Working with a gallery means putting your art, reputation, and trust in someone else's hands.

That relationship can be transformative (or tense) depending on how it's managed on either side.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Katherine Hébert, founder of Gallery Fuel, which helps small and mid-size galleries strengthen their businesses.

Katherine has seen both sides of the artist–gallery dynamic and knows what helps these relationships thrive: communication, transparency, and mutual respect.

You'll hear:

• What mutual respect between artists and galleries looks like.
• How to establish trust early in the relationship.
• Why open communication prevents power imbalances throughout the evolution of the relationship.
• What "trust signals" artists send through professionalism and follow-through.
• The role of regular check-ins and collaborative planning.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:40 Katherine shares her journey from art history to founding Gallery Fuel.

05:00 Why she focuses on small and mid-size "Main Street" galleries.

07:00 What genuine trust between artists and galleries means, and how to establish it through clear communication.

11:10 How galleries can assess fit before signing artists.

13:00 The professionalism cues (or "trust signals") artists send to galleries.

15:40 Empowering artists to ask questions and clarify expectations.

20:00 Why regular communication and quarterly check-ins matter.

28:20 Contracts as a foundation for mutual respect and protection.

34:00 How younger collectors are changing the gallery landscape.

41:40 Creative experiences galleries can offer to build connection.

46:20 Alyson's closing thoughts: take what you've learned and put it into action.

🚀 YOUR ACTION

Reach out to one of your professional contacts this week—whether it's a gallerist, curator, or collector.

Share a quick update, ask a question, or simply check in. Every thoughtful message builds the trust that keeps relationships strong.

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/respect-hebert

⭐️ Connect with Katherine: https://galleryfuel.com

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⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/