Galleries With Entry Fees

I don't know about you but I'm getting sick of these constant emails from galleries pushing scam entry fees. Just the other day I got one from APW Gallery. They have a website here. The following is the bulk of the message... And don't ask me why they're having a group show on Halloween but chose the theme to be "About U" makes as much sense as sending them 50 dollars for an entry fee.

"Halloween Online Contest

"ABOUT U"

Spots Available: 99

AWARD: Solo Exhibition

SIGN UP NOW!!!

Important Date: Sign up by : Oct 25 2009
Deadline for your artworks : Oct 25 2009
Online Contest Starts on HALLOWEEN!!!

Idea: Each artist can submit up to 10 images of your artworks, It can be photograph, computer illustration or photo of your artwork.There is no limit of amount of works you can submit. This Contest is open to any type of artist.

All Images submitted to us will be up online.

Theme: ABOUT U

This exhibition is not limited to NYC artist. Any artist around the world can participate in this exhibition .

$50 entry fee (Includes 10 images)


Rules:

-Entry fee is non-refundable.

Size Requirement:

500 pixel x 500 pixel

Format: Jpeg

After you complete the entry fee, please e-mail us your images at info@apwarts.com

Subject: ABOUT U CONTEST

*All of our projects are first come first serve,it can be full before the deadline.*

If you never participate in our projects, here are some answers to questions you might have.

1.How do I participate?

All you have to do is fill out the form on the
bottom and it will bring you to a page to pay
for the entry fee securely online. After you complete
the transaction, you will receive a receipt in your
e-mail to confirm your payment from Google Checkout.

2.What kind of payment method do we accept?

We accept all major credit card through Google checkout."

What really pisses me off is they charge artists 50 dollars, non refundable of course, and all the rejected works get put on their website. I can't imagine sending a gallery 50 dollars to show my art, never mind on top of that, knowing that it might go on to be rejected and only shown on their website! And I noticed this website also offers "membership" for a fee of course.

"Fee: $12.95 for 1 month | $62.12 for 6 months(20% off) | $93.24 for 12 months(40% off)

What you will get:

Each artist will have an image on our artist page linking to your personal page on our website.

Discount: When you become our member, you will receive 10% off anything your purchase from us, including entry fee to exhibition and products from our online shop.

Exhibition Discount: When you participate in 4 exhibitions within 1 year, you will get to participate in one of our group exhibition for free."


Isn't that awesome of them to let you participate in a group show for FREE after paying for 4 of them AND paying for a membership!? It's unfortunate how many desperate artists out there fall into this sort of thing and waste who knows how much money on it.