I am seriously considering approaching galleries and gift shops with some of my seed beaded jewelry and have been doing some research.  I have been to galleries in Michigan, Arkansas and Tennessee and have not seen 1 piece of jewelry that is made with seed beads. 

I can not figure out if it is because there are not many seed bead artists approaching galleries or if they do not consider seed beaded jewelry art. 

 Does anyone have any insight on this? 

Sabrina

I don't do seed beaded jewelry, but I would not let the fact that you have not seen anything seed beaded in the galleries deter you.  You will never know if you don't try, so I say go for it!  Alice

Hi Sabrina

I had some silver jewellery at a local gallery and a friend of mine had some sead beaded items - It made the gallery's display more interesting but I felt that the prices being charged for her items were too low considering the work involved (I tend to keep my beaded items for myself for this reason) but that may have been down to her not having the confidence to ask a decent price.

I don't see why galleries would not be interested especially if you are using high quality seed beads and can maybe explain the quality of the materials and the techniques used and their background.  Here in europe we seem to be inundated with very cheap beaded jewellery inports which when you look closely are made with inferior beads and badly finished - galleries need to understand the difference.

 Best of luck with your jewellery and I'd love to see some examples

 Karen

I think seed bead jewelry is well known to bead people but not so much in the gallery setting.  My advice is give it a shot.  All they can tell you is you're nuts to which you will reply - thank you very much and move on to the next gallery.   Be sure to display your pieces well when your selling the idea and be confident to price accordingly.  Good luck with it and be sure to post how it goes because I would be curious to know if it you were successful.

 Get some experience behind you... This will make approaching galleries easier.  & give you more creditability for approaching these galleries.  It's not easy getting into these places but be willing to persevere even if you don't get in right away.

 I have found galleries to be receptive to SB jewelery, especially if you go in with some very nice pieces that can compete with what the gallery has in stock.  Go for it, and if one says no, try another!

Hi Sabrina:

 I have sold my seed-beaded jewelry in galleries for the last ten years.  It took a while before people were willing to spends hundreds on beads versus precious metal/stones but as I also do local shows (Minneapolis), I developed a strong customer base.  Together with the galleries, we have taught collectors to appreciate the incredible time, effort and creativity that goes into intricate seed bead designs.  It does help that I live in a city with a sophisticated audience and the largest outdoor craft show in the country.  Those things aside, I know at least a dozen artists who, like you and me, primarily use seed beads.  We sell a lot - even in this down economy.  Go for it, expect the best, keep at it and expand your options when/where you are able (if things don't sell locally, find galleries in other places, especially vacation destinations.  People who can still afford to travel can and will afford your jewelry)  Good luck

Sheila

Hi Sabrina!
I'm a jewelry designer/bead shop owner in Michigan that HAS seed beaded jewelry in an art gallery.
This is the second gallery that has featured and sold my work.  You're right I think on both counts - it's been a long road for beaders in general to prove that what we do IS ART and not just a craft.  And really - there aren't alot of serious, detailed seed bead artists out there.  Alot of the seed beaders that I know in my area (Lansing and surrounding) are great following pre-made patterns that have been created by someone else (and therefore not sellable in a gallery or otherwise).  I am fortunate to be among what I believe is the rare breed of "intuitive" seed beaders - I don't generally follow a specific pattern - just use the basic techniques to create really unique stuff that no one else around here has.  It is also imperitive to include the time spent creating the piece into the cost of the piece.  Seed beads themselves are inexpensive - a tube can create several projects.  But it's the work - and knowing that you are WORTH it - that needs to be considered in the price.  It's hard to find a niche market for that - especially in this area and in this economy in general. 
If you intend to consider Michigan as an outlet for your pieces - I would suggest the West Coast of the state - South Haven, Saugatuck, etc.  These are the more "artsy" communities, and also communities with a strong tourist and customer base.
Good luck and great success to you......
Sheryl Stephens
Cool Moon Creations & Beads
http://www.coolmooncreations.com

Hi Sabrina,  I live in Washington State and have also approached some galleries in my area and was warmly received!  I first only made very casual contact, because I am a new "budding" artist and wasn't sure how my pieces would be received. 

I came back with a selection of pieces and dressed for the occasion to speak with the gallery manager, who was only to happpy to place me on her list of artists in the area!  We have our first show in November and I also have donated a piece to a charity autcion.  Good Luck.