We're still new, but I can boast about the fact that into my second year of shows, there's only been one that didn't sell anything - and that only because there hadn't been any print options at the time.
I maintain hopes that I might be able to help a few more of the pieces in my current show up, Riddles by Raz Rotem find permanent homes.
This piece, called Tzav Tzvi, a visual representation of intersectional word play representing the artist's exploration of life as an immigrant, just sold yesterday!
There is a stipulation on most of the works in this show that they need to be retained by the artist until he finishes his dissertation in March, but art is worth waiting for, so the client is fine with that.
It's interesting to learn the ropes as I go, curating a gallery. The first year spent so much time and effort working 100% directly with the artists in person, developing trust, and clear repetition of where we are. When we opened this place, there was no business around us. One year ago, nearly to the date, everything on this level of the building was abandoned and derelict. We barely had lights outside.
Our first guests told me excitedly that the space was like New York in the 80's. Equal parts dingey and exciting.
I think the overall vibe hasn't changed too much, but now most of the units in this place have started to fill up, there are lights on in the hallway, security is around at all times, and all of us who work here make a point to say hi to each other and check in when anything weird happens.
But yes, trust was the first issue. I can see how slowly it develops. I went from the first year having to reach out to people to keep my timeslots booked to having a bit of a wait list. That's big.
Next, I have to work on the trust of the patrons. I've noticed that people who have already been to shows here are exponentially more likely to purchase a piece than anyone who has come for the first time. This is not to say that never happens, but it seems to me that trust earned is what will keep us alive and growing.
So here's to 2024, and to gathering community.
~Rachel
Rachelsvparry @ gmail.com