Community Call: Building Artist–Gallery Relationships with Sarah Traver

What makes a strong and lasting relationship between a gallery and an artist?

Join us for our October SOLA Community Call featuring Sarah Traver, director of Traver Gallery, for an open conversation about how galleries support, represent, and collaborate with artists. Sarah will share insights from her years of experience building long-term relationships with artists—including her work with the late Ginny Ruffner, whose creative legacy continues to influence the gallery today.

We’ll explore questions like: What do galleries look for in an artist relationship? How can artists best advocate for themselves when working with galleries? How does representation evolve over time?

Whether you’re represented, self-represented, or just starting to explore gallery partnerships, this session will offer valuable perspective and practical advice.

Free and open to all. Bring your questions, curiosity, and community spirit.

About Sarah Traver:

Sarah joined her father in business in 2004. As President of Traver Gallery, she works on all facets—from strategy and sales to design and installation. With degrees in art and education, she works to keep focus on the gallery's mission as a space for learning, the sharing of ideas, and insight. She is beloved by our artists, clients, and community for her sincere interest and generous spirit. Sarah also serves on the board of Artist Trust and Pratt Fine Arts Center. When she is not working, she can most likely be found playing in the wilds of Washington or trying out a new restaurant in Seattle or abroad.

About Traver Gallery:

For over 40 years, the Traver Gallery has served as a platform for the visual arts, providing artists with a space to explore their ideas and share their discoveries with the world. They are dedicated to representing artists at all stages of their careers — emerging, mid-career, and established — with a focus on those who work with materials in unique and innovative ways. Traver Gallery is one of the country’s premier exhibition spaces for contemporary studio glass, painting, sculpture, and installation art.

Traver Gallery is located on the Ship Canal at 1100 W. Ewing St. in Seattle. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.