Starting an Online Art Gallery: A Journey of Supporting Artists and Giving Back

by Sandie Schafer, Owner and Curator of Abstrakt Gallery

 

When I first decided to start an online art gallery, I didn’t exactly have a master plan or a clear roadmap. What I did have was a vision, a desire to create a space where emerging and underrepresented artists could showcase their work, and a deep desire for giving back to society in a meaningful way. Please enjoy my journey—the highs, the challenges, and the beautiful experiences that have come from supporting talented artists and connecting with charitable causes along the way.

The Spark: Why an Online Gallery?

The idea of an online gallery started to take shape during an art show that I was accepted into.

Like many artists, getting accepted into a show is a moment of real excitement and pride. I was thrilled when I started receiving acceptances to multiple online galleries, and I couldn’t wait to share the news with my followers! I eagerly posted about the shows on social media, linking to the galleries where my work was being featured. When the shows finally launched, I was initially excited to see my pieces displayed alongside other artists’ work.

But as I browsed through the galleries, that excitement quickly turned to disappointment. The design of the online platforms was clunky, and the shows themselves were poorly organized. It became clear that the presentation didn’t match the caliber of the art being featured. Instead of feeling proud, I felt embarrassed—like my work was part of something unprofessional. Honestly, it broke my heart. The paintings that were infused with my heart and soul—works I was so proud to share and have others appreciate—were displayed on a site that felt cheap and unworthy of my art. I started to worry that visitors to the gallery would see my art as just another piece in a lackluster, poorly-curated show. It made me question whether my work was truly valued or if I’d been accepted simply because I’d submitted it. Im sure other artists felt the same way. In that moment, I realized how much the presentation and curation of a show can impact an artist's confidence and perception of their own work.

I also noticed that there was an abundance of incredible artists out there, many of whom struggled to find the right platform to showcase their work. Local galleries, for all their value, could be intimidating and exclusive, and the digital space felt like an untapped resource for true artistic expression.

At the same time, I saw an opportunity to leverage the gallery as a platform for good. Art has the power to create dialogue, raise awareness, and inspire change. I realized that through this online gallery, I could support not only the artists but also charitable organizations that were doing meaningful work in the world. The concept started to take form—why not create a space where artists could thrive while simultaneously giving back to causes that were close to my heart?

Supporting Artists: A Personal Mission

Supporting artists has always felt like a personal mission. Whether it’s an abstract painting that speaks to your soul or a photograph that captures a fleeting moment of beauty, art has a unique ability to connect us to something greater than ourselves. Many of the artists I’ve worked with have been passionate about their craft but lacked the resources or connections to share their work with a larger audience.

Through the gallery, I’ve tried to offer more than just a place to display their art—I want to create a supportive environment where artists feel seen, heard, and valued. This means offering fair commissions, providing feedback when requested, and sharing opportunities for artists to grow. The beauty of an online gallery is that it allows for diversity in art, medium, and style. From painters to digital artists, photographers to sculptors, the gallery becomes a melting pot of creativity that reflects the richness of the art world itself.

I’ve made it a priority to feature artists from all walks of life, particularly those who may not have had access to traditional gallery spaces due to systemic barriers. By spotlighting emerging artists, I hope to give them a platform to be discovered while also enriching the cultural conversation.

The Power of Art for Good: Charitable Partnerships

One of the things I’m most excited about is using the gallery as a tool for social good. A portion of the proceeds from every piece sold in a Gallery show is donated to charitable organizations that focus on causes, such as environmental conservation, mental health support, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Art has always been a reflection of society, but it can also be a catalyst for change. I firmly believe that when artists and philanthropists join forces, they can make a lasting impact. Every time someone buys a piece of art from the gallery, they’re not just acquiring a beautiful work—they’re supporting a cause they believe in, whether it’s funding mental health initiatives, supporting underprivileged children, or helping communities facing environmental challenges. Art has the power to heal, inspire, and build bridges.

The Challenges: Building a Community

Of course, starting an online gallery has had its challenges. There’s a lot of noise in the digital world, and getting the attention of art lovers, collectors, and even just casual browsers is no easy feat. But one of the things that has keeps me motivated is the sense of community I’ve seen blossom around the gallery. It’s not just about selling art—it’s about creating a shared space where people can connect with art, artists, and causes that matter to them.

The Future: Expanding, Evolving, and Giving Back

As the gallery continues to grow, I’m excited about what the future holds. I’m working on expanding the number of artists we work with and finding new ways to integrate social responsibility into every aspect of the gallery. One idea I’ve been exploring is the creation of an artist-in-residence program, where artists are invited to create new work inspired by a specific cause, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of those works going to charity.

I’m also planning to develop partnerships with schools and community organizations to create art education programs that provide access to artistic resources for underserved communities. There’s so much potential in the digital space to break down barriers and provide opportunities for people who may not have had access to art otherwise.

At the end of the day, this gallery is more than just a business venture—it’s a passion project, a labor of love, and a reminder that art has the power to make the world a better place. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or someone who simply appreciates creativity, I hope this gallery can be a space where you feel inspired to make a positive impact.

Final Thoughts: The Intersection of Art, Community, and Charity

Starting this gallery has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting the arts and making a difference in the world. Whether it’s through purchasing a piece of art, sharing an artist’s story, or supporting a cause that matters to you, we all have the power to contribute to something larger than ourselves.

If you’ve ever thought about starting an online gallery or supporting an art initiative, I encourage you to take that first step. The journey may not always be easy, but the rewards—both personal and communal—are more than worth it. And in the end, we all benefit when art helps to make the world a better, more connected place.