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| My sculptures alongside the many wonderful artists BlueStone represents |
One of the many pleasures I enjoy as an artist are the relationships I have become a part of in the gallery world. Pam Regan of BlueStone Gallery has become a friend and art confidant. She offers complete professionalism and represents my work with enthusiasm. Please see her comments below about how she started her gallery and what the gallery means to her as a business owner. I delight in showing my work with such a person.
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| Left to Right- Pam Regan, Erin Humphreys of Philadelpha Style Magazine and myself |
'I got started in the art gallery business soon after my
sister lost a short 18 month fight with breast cancer. My sister, Martha and I were very close. We were both school teachers and after she
died, I didn’t want to return to the classroom.
So, starting the gallery was actually my husband’s idea. We have a few original works of art, and I’ve
always kept a list of artists that I would like to add to my collection.
I started by looking for a gallery location in Old City,
Philadelphia. Old City is where we came
regularly to visit galleries. Once I
found the right location, I started contacting artists from my wish list. In my eyes, it was kind of like contacting
celebrities. However, everyone was so
welcoming and supportive.
While all of this foundation was in the works, I read
everything I could about running a art gallery.
It is a known fact that 85% of all new galleries don’t celebrate a two
year anniversary. Our two year anniversary
is May 2013.
My gallery is best known for being approachable. We strive to have a warm environment with
artwork at numerous price points. We
work with the established collector to the first time buyer.
Bluestone opened during an already well established economic
slump. I knew that the art world was
hurting financially. My plan has been to
learn and establish my gallery during this slow period. So when the economy turns around, I’ll know
my stuff and be ready to fully represent the artist who has joined me on this
journey.
One thing that I find discouraging in the art world is that
many people don’t value original art.
They will buy $100 pair of jeans, but not a $100 painting. They will buy a 1.5 million dollar house,
hire an interior decorator, and fill it with wall hangings from the local
discount store. Artwork, like jewelry or
fine china can be handed down from generation to generation.
Shelly, the comments I receive about your sculptures are
always amazing. People are very open with
their thoughts on if a work of art is good or not. And, I’ve never heard a discouraging word
about your sculptures. I think this is
because your sculptures are like nothing they have seen.'
