Based on tested and revised procedures and sample forms from both commercial and nonprofit art galleries, this handbook covers basic information that has proven practical and effective in diverse situations. The handbook was planned primarily for non-profit art galleries, but the principles address the commercial gallery or small museum as well. It is intended to serve as a guide.

To limit the scope of the project, the following criteria were established for the art galleries researched: They are all located in the San Francisco Bay area; they present the work of living artists in temporary one-person or group exhibitions; and they coordinate exhibitions with a staff of five or fewer. This book (originally prepared for my Master's thesis) is written in the form of a practical handbook, and therefore it adopts an appropriate tone comparable to current how-to books. (Preface, p. iii-iv).

CONTENTS
Preface.
Introductory note.

Chapter 1. Getting started: Planning, scheduling, and confirming. 
                An exhibition checklist. 
                Exhibition packet: An artist - gallery agreement.

Chapter 2. Shipping and insurance. 
                Transport of artwork: packing and shipping. 
                Insurance policies.

Chapter 3. Inventory and registration. 
                Will it help or hinder? 
                Registration ideas: files, cards and numbers. 
                Asking questions is easy: Museum ideas. 
                It works: a sample procedure. 
                What's in a loan form? 
                Guides for measuring artwork. 
                Registration and labeling.

Chapter 4. Receptions and special events. 
                Opening receptions. 
                Suggested special events.

Chapter 5. Promotion: Tools and tactics. 
                Mailing lists: The first step. 
                Press relations. 
                Press packets. 
                Calendar of events. 
                Exhibition announcements. 
                Paper and envelopes.

Chapter 6. Office management. 
                Office organizers. 
                Mail. 
                Files. 
                Rolodexes. 
                Telephones.

Epilogue.
Sources consulted [bibliography].

Based on tested and revised procedures and sample forms from both commercial and nonprofit art galleries, this handbook covers basic information that has proven practical and effective in diverse situations. The handbook was planned primarily for non-profit art galleries, but the principles address the commercial gallery or small museum as well. It is intended to serve as a guide.