Artist Mentoring

Artist Mentoring with Joe Bembridge, at Gallery Merrick

From his experiences as a theatre practitioner, sales associate at the prestigious Canada House Gallery, and as a gallery owner and curator, Joe Bembridge brings his variety of skills to assist commercial artists in navigating their artistic exploration and the commercial art industry.

In his mentoring sessions, Joe will review your portfolio and provide honest, straight-forward feedback on your work from a commercial gallery standpoint. He will coach you on how to approach galleries and recommend some that could be a good fit for you. While booking just one session will be valuable, Joe encourages artists to book a package of three. Having multiple sessions means Joe can check in on your progress and your work, encourage you and hold you accountable for your growth as an artist. 

"Are you pouting after rejection or stuck with the same old thing because it has been successful in the past? Are you wanting to sell your work to people other than friends and family? I recommend Joe Bembridge from Gallery Merrick for a few mentoring sessions. He has a gallery owner’s eye and offers opinions and advice from that perspective, which is very different from a teacher.
I have to say, there was no sugar-coating from Joe. He was very direct, but also very kind. He was organized and prepared for our sessions. He sent me away to do some work, and had some very good suggestions to help me become unstuck.
I have been painting in an intentional way for about 4 years, and prior to that was a dabbler. I have taken a few courses, have experienced ups and downs with trial and error, and have had some success in shows and selling. Who knows what the right course of action is when you’re struggling with your art. I can honestly say that Joe was helpful to me at this point in my artistic career. He has a beautiful energy and enthusiasm too."
-Shelley Hordiyuk

Mentoring Sessions can be done in person or online through a zoom meeting, and are offered in 30min sessions for $65, or a package of 3 sessions sessions for $170. To schedule your mentoring session with Joe, send a message through the form below and he will reach out to you within 24 hours. Please include any links you have to your website or portfolio.