By: Immy Tariq

In an industry that often feels pay‑to‑play, Marianne Galasso built something radically different: a platform where artists don’t have to spend a dime to get started.

“Talent shouldn’t come with a price tag,” she says. “Art is already hard enough. The system doesn’t need to make it harder.”

That belief is the foundation of EFAB, Galasso’s curated fine art platform. Designed for high‑quality, emotionally resonant work, EFAB gives artists a way to reach collectors without the usual overhead — no listing fees, no framing costs, no storage bills. Just a straightforward path from creation to connection.

What The Traditional Model Gets Wrong

In most gallery settings, the artist carries the risk. They’re expected to front costs for materials, marketing, and presentation — often before their work ever sells. If it sells.

“It’s backwards,” Galasso says. “We’re asking vulnerable creators to take a big financial hit.”

That structure discourages many emerging voices. It privileges those with disposable income or institutional backing. And it creates a landscape where too much great work never gets seen — not because it isn’t good, but because it’s unaffordable to share.

Zero Overhead, Full Support

EFAB flips that script. When an artist joins the platform, they don’t pay to be listed. Pieces are only framed and shipped after they sell. Galasso and her team manage logistics, ensuring the artist can focus on creating.

“We wanted to remove every barrier we could,” she says. “So the only thing that determines success is the work itself.”

The model is rooted in equity, not volume. EFAB doesn’t need to show hundreds of pieces. It needs to show the right ones. That curation‑first mindset makes the platform manageable — and meaningful — for both artist and buyer.

Thinking Ahead: Supporting The Community Sustainably

Right now, EFAB operates on a no‑upfront‑cost basis. But Galasso is open to evolving the model in ways that still protect artists while ensuring the platform’s long‑term health. One idea on the table: a minimal “pay‑it‑forward” contribution for those who can afford it, helping cover platform costs for artists who can’t.

“It wouldn’t be about charging for access,” she explains. “It would be about building a self‑sustaining community where the success of one artist helps another get their start.”

Such a model would maintain EFAB’s accessibility while creating a shared sense of investment in the platform’s future — without returning to the high‑barrier, high‑risk model that keeps so many out.

A Platform Designed With Artists In Mind

Galasso knows the unseen work behind every piece. She’s spent decades helping artists get their foot in the door, from corporate installations to gallery placements. But too often, she saw brilliant talent sidelined by economics.

“It broke my heart,” she says. “I’d meet artists who had the vision and the skill, but not the startup capital. And they were stuck.”

With EFAB, she’s giving them a way out. Artists keep their focus on the work. EFAB handles the rest. No algorithms. No paywalls. Just thoughtful curation and full‑service support once a sale is made.

Building A Sustainable Creative Economy

Beyond individual sales, Galasso sees EFAB as part of a larger shift. She wants to build a sustainable model — one where artists aren’t dependent on hustle culture or endless side gigs to survive.

“Creativity shouldn’t be a luxury career,” she says. “It should be viable. Scalable. Thriving.”

That’s why EFAB invests in visibility, context, and connection. Every piece is accompanied by narrative. Every artist gets attention. It’s not mass distribution — it’s focused discovery.

Buyers Get Clarity, Too

While the no‑cost model is designed for artists, collectors benefit as well. EFAB’s clean, curated interface makes buying art less overwhelming. Pieces aren’t buried in endless scrolls. They’re presented with purpose, making selection feel intentional and personal.

“Buying art shouldn’t feel like shopping for socks,” Galasso says. “It should feel like choosing a part of your life.”

That emotional clarity builds trust. And in a digital market flooded with options, trust is everything.

What Happens When Artists Don’t Have To Hustle

Galasso has seen it firsthand: when artists aren’t burdened with backend logistics, their work evolves. They take risks. They explore. They grow.

“When survival isn’t the first goal, creativity flourishes,” she says.

EFAB’s model proves that. Several of its artists have expanded their collections, sold internationally, or re‑entered the art world after stepping away. The platform becomes more than a storefront — it becomes a lifeline.

Rewriting the rules of entry

Ultimately, Galasso’s model is about access. It’s about removing the financial gatekeeping that keeps too many artists on the sidelines — while also thinking about how to keep the doors open for the long term.

“Art shouldn’t be locked behind money,” she says. “And neither should opportunity.”

With EFAB, she’s rewriting the entry rules — making it possible for artists to build real careers, not just side projects. And whether the future includes a voluntary contribution model or remains entirely free to join, her commitment is clear: EFAB will always prioritize the artist first.

In a world that asks creators to give everything before they earn anything, Marianne Galasso is offering something different: a fair start, a trusted platform, and the space to thrive.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional or financial advice. EFAB’s business model, as described, is subject to change and may vary based on evolving platform policies and community needs. Participation in the platform is not guaranteed to result in financial success, and individual results may vary. Artists and buyers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with professionals as needed before making any decisions related to the platform. EFAB does not make any claims regarding the financial or artistic success of its users.