PO Box 1108
Laurel, MS 39441
(601) 649-6374
www.LRMA.org
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is fixed)


PS: A quick aside, while I have your attention: please click on 
http://www.arts.state.ms.us/katrina.html  for information on the arts in 
Missisippi and how to help artists and institutions that have been affected 
by the storm.  Many of our regional artists have lost their homes, studios, 
and jobs.   Please don't forget about them.  Thanks.

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