March 06, 2008

When Good Things Go Bad...


It was a very good run...

Good food goes bad when it's not consumed, not used, not fully appreciated. Good galleries suffer the same fate. It's especially hard to watch high expectations, hard work, excellent presentations suffer from lack of appreciation. A souring economy doesn't help. This gallery had so much promise... a really terrific space in a mid century light industrial neighborhood seeing a resurgence with upper end shops and restaurants. But big spaces mean big utilities and after seven years the bottom line just wasn't there.

I will miss walking into the gallery to the owner's cheerful greeting, delightful repartee, encouraging support and hugs. She put everyone at ease and I'm sure it paid off when making the sale, but sometimes it just comes down to timing and a few decent breaks... which are not always within your control.

I was 'found' by this gallery, just as we were making the move from NOLA and they were opening the doors. After they contacted me and I visited the space, I didn't even check with other galleries in the area, the feeling was strong that we would be a good team. And we were. They sold well for me and payment was always immediate. They've given me two primary exhibitions, one in the huge front room in 2005 and the other in the usual presentation room in 2007. I couldn't ask for more.

So now... looks like I will be looking for another local representative. Not a chore I look forward to because I was hoping this would be my 'forever' gallery... but not to be...

8 comments:

Andrea and Kim said...

Karen, I am so very sorry for this loss to you and to the art world. Recently, I have heard of so many brick and mortar galleries having to close their doors! It is sad this is one of them.

I wish you the very best in your search for a new local place to show your wonderful work. I am sure you will not have any problems finding a place which works for you.

Joanie Gagnon San Chirico said...

I was going to ask you how you felt about them closing, then visited your blog and saw your post. N has been so wonderful, she's so sweet and I'm sure customers must love her too. But as you said, the overhead must be tremendous. I hate to see her close, but I understand. It's just sad.

Joanie Gagnon San Chirico said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CMC said...

Sorry to hear about the closing. I had hoped it would all work out.

Karen Jacobs said...

We all feel the loss when a good rep goes down. I'm going to try to visit tomorrow (Fri) and hope I can say something worthwhile...

Daphne Enns said...

I feel badly for the owner. Trying to live out our dreams is so important-especially if the owner was a genuinely good person.

I hope it won't take a great effort for you to find someone to represent you.

Helen said...

Hi Karen, I've been reading with interest from the wings. Do you think that they will try the venture on a different scale or location?. They must also have other connections to galleries and would maybe be able to help get further good contacts going on your behalf... not that you can't do it yourself of course but every little word of mouth helps doesn't it. look forward to seeing how you get on. All the best

Karen Jacobs said...

Wasn't able to visit the gallery today, will try again as I would like to suggest that I give her as a referral. Being referred by another gallery has worked for me on several occasions in the past. Fortunately I have not put all eggs in one basket and my other reps are taking turns doing a decent job for me. But I feel it's extremely important to have a good local rep as time marches on. There are a number of well established galleries in town... I just dread starting over again.