Frequently asked questions

Artist FAQ

Visit ugallery.com/apply to fill out an application for exhibition.
This means you have registered with us before as a customer or an artist. You may apply using a different email address, or contact us at artist@ugallery.com. If you've applied in the past, please let us know. If you attempted to submit an application with us and ran into an issue, only to try the application again and receive this error - that means we have received your application and we will get in touch with you soon.
Yes! We do exhibit international artists, however, due to shipping logistics the application process is more selective for artists living outside of the United States. When a work is purchased, our international artists must professionally package and ship the art themselves and submit receipts for reimbursement. If you have experience shipping internationally we encourage you to apply. Please note that we cannot work with artists who live in countries that are embargoed by the U.S government. These countries include but may not be limited to: Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Sudan, and the Crimea region of Ukraine.
The application is a simple process that takes about 10-15 minutes. We ask for your contact information, artistic background, and 10 digital images of your artwork. The images should be less than 1 MB each. There is also a non-refundable $5 application fee through PayPal.
We ask for 10 examples of your artwork in the application process. All work needs to be currently available and created within the last two years.
We receive many applications every week. Charging a small fee helps us ensure that the artists who apply are serious and committed. Please note, the application fee is non-refundable regardless of whether or not you are invited to show your work.
You do not need a PayPal account to pay for the application fee. When you are brought to the payment page, you will be given the option to pay using a credit card on the PayPal website.
We need to ensure that you are old enough to legally sell your work with us.
Even if your images say they are JPGs already, our recommendation would be to export each image to JPG again and re-save them under new file names. Please make sure each image is less than 1 MB each when you re-save these images.
If you run into this issue, please email artist@ugallery.com with a screen shot of the last page of your application before attempting to submit, as well as a screen shot of the error page you are receiving. In the email, please include some additional information such as: The browser you are using (and the version of that browser), the type of computer you are using and the operating system on that computer. Lastly, please include the images you were trying to apply with as well.
No, we only work directly with living artists.
We exhibit original art in every genre, style, size, and media with the exception of photography, digital art, AI-generated art, and video art. All work is vetted by our curators before going on display. Our goal is to offer clients a diverse selection of two- and three-dimensional media. We do not show reproductions of original pieces, such as giclées.
We split the sale of artwork 50/50. We cover all of the costs of packaging and shipping the work.
We manage a large online marketing campaign, complete with Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and retargeting ads. We have a thriving email list, strong content strategy and growing social media following. If you exhibit with us, you may be invited to participate in special projects or press opportunities. We are very hands-on with the select group of artists we represent.
We opened our virtual doors in October 2006 and have continued to grow ever since. We’ve sold art to clients in every U.S. state and 50 countries around the world.
Our virtual gallery is run by a diverse team located in the United States, Europe and Asia. While we no longer operate a physical gallery space, we still greatly enjoy meeting artists and clients in person. If we happen to be near you, we may get a chance to meet face-to-face!
We currently represent around 350 artists.
We require exclusivity on the artworks shown on the UGallery site, and we will recommend limiting your use of online art marketplaces. However, we encourage you to pursue brick-and-mortar gallery representation while showing with UGallery. This increases the exposure of your work and your chances for success.
Yes, we are happy for you to show your same artworks on UGallery as on your personal website and social media accounts. For these pieces, we still require exclusivity and ask that you link back to the art on UGallery and tag us in your social posts. If clients contact you about the artwork through these channels, you should direct them back to UGallery for further details and purchase. This creates a more consistent and trusted experience for the client.
Each artwork that you show on UGallery needs to be exclusive to us for the entire time we represent the piece. An artwork can be removed from the website with two weeks' notice, but only after that artwork has been on the website for at least three months. Artists may not remove artwork from their portfolios during their first six months showing with UGallery.
All artwork must be finished professionally before you photograph it for the site. That means the edges should be cleanly finished, and artwork on stretched or cradled surfaces must be wired for hanging. For artworks that are longer than 24 inches, stretcher bars must be at least 1.5 inches deep. Unfortunately we cannot accept stretched canvases with staples in the sides. Staples on the back are acceptable as long as they are not visible when the artwork is hung on the wall.
We prefer to sell artwork unframed. This allows clients to select frames that suit their decor, or to display the work unframed if preferred.
Once your art is sold, you will receive an email notifying you of the sale. Our U.S. and Canadian artists working in two-dimensional formats will receive custom art boxes to package their work. U.S.-based artists also receive prepaid FedEx labels. International artists and three-dimensional artists will provide their own packaging and shipping labels, and will be reimbursed for their expenses. Our artists are not responsible for the cost of packaging and shipping.
Yes! We have many international customers.
We ship all artwork in custom-built art boxes lined with high density foam to ensure safe transit. In the rare case of damage, we work to file a claim on your behalf. We insure every artwork we ship for its full value.
We offer a seven-day money-back guarantee so clients can try out artwork in their homes. Our return rate is less than 5%. If a piece gets returned, we will pay to ship the piece back to you.
We pay artists 30-40 days after an artwork is delivered to the client. Artists located in the United States may choose to be paid via direct deposit or Venmo, and international artists may select PayPal or wire transfer.
You will be responsible for reporting your income through UGallery on your own. Artists are considered consignors rather than contractors under our business model, so 1099 forms are not provided. A record of your UGallery sales will always be available to you so you can report your own earnings.
You retain the rights to your art after it is sold.
You may reach out to our Artist Engagement team at artist@ugallery.com. Please note that we cannot accept artist applications via email, and we do not take phone calls from applicants. If you are accepted to exhibit with UGallery, you will have an opportunity to ask questions over the phone during an on-boarding call. Please do not email with questions answered above, as we will not respond to these inquiries.

Customer FAQ

We want you to love your new art, so if a piece doesn't quite work in your space, return it within seven days of receiving your order and we'll issue you a refund for the price of the art. Art must be returned in its original packaging. We will pay for return shipping on pieces measuring up to 50 inches on the longest side. For artwork longer than 50 inches, we'll issue you a refund on the price of the art minus a return shipping fee of $300. For orders shipped outside of the contiguous United States, you are responsible for the cost of return shipping and any customs and brokerage fees charged upon return. At this time, there are no returns on special orders or artwork that is altered at the request of the customer.
Our return process is easy. When you first receive your purchase, save the original packaging. Repackage the art in its original box and contact us at customerservice@ugallery.com or (415) 742-8417. We will then issue you a prepaid FedEx shipping label to affix to the box and ship from any FedEx location. Items must be shipped via FedEx within seven days of receiving the order. If you live outside of the contiguous United States, please see below for the return procedure. Art that is returned damaged will not be refunded.
When you first receive your purchase, save the original packaging. Repackage the art in its original box and contact us at customerservice@ugallery.com or (415) 742-8417. We will provide you with the return shipping address so that you can ship the artwork with the carrier of your choosing. You are responsible for the cost of return shipping and any customs and brokerage fees charged upon return. Items must be shipped within seven days of receiving the order.
We package all artwork in custom built art boxes to insure safe delivery, so receiving damaged art is a rare occurrence. If you receive a damaged piece of art, contact us within 24 hours at customerservice@ugallery.com or (415) 742-8417. Please save the box and all packaging material; we must have these items in order to process the claim.
We proudly offer free shipping to any location in the contiguous United States. Free shipping is automatically applied – no minimum purchase, coupons or promotion codes are required. Shipments to Hawaii or Alaska are subject to a shipping fee.
Yes. We are happy to ship artwork to any destination in the world. Please note, art shipped outside of the contiguous United States may take two to four weeks for delivery, depending on the destination country. Additionally, artwork may be subject to duties, taxes and/or fees. Please consult your local customs office for more details about duties and taxes.
For artwork shipped outside of the contiguous United States, shipping costs vary based on the size of the art, the destination country, and the packing materials needed to safely transport the art. You may find the exact shipping cost of a piece by adding it to your shopping cart or by contacting us at (415) 742-8417 or info@ugallery.com.
All artwork is packaged in custom built art boxes to insure safe delivery. Our boxes are lined with high density foam to protect your art. The foam construction also makes unpackaging quick and easy - no packing peanuts, no mess. We send art via FedEx, UPS and other common carriers. All artwork is shipped fully insured. Please note, a signature is not required for delivery unless you request that your art be delivered with a signature.
Artwork is typically shipped within seven to ten business days. Once your artwork is shipped, please allow three to six more business days. You will receive an email with a tracking number so that you can see exactly when your art will arrive. If you need artwork delivered on a tight deadline, please contact us before placing your order at info@ugallery.com so that we can arrange expedited shipping.
We offer several payment plan options. Please call us at (415) 742-8417 or email us at info@ugallery.com for more details. We are happy to work with you to find the best way for you to acquire new art.
UGallery exhibits original art created by top new and established artists from across the country. We display most two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums.
We represent a group of the world’s most talented artists. UGallery’s panel of curators, headed by our gallery director Alex Farkas, selects each artist and every piece we exhibit. Our curators are art business professionals who select the highest quality work for exhibition.
At the top of every page, you will find a keyword search bar and the Shop Art drop down menu with search links organized by subject, style, new art, and staff favorites. You can either type a category into the keyword search bar or click on the search links to find art listed in that grouping. To purchase a piece of art, simply click the "add to cart" button at the right of the piece and follow the onscreen directions.
UGallery accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and PayPal. Tax is charged on orders shipped to the European Union.
Yes. We are happy to honor discounts within seven days of your purchase date and refund you the difference. This does not apply to artwork that was purchased at a discount.
Certain pieces of artwork on UGallery, mostly printmaking, are labeled as either “limited edition” or “open edition”. Pieces that are in a limited edition are produced in a set limited quantity. Open edition artworks are not limited in quantity and can be reproduced indefinitely. In both cases, each piece in the edition is identical and is considered an original. Limited edition works are generally more valuable because of the limited number available.
We don't directly offer framing services but we are happy to work with you to find a local framer and even help you pick out the specific frame. If you are interested in framing a piece on UGallery, please contact us at info@ugallery.com and we'd be happy to assist.
We do not currently operate a physical gallery, however we participate in art fairs and put on temporary shows. If you would like information about our next event, please sign up at the bottom of the page for our newsletter.
Email: info@ugallery.com
Telephone: (415) 742-8417
Office hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST
Artwork is priced using artist input and the expertise of our curators. When artists submit images of their work, they are asked to enter desired prices for each piece. That price is then compared to UGallery’s curator appraisal. We take pride in our ability to fairly and accurately price art.
UGallery encourages art patrons to purchase artwork for enjoyment and aesthetic values. However, art can be a financial investment as the demand for a particular artist and/or piece of artwork grows. For more information regarding this subject, refer to the MEI/Moses Fine Art Index explaining the appreciation of art as a financial investment.
Commissioning art is a fun and unique experience. No matter if you are a first-time art buyer or a seasoned collector, UGallery is here to make the process easy and enjoyable. The following five FAQs will give you an overview of the process. If you have an idea for a special artwork, send us an email at info@ugallery.com or give us a call at (415) 742-8417 and we can discuss the next steps.
Commissioned pieces are priced based on the size, medium, and complexity of the piece, and the artist's sales history. Commissioned artworks will be more than comparable pieces in the artist's portfolio (in terms of size and medium). This is due to the fact that the artist must spend time to consult with you about the project, create any necessary preliminary sketches, and take time away from their normal art practice to create your commission.
Before the artist begins working on your commission, we take a 50% non-refundable deposit. This assures that the artist will be paid for their time and materials. Once the piece is complete, we will send you a high resolution image of the work. If you accept it, we will charge your credit card the remaining 50% and ship the piece to you. If for some reason you are not entirely satisfied when you see the image, we can work with the artist to make small changes. There are no returns once you take possession of the art.
The time will vary depending on the size, medium, and complexity of the piece, and the artist's schedule, but typically commissions take ten to twelve weeks to complete.
Photographs are great reference material when commissioning an artwork. If you don't have a photograph, it's not a problem. You will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the artist to describe exactly what you are looking for.
Before the artist begins working on your project, you will have a special consultation with the artist and UGallery to explain exactly what you'd like. Once the artist begins working, we will update you as the piece progresses from initial sketch to finished masterpiece. UGallery is always available to answer questions about your piece and the process, and we can arrange any meetings you'd like to have with the artist along the way.