Stopping In To Pick Some Brain's... If Your Willing?

Most galleries have web sites, and most of those web sites have a page with submissions policies. These days, with technology advancing so rapidly, it varies a lot from one gallery to another. But yes, strange as it may seem, a surprising percentage of them still do insist on those crappy old 35mm slides.

If the gallery doesn't have a web site, telephone them and ask what their submissions policies are (and if they're interested in reviewing new artists at all - many are not.)

Be aware that today, in general, the galleries find the artists and approach them, not the other way around.

Be prepared for a lot of rejection, and don't get discouraged. In most metropolitan areas there are probably 1,000 artists competing for every one opportunity to exhibit.

Galleries are retail shops. They sell products to earn their living. When you create a piece of work no matter how much of your heart and sole went into it when its done it becomes a product. Try to get into a position where you can go eye to eye with the dealer then convince him or her your work will SELL. Believe it or not this works. As stated in another reply be prepared for rejection but keep at it. Good luck.

The two above gave you some great advice. Also never take your work into a gallery to show
them your work without an appointment. It drives most of them nuts. I got yelled at once. Also
I make my own 8x10 prints and note cards you can buy programs for cards at places like future
shop. I wouldn't invest in allot of prints etc. until you see your stuff is selling on a small scale
What art of yours you think is good today five years from now is in the garbage as unexceptable
to you five years from now or repainted in my case so I don't want a thousand copies gathering
dust. At least that Has been my experience so far (35 years painting) I tried farmers markets
and flea maarkets and both didn't work for me but then I'm fantasy and sci/fi not farm scenes
and scenery.