Are you an artist who is Interested in selling your artwork through galleries, retailers, and museum shops? Are you wondering how to connect with store owners and build meaningful relationships?
About this event
Join us for a free, informative panel discussion on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 12–1pm (ET) via Zoom. You will hear directly from gallerists and retail buyers as they share valuable insights on how artists can successfully approach galleries and shops, what curators and store owners are looking for, and how to cultivate long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Topics will include:
Making the first connection; how to professionally approach a gallery or shop
What galleries/retailers are looking for in an artist
What makes an artist’s work retail-ready
Pricing and inventory management
Consignment vs. wholesale
Promotional expectations
Common challenges and how to avoid them
Whether you're an emerging, mid-career, or established artist, this session is designed to help you expand your reach and get your work into the hands of more collectors and customers.
Zoom details will be provided upon registration. The session will be recorded, but we encourage live attendance for those with specific questions.
About The Panelists
Cecilia Henaine de Davis is a jeweler and gallery founder and owner of Cecy’s Gallery & Studios, a vibrant arts hub in Durham that celebrates creativity, community, and accessibility. Originally from Mexico, Cecilia began making jewelry to support herself after moving to the U.S. and soon led jewelry workshops for women recovering from domestic violence, fostering healing and empowerment through art. In 2018, she transformed a historic Durham building into Cecy’s Gallery & Studios—a dynamic space featuring a retail shop selling work from local artists, artist studios, classes, events, and home to a longstanding Art Market. Expanding in 2023, Cecy’s continues to nurture local art, entrepreneurship, and connection in the heart of Durham. Find out more about Cecy’s business here.
Cynthia Mollenkopf is the owner of Cocoon Gallery, which opened Downtown Apex, NC in Spring 2017. Cocoon Gallery features high-quality, locally made, one-of-a-kind utilitarian art pieces from over 60 artists in a variety of mediums with whom she has developed first-hand relationships. Cynthia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, a Master’s in Geography (specializing in international trade), and an MBA in marketing. After some years in corporate marketing, Cynthia reignited her creative passions by delving into Feltmaking. As a fiber artist, Cynthia specializes in creating wearables, sculptural pieces, as well as wall hangings under the business name of ARTiFELTs. She also enjoys demonstrating and teaching felting as she believes creating public awareness of the felting process and sharing the potential of this medium are ongoing opportunities. Cynthia is a former member of the Town of Cary Cultural Arts Committee and, after years of participating in local arts festivals and juried art shows with her felted creations, Cynthia became a longtime member and Board member of Cary Gallery of Artists. Cynthia currently participates in the Apex Downtown Business Association and Women’s Power Networking and also serves as a board member of Triangle Artworks. Find out more about Cynthia’s business here.
Janis Treiber serves as both the Director of Visitor Experience and Retail at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Her team of eight collaborates across all departments to curate welcoming and inclusive experiences on campus and beyond. Part of their mission is to feature and lift up artists and vendors from across North Carolina by featuring their creations in multiple retail areas. They find joy and purpose in sharing the stories and practices of these talented individuals with visitors and believe in the power of museum stores as community spaces that offer an opportunity beyond transactional. Find out more about NCMA here.