February, 2009 - Art World News
Transcription
February, 2009 - Art World News
Art World News FEB RUA RY 2009 THE INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE MA STERPIECE TO HOST EDUCATIONA L A ND INSPIRATIONA L EVENT FOR SEL ECT GA L L ERIES Mas t er p i ec e Pu b l i s h i n g has announced that select galleries will be invited to its ArtMP2009 trade-only learning experience to be held April 27 and 28 at its headquarters in Irvine, CA, and at its showroom in nearby Laguna Beach. The company is also currently holding a contest, open to galleries who are not existing clients, to win a free trip to the event. Full details appear on page 27. CA UTIOUS OPTIMISM AT THE WEST COA ST A RT & FRA ME SHOW Although fewer people attended the Wes t Co as t A r t & Fr am e Sh o w in Las Vegas in January, those that did were “quality buyers,” and the mood at this trade-only event was one of cautious optimism. “Nobody is pretending that it is not tough right now, but there is still a lot of activity,” said Wild Apple’s John Chester. Article begins page 16. CROWN THORN P UB L I S HI NG COMPA NY PROFIL E “We believe that if traffic is slow, make some traffic. Have an artist appearance, a book signing, a charity event,” says James Thorn, co-owner with his wife Ruth-Ann of Cr o w n Th o r n Pu b l i s h i n g and two Ex c l u s i v e Co l l ec t i o n s galleries. In depth company profile begins, page 44. A RTIST VITA E: E RI C CHRI S T E NS E N Eric Christensen, whose originals and prints are represented by Er i c Ch r i s t e n s e n F i n e A r t & Ed i t i o n s, tells how his career evolved through combining his love of gardening and fine wines in his paintings. Full article appears on page 41 White Space Gallery is located in downtown New Haven, CT. FOCUSING ON THE TOP 20% FOR SALES Gallery owners are finding that by focusing on their top-tier customers—who can account for as much as 80% of a gallery’s sales—the result is a stronger return on marketing efforts and better sales margins. According to surveys, the cost of acquiring a new customer runs eight to 10 times more than the cost of maintaining existing ones. What gallery owners have deduced from this information—more than ever in this economy—is that it is vital to keep these top tier customers pleased and coming back. “It is always wise to keep current customers happy,” says Eric Dannemann, president of Martin Lawrence Galleries. “The idea is never to have a client purchase once, but to develop a relationship so that they become collectors and “Dawn of a New Day” by pass on the same enthuPhilip Gray, an Irish artist siasm to family members newly signed by Kennebeck and friends who may in Fine Art. Turn to page 10. continued on page 20 THE WIN-WIN OF A RT FOR SCHOOL K IDS Vivian Kistler suggests that galleries and frameshops looking for a “cause” tie their business to their local school system. Page 32. Donald Duck’s 75th Anniversary” One of the most popular of the Disney cartoon characters, Donald Duck made his debut in the Silly Symphony cartoon “The Wise Little Hen” on June 9, 1934. This limited edition celebrates the 75 year anniversary of the classic Disney icon. Hand-Painted Limited Edition Cel 75 piece hand-numbered edition Comes with Certificate of Authenticity 8 colors Measurements: 10.5 inches by 12.5 inches Alice in Flowers Alice in Wonderland (1951) follows Alice and her adventures after falling down a rabbit hole. This Limited Edition features Alice before her adventure, dreaming of a more exciting life. Hand-Painted Limited Edition Cel 195 piece hand-numbered edition Comes with Certificate of Authenticity 14 paint and 9 line colors Measurements: 10.5 inches by 12.5 inches Plane Crazy: Ears Flying “Plane Crazy” debuted on May 15, 1928 and was co-directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, and was the first time Mickey and Minnie Mouse were animated. This Limited Edition features the couple in the midst of a highly eventful plane ride. Hand-Painted Limited Edition Cel 195 piece hand-numbered edition Comes with Certificate of Authenticity 5 paint colors Included is a Black Top with circle cut to mimic original overlay Disney elements © Disney. The Simpsons and Fox Studio Art logo © 2009 Twentieth Century Fox Fim Corporation. /XFDV¿OP/WG ©2009 Cartoon Network. HALO ©2009 Microsoft Corporation. ( 8 1 8 ) 2 5 2 - 1 5 0 0 www.acmearchivesdirect.com VOLUME XIV ISSUE 2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS A RTISTS & PUB L ISHERS Pag e 10 FRA MING Pag e 32 B RA NDING Pag e 34 CAL ENDA R Pag e 40 ARTIST VITA E Pag e 41 DOSSIER Pag e 44 NEW A RT Pag e 49 GA L L ERY L IGHTS Pag e 50 Cautious Optimism Vivian’s Voice: Frameshop Tips At the WCAF Artaissance Debuts Biltmore Prints The West Coast Art & Frame Show was smaller this year, but those that did attend were the cream of the crop. Vivian Kistler discusses how encouraging the understanding of art is an investment in the future of our industry. Artaissance, publishing division of Larson-Juhl, presents The Biltmore Collection of over 270 exclusive images. Page 16 Page 32 Page 34 Artist Vitae: Eric Christensen Dossier: Crown Thorn Publishing New Art Releases Eric Christensen presents collectors of his paintings with a snapshot of the good life, California-style. Crown Thorn’s owners talk about the importance of being aggressive in marketing and advertising in this economy. New Art features current releases in an array of mediums, as well as company contact information. Page 41 Page 44 Page 49 OPEN EDITION PRINTS Pag e 51 SECONDARY MA RK ET Pag e 52 CL ASSIFIEDS Pag e 53 A DVERTISER INDEX Pag e 54 A r t wo rk f eat u r ed i s “ Co l d Cal l ” b y Ro b er t Dey b er f r o m Ch al k & Ver m i l i o n Fi n e A r t s In c . Tu r n t o p ag e 49 ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 7 IN OUR OPINION SERVICE TRUMPS SALES n this economic environment the most valuable asset each gallery possesses is not the art in the drawers or the guilded frames in the storage room. It’s the list of customers—new, old, and potential that should be the nearest thing to the heart of every shop owner and salesperson. I The solution for the economic challenges facing the art and frame industry are to be found only in small part in the “product” we sell. The larger part of the solution is dependent on the nature of the “service” we offer. The hardest part in closing a sale today is not so much the availability of discretionary income of a customer (don’t get me wrong, the scarcity of consumer dollars out there is appalling) but the psychological barriers that exist within a customer. it before they pull the trigger. Specifically, this means that every salesperson needs to have the skill and talent to overcome the emotional objections of a buyer. If they can’t get beyond the frailties, fears, and anxieties of a customer, the odds of completing a sale are significantly diminished. Successful dealers have always benefited from a process that links the ownership of art to the psychological disposition of their collectors. So, on one hand, most seasoned veterans are experienced enough to succeed on the current economic battlefield. However, many dealers are now, to continue to metaphor, far from battle ready as they, too, are suffering from the very same paralysis that has frozen their customer base. If you’re serious about success and see a potential path that leads you out of difficult times, “Get Going!” Now is the time to act. The reality in this marketplace is that in order for a person to make a purchase they need to first feel it, then think John Haffey Publisher ARTWORLDNEWS.COM INDEPENDENT UNBIASED EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP ARTWORLDNEWS.COM RANKED BY GOOGLE AS ART INDUSTRY’S BEST PAGE 8 A RT W ORLD N EWS Editor in Chief Managinn g Editor Proo d uction Manager Editor at Large Columnist Co ntributing Writers Publisher Associate Publisher Information Tecc hnologist Saarah Seaamark sseamark@optonline.net Koll een Kaffan kkaffan@optonline.net Suu e Bonaventura awnimage@optonline.net Jo Yanow-Schwartz Todd Bingham mo@tbfa.com Vivian Kistler Julie Macdonald Jim Nowogrocki Syy lvia Tiersten John Villani John Hafff ey jwhaffey@aol.com Brooks Male jbmale@aol.com Joe Gardella Editorial Advisory Board Philll ip Gevik, Gallery Phillip, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada Steven Hartman, The Contessa Gallery, Cleveland, OH Phillip M. Janes, Arts Exclusive, Inc, Simsbury, CT Heidi Leigg h, Animazing Gallery, SoHo, NY Ruth-Ann Thorn, Exclusive Collections Gallery, San Diego, CA ADVERTISING SALES INFORMATION Eastern U.S. & International Midwest & West Coast John Haffey, Publisher Phone (203) 854-8566 Fax (203) 854-8569 jwhaffey@aol.com Brooks Male, Associate Publisher Phone (847) 705-6519 Fax (847) 776-8542 jbmale@aol.com Art World News (Volume XIV, Number 2) ISSN 1525 1772 is published monthly except for June and August by Wellspring Communications, Inc.: 143 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853 Phone (203) 854-8566 • Fax (203) 854-8569; To order additional copies or back issues email: jbmale@aol.com or fax to (847) 776-8542. Please indicate which month and year you are requesting. Single copy price is $10.00. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from the publisher. A RT WORLL D NEWS ARTISTS & PUBLISHERS Fazzino’s Superbowl Print & Poster Ali and Obama Images from Bull Charles Fazzino once again was commissioned to create the commemorative 3-D painting for the Superbowl, now available as a limited edition print and poster through Museum Editions, New Rochelle, NY. The giclée in an edition of 150 with a 12 1/2- by 16-inch image sells for $900; a deluxe edition is also available. Proceeds from sales benefit Judi’s House, a nonprofit founded by Tampa Charles Fazzino’s official print and Bay Buccaneers’ Brian poster image of the Super Bowl Griese who was on XLIII game between the Pittsburgh hand with Fazzino for Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. the unveiling at Nuance Galleries, Tampa. Call (914) 654-9370 or: www.fazzino.com. Artist Simon Bull was recently commissioned by the Muhammad Ali Center to create two acrylic on canvas paintings depicting both Muhammad Ali and President Barack Obama. The paintings were then Bull’s “Looking Toward the Future" is availdonated by able as a giclée on canvas in an edition of 44. Ira Shore, president and CEO of Fine Art Management Corporation, as a gift to the new president. Hand-embellished giclées on canvas in editions of 44 of both images are available, measuring 30 by 30 inches ($7,995). Call Simon Bull Studios, Sand City, CA, at (831) 393-9131 or go to: www.bullart.com. Scott Jacobs’ New Harley Posters Harley-Davidson officially licensed artist Scott Jabobs is releasing the first six images in a new poster collection including “Field of Dreams,” shown. All of the posters measure 30 by 24 inches and retail for $39.95. The other five titles are: “At Your Service,” “I Ride My Own,” “Riders on the Storm,” “100 Great Years,” and “Freedom Riders.” For more details, contact Scott Jacobs “Field of Dreams” by Scott Jacobs, Studio, Rancho Santa one of five new poster releases. Fe, CA, at (303) 4314453 or go to the website at: www.scottjacobsstudio.com. PAGE 10 Kennebeck Fine Art Signs Gray Kennebeck Fine Art LLC of Louisville, CO, has signed Irish artist Philip Gray to exclusively represent the artist’s oils, pastels, and graphics in the U.S. Retailing from $5,500 to $5,800, G r a y ’ s “Dawn Of A New Day” is an oil by Philip seascapes Gray measuring 32 by 32 inches ($5,500). are influenced by his 17-year career as a diver for the Irish Navy. Call (303) 665-5549 or go to: www.kennebeck.com. ART T WO ORLD NEWS What’s new from Chalk & Vermilion Ass Nine, 11¼ x 11¾ inches Your High Horse, 11¼ x 11¾ inches Cold Call, 11¼ x 11¾ inches Booze Hound, 11¼ x 11¾ inches Robert Deyber Call us today for more information about these extraordinary new hand-crafted lithographs. Ask about the newly released book, Robert Deyber, A Language All His Own from Jenkintown Press. CHALK & VERMILION FINE ARTS inc 55 Old Post Road #2, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 Voice: (800) 877-2250 Fax: (203) 869-9520 www.chalk-vermilion.com S mail@chalk-vermilion.com © 2009 Robert Deyber and Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts A&P Farley’s New World Prayer Series Todd White Releases First Sculpture Artist Malcolm Farley, best known for his sports and entertainment paintings, has released his World Prayer Series featuring images of various religions. Available as giclées on canvas and paper in editions of 250, sizes are 40 by 20 inches and 24 by 12 inches. Retail prices range from $395 to $1,800. For more information, telephone Malcolm Farley Fine Art, Las Vegas, at (303) 431-4514 or visit: www. malcolmfarleyfineart.com. For more on the artist’s sports and entertainment work, call Soho Editions, Irvington, NY, at (914) 5915100 or go to the website: “Tranquility” by Malcolm Farley. www.sohoeditions.com. 8 Days Management, Los Angeles, has published the first sculpture by Todd White titled “Delicate,” a bronze with a cold patina finish in an edition of 75. Measuring 10 by 27 1/2 inches, the sculpture’s retail price is available upon request. In related news, the artist is expanding into Japan with his WHITE Tour in September of this year, as well as releasing artwork in Holland, Germany, and Aus- “Delicate” by Todd White. tria. His work is currently available in the U.S. and in the United Kingdom. For details, call (323) 842-8850 or go to: www.artofwhite.com. Rosenbaum’s Indiana Donation M a r v i n Rosenbaum of Rosenbaum Contemporary Art, Boca Raton, FL, donated to the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Rosenbaum Contemporary Art’s Marvin an original Rosenbaum, far right, is pictured with Boca s i l k s c r e e n Raton Museum of Art’s executive director e n t i t l e d , George Bolge and curator Wendy Blazier. “HOPE” by Robert Indiana, the follow-up to the classic “LOVE” graphic and sculpture. “HOPE” was created in support of Barack Obama’s presidency and was unveiled at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. The museum is currently organizing an exhibition of Indiana’s work planned for January 19 to April 11, 2010. For more details on Indiana’s artwork, telephone Rosenbaum Contemporary Art at (561) 994-9180 or go to: www.rosenbaumcontemporary.com. PAGE 12 David O’Keefe Featured on TV Show Pop artist D a v i d O’Keefe and his artwork were featured in an interview for Star Watch, a celebrity and cinema themed entertainment “Star Watch” host Sam Hallenbeck displays show, coin- a caricature of himself created by Pop artist ciding with David O’Keefe during the show taping. the festivities surrounding the 2009 Superbowl. Highlighted throughout the interview were the artist’s sculptures of sports figures, paintings of iconic Pop culture, and celebrity portraits. Host Sam Hallenbeck was also treated to a caricature sketched by O’Keefe during the show. For details on the artists’s work, call David O’Keefe Studios Inc., Tampa, FL, at (813) 254-5056 or visit: www.davidokeefe.com. ART T WO ORLD NEWS Our business has never been stronger Join us and prosper… SEATTLE S EATTLE LA L A JO JOLLA O LLA BOSTON SAN FR ANCISCO NEWPORT BEACH MAUI Picasso, Chagall, Erté, Warhol, Haring, Kondakova, Deyber, Mas, Miró, Bertho, Rembrandt and many others. If you’ve got the right stuff, contact us today! Martin•Lawrence Galleries w w w. m a rt i n l aw r e nc e .com h (80 0) 87 7-2250 h c a r e e r s @m a rt i n l aw r e nc e .com Los Angeles (818) 508-7867; Newport Beach (949) 759-0134; La Jolla (858) 551-1122; San Francisco, Geary Street (415) 956-0345; San Francisco, Beach Street (415) 229-2784 Seattle (425) 454-0222; Maui (808) 661-1788; New York City (212) 995-8865; Boston (617) 369-4800; New Orleans (504) 299-9055; Chicago (630) 954-3033; Dallas (972) 716-5335 A&P Teleky Acquires Black Image Rights Edward Claywright’s “Sonata” is available in two sizes. Bruce Teleky Inc. has purchased the rights to images from the ArtOrg.com corporation, formerly known as Essence Art whose exclusive focus was African American imagery. This acquisition means that Bruce Teleky of Brooklyn, NY, and his affiliated company, American Vision Gallery, have one of the largest collections of African American images in the country. Among the artists represented are Frank Morrison, John Holyfield, Cornell Barnes, Synthia Saint James, and Edward Claywright, whose “Sonata” is shown. Call (718) 965-9690 for further information, or go to the company’s website located at: www.teleky.com. Andrew Wyeth Dies at age 91 Andrew Wyeth, one of America’s greatest modern painters, known for capturing the people and landscapes of Pennsylvania’s Brandywine River Valley, died on January 16 at the age of 91 at the Wyeth family estate in Chadds Ford, PA. The subject of this beloved artist’s paintings was the rural bleakness of an America lost to the 20th century. Although his realist PAGE 14 views of hardscrabble rural life became icons of national culture, they also sparked debate about the nature of modern art. Born in Chadds Ford, his father, N.C. Wyeth, a painter and also an illustrator of books such as Treasure Island and The Last of the Mohicans. He too found beauty in melancholy. Andrew Wyeth is survived by two sons, Jamie, the Saint James Commemorates Obama Los Angeles-based self-publishing artist Synthia Saint James debuts “Fire Rainbow Obama,” a giclée on c a n v a s available in three sizes, each in an edition of 300 in celebration of President B a r a c k Obama. The sizes are: 24 by 30 “Fire Rainbow Obama” by Synthia St. James. i n c h e s ($750), 18 by 22 1/2 inches ($650), and 12 by 15 inches ($400). In related news, the artist is celebrating her 40th year as a professional artist with a licensing agreement with bookstore chain Barnes and Noble to feature her artwork on various merchandise, as well as on their website (www.bn.com) this month in celebration of Black History Month. Call (323) 993-5722 or: www.synthiasaintjames.com. painter, and Nicholas, an art dealer. Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, a converted 19th century grist mill, houses hundreds of artworks by three generations of Wyeths. “The Bedroom” by Andrew Wyeth is an open edition print published by New York Graphic Society and measuring 25 by 18 inches. For more, visit: www.nygs.com. ART WO ORLD NEWS A RTEXPO NEW YORK , FEB RUA RY 26–MA RCH 2, S H OW H I GH L I GH T S NEW YORK—Among the highlights at A r t ex p o New Yo r k , February 26–March 2, is the second edition of the Artexpo Hall of Fame, hosted by Jane Seymour. This honorary event made its debut last year when 35 publishers, artists, and personalities who helped build the industry were acknowledged. Returning to the show is Dec o r Ex p o at A r t ex p o . Also new to the show this year is the Artexpo Global Green Challenge when environmental artist Wyland will lead the initiative to raise awareness of environmental issues in the art world through several “green” events with exhibiting artists and the community. Once again, the International Art Business Conference will provide an expanded education series of seminars that are designed to provide artists and dealers with ways to strengthen and maintain their businesses, expand their customer bases by reaching into other industries, and survive a down economy. Artexpo is a trade and consumer show owned by Summit Business Media and now marking its 31st year. The first two days of the event, Thursday and Friday, are trade-only days. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are for the trade and consumers. Show hours are: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For further information, visit the websites located at: www.artexpos.com and: www.decor-expo.com. PAGE 16 ‘CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM’ AT WCAF The mood at the 10th annual this year offering more than attitude about what the fuWest Coast Art & Frame 100 seminars and work- ture holds. “People know Show was one of “cautious shops (held over four days) that they can’t necessarily optimism” according to on topics ranging from the control the market, but they Framerica’s Dave Rosner, a fundamentals of framing, can stay as upbeat as possisentiment felt by many ex- mat cutting, the master se- ble and that will help them to hibitors and attendees alike. ries, gilding, sales and de- control their own environWith 215 companies exhibit- sign, profit and manage- ment. Buyers are just being ing in 527 booths, more careful with the and approximately products that they do 2,428 attendees, the buy. It’s nice to look three-day, trade-only out and see a busy show and National trade show floor. NoConference held at body is pretending the Las Vegas Hilton, that it is not tough featured framing right now, but there is suppliers, equipstill a lot of activity.” ment, and art publishers. Those people First time exhibitor who were in attenNational Geographic dance were looking Framerica’s vice president of business Maps had a line of to buy, but just being development Josh Eichner, left, and senior people snaking down more aware of the vice president of marketing Dave Rosner. the aisle on the first products they were day waiting for a catapurchasing. ment, technology, and com- logue and to speak with the mercial framing by various company’s representative, Last year, 3,360 people industry experts, such as Christy Schoonover. “This attended the show, while Art World News’ columnist show brought in many more 259 companies exhibited. Vivian Kistler. contacts than expected,” International attensaid Ms. Schoonover. dees this year were “We gave out hunaround 90, and travdreds of catalogues elled from countries and price lists.” As like Australia, Brazil, business for National and China. Around Geographic Maps 300 attendees were began to slow down described as being last year, they either from Big Boxes searched for new venor OEMs. “There ues to offer their open may have been fewer edition prints. “We reattendees than last alized that expanding year, but those that Wild Apple owner John Chester and key into the framing mardid come to Las account salesperson Sarah Donington stand ket would be a good Vegas were quality in front of the Wild Apple Open Studio images. move for us.” To buyers,” said show meet the needs of the While the current eco- new market, the company manager Rob Gherman. “Lots of orders were written nomic climate hung heavy created two new sizes that over many people’s heads would be more conducive to over the three days.” during the show, attendance frameshop sales. Greg Perkins of Larson- was unexpectedly robust on Juhl noted, “While the at- the first day, with the second Many exhibitors met with tendance may have been and third winding down their key accounts, even if down from last year, those slowly. Noting the positive some companies had scaled that we have met with have energy of the show, John back a bit from previous been the cream of the crop.” Chester of Wild Apple felt booth spaces and show exThe show is also the home that many were being realiscontinued on page 18 of The National Conference, tic, but maintaining a good ART WORLD NEWS H E R B E R T A R N OT ’ S OP E N HOUSE DEB UTS WORK FROM THE ESTATE OF CHRISTIA N NESVA DB A He r b e r t A r n o t NEW YORK—H In c . has been asked, as the artist representative of Christian Nesvadba, to release the last group of paintings created by this artist just before his tragic death last October. This collection, which is seen as a “retrospective of Christian’s beautiful life as an artist and his artistic accomplishments,” is available for viewing, by appointment, at the Herbert Arnot Open House in New York City which is currently taking place (end of February through early March). Among the paintings are, at top, “Abstract in Fireworks,” 27 by 27 inches, and “Bursting in Reds on Blue,” 35 by 35 inches. For an appointment and for free limo service during Artexpo to the Open House, call (212) 245-8287, e-mail: arnotart@aol.com or: www.arnotart.com. The address is: 250 West 57th Street, New York. PAGE 18 WCAF ROUND UP continued from page 16 penses. “In this economy, you do have to prioritize,” said Image Conscious’ John Munnerlyn. “We did mull over whether or not to do the show at all. Once we had decided to do it, we then felt that taking a smaller booth space and to be more conservative with the amount of artwork we brought would be a good move for us. Those changes helped us immediately slash our trade show cost.” pleased. In the end, it’s about getting the bodies into the show and into our booth. The mood has been more positive than expected.” The company’s booth drew crowds with its Bentley’s Wheel of Fortune where attendees could spin the wheel and win up to $100. Bentley featured new work dying breed. The cost to participate is high, and the outcome is never guaranteed so people have to weigh the pros and cons of participating. Many will probably choose to put that money spent on trade shows into other outlets, such as visiting customers one on one.” Many feel that they need to mix things up a little to keep customers on their feet. Keith Tomaszewsky of S2 Art Group encouraged his customers during the show to visit the company’s nearby atelier Notable highlights to see how S2’s fine at the Image Conart lithographs are scious booth were Raymond E. Granger of Joan Cawley Gallery made. Located on posters by Aleah at the Bentley Publishing Group booth. East Charleston Koury, Gregory Lang, Boulevard in the cenLorraine Christie, Alan by various artists, including ter of the Las Vegas Art DisBlaustein, and black-and- 12 new images from Joan trict, the S2 Atelier is a white photos of Barack Cawley Publishing, the com- 22,000-square-foot facility Obama. using Voirin presses origipany’s newest member. nally used in Parisian ateliers Lonnie Lemco of World Exhibitors at the show, by artists such as Mucha Art Group met with and Toulouse-Lautrec. many customers that New at the S2 booth were from the hospiwas work by M. tality, healthcare, and Kungl, Tom Everhart, corporate markets. and Patrick McDon“Those are three nell, whose “To Do major channels of List: Stop and Smell business for us the Roses,” a fine art these days as their lithograph in an edimarkets have been tion of 350, drew posstronger. It works itive reactions from out well because if attendees. one area begins to Heidi Knodle, owner of Cadre, San Francisco, weaken, there are and Greg Perkins of Larson-Juhl after the class, James Blakeway of still the other two Creating Consumer Demand for Fine Framing. Blakeway Panoramas channels to go to for featured his collecsales.” The show marked sponsored by Picture Fram- tions of university arenas the first appearance of the ing Magazine, did acknowl- and NASCAR images. “We company as the newly edge the changing role of are trying to be proactive named World Art Group, trade shows, and some feel and that’s why we began from its previous Old World that they may become less doing the collegiate posters. important in running a busi- It opens up a new market for Prints. ness. “Trade shows used to us with a built in audience. In At the Bentley Publishing be great advertising for a this economy, the best thing Group booth, Tony Barrett company and a good way to to do is to dive in with both was pleased with the out- bring in new customers,” hands and feet,” Mr. Blakecome of the show. “Given says Top Art’s Scott Blish. continued on page 26 the current economy, we’re “Today though, it’s almost a ART WORLD NEWS ATL ar t 09 B RINGS GA L L ERIES TOGETHER ATL ar t 09, held ATLANTA—A January 22 to February 8, throughout the city featured events like gallery openings as a three-week celebration of visual arts in Atlanta benefiting The ATLart Foundation, The Atlanta Ballet, and The Georgian National Ballet. Other events included museum exhibits and lectures. Hosts, Th e A t l an t a Gal l er y A s s o c i at i o n (AGA), created ARThouse, an Italian Baroque-style mansion referred to locally as “Pink Palace” due to its original stucco color and dogwood trees that grow along the entry drive, which was transformed into various showrooms for the 13 gallery members of the AGA. On display were paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media available for sale. The mansion’s premises were also transformed into an outdoor sculpture garden featuring the work of the late American Master Frederick Hart. AGA, a non-profit professional association of Atlanta art galleries, is dedicated to promoting visual arts and increasing public awareness of Atlanta as a major international art center and ensuring its position as the cultural capitol of the south. For more details, telephone the AGA at (404) 237-0370 or go to: www.atlart.com. PAGE 20 FOCUSING ON THE TOP 20% continued from page 1 turn become collectors.” At Martin Lawrence Galleries, with 12 locations nationwide, tracking all of their collectors is par for the course. the artist go to the client’s home, if the purchase has warranted it. And this year we are planning a client appreciation party—kind of an open house during the holidays. “Client lists are considered to be of the utmost importance,” says Mr. Dannemann. “Each consultant has their own unique style and agenda, but most contact clients on a regular basis throughout the month to provide them with advance notice of new releases, rare art that has become available, and special exhibits.” “We are going to have some local artisans set up in the store with gift items for sale and, of course, food, but this is not really meant to be a money-making event. It is simply a ‘thank you’ to our be an incentive to come in and try us. We invited them to come meet the staff, tour our showroom, learn about our artists, and get to know the gallery. The response has been very nice, and we have earned customers from it.” Ms. Smith and her staff also work hard to come up with personal and thoughtful ideas when it comes to gift giving for repeat buyers. “We recently had a very good customer participate in a local cancer charity walk. As a gift to her, we made a significant donation to the Top tier charity in her art buyers name. People value being The Art Shop Inc., located in Greensboro, NC, has been in appreciate part of an business for 110 years, having opened its doors in 1899. the per- sonal exclusive nature of the group, and galleries know clients for their business. gifts. If a stamp is released that customers appreciate The payoff will come later.” honoring a certain artist and personal gifts, private evewe know one of our collecnts, and special offers. At Art Expressions Gallery tors is a fan, we will send a in San Diego, Patti Smith sheet of the stamps to them “Our top clients are in- makes an effort to find cus- with a personal note. And I vited to attend private ‘Meet tomers that will come back always send a children’s the Artist’ teas or dinners,” time and time again. “We try book if a collector becomes Mr. Dannemann continues. to pinpoint long-term or re- a mother or a grand“Personal information is peat clients,” she says, “and mother. For us, it’s not really kept on file and consultants you can never guess. We let about how much they may send birthday cards every single person that en- have spent with us, but that and gifts to clients and their ters our gallery know that they have become repeat family members for special customer service is very im- customers.” occasions and as a ‘thank portant to us. you’ for purchases.” Ms. Smith has also in “One recent initiative was vited some of her best colLenny Dolin of The Art to send out gift certificates lectors to be her guest at Shop in Greensboro, NC, to people that had come to various community events provides social events for the gallery, but never bought that she often attends, such his best customers. “We in- from us. The certificates as holiday celebrations and vite our special clients to were for a certain dollar fundraisers. have dinner with the artist,” amount, good towards cuscontinued on page 22 he says. “We’ve even had tom framing. It was meant to ART WORLD NEWS Crown Thorn Publishing Today's Top Artist Would you like to carry THREE of the top selling artists in the country? Christopher M. Asencio Michael Flohr Come to our sales training seminar to find out how your gallery can benefit from the success of these top artists! Send your staff to learn our proven systematic approach to selling fine art! East Coast Training Atlanta March 23, 2009 West Coast Training San Diego March 31, 2009 We are offering this sales training FREE (A $800 value per person) to our current dealer network and those pre-qualified galleries considering becoming a Crown Thorn Publishing authorized dealer. &OR MORE INFORMATION CALL s CROWNTHORN COXNET WWWCROWNTHORNPUBLISHINGCOM DAVID O’ K EEFE STUDIOS L A UNCHES PROGRA M TO H E L P GA L L E R I E S Dav i d O’ K eef e TAMPA, FL—D St u d i o s In c . has launched the L.E.A.P.P.$. Program for galleries and frameshops in an effort to help increase the frequency of purchases made by their customers with a selection of items by the artist that range in multiple price points. The program, which stands for Limited Editions, Apparel, Puzzles, Paintings, Sculpture features items such as a giclée on canvas of “The Godfather,” a giclée on canvas of “Lucy,” a 12-pack of designer Godfather cotton T-shirts, and two six packs of collectable jigsaw puzzles depicting former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The program also offers retailers the opportunity to take, on consignment, the choice of one of four images depicting either Aretha Franklin, the ’65 Beatles, the ’69 Beatles, or Bruce Springsteen, shown above. The latter giclée is in an edition of 195, measuring 36 by 36 inches, retailing for $1,095. Also included in the program are promotional and display materials. For further information on the artist’s artwork or the L.E.A.P.P.$. Program, telephone (813) 254-5056 or go to: www.davidokeefe.com. PAGE 22 TOP 20% OF CLIENTS continued from page 20 tomers, which is very laborintensive. Leigh Fogle of Fogle Fine Art & Accessories in Jacksonville, FL, says that when it comes to identifying who that top tier customer is, it takes a very attentive gallery staff. Jaime Dowell of Studio 7 Fine Arts, nestled in the heart of downtown Pleasanton, CA, says that the loyalty of local collectors has kept her business going through the years. “We have a very loyal clientele,” she says. “What keeps them coming back is not that we target them per se, but that we offer a diverse range of art at a vast range of price points. That actually allowed “People think that the best customers are the ones that are at all the show openings and are always talking about their purchases, but often it is those that quietly come in during the week and buy the most expensive piece discreetly that are our biggest customers.” we feel that it is more important than ever to make sure that they are treated like gold. We want their devotion to be earned. We have collectors that go ‘art searching.’ They may find some- thing that they like online, in magazines, or in other galleries, and then they will come back to us and ask if we can get it for them.” One way to identify exactly who the top buyers are is to create a profile for each customer that includes information easily accessed by all sales, marketing, customer service, and accounting staff. The profile helps to personalize the sales strategy, At White marketing, and relaS p a c e tionship building Gallery in process. It never New Haven, hurts to find out CT, Denise more about a cusParri spoke tomer’s life, not just of creating Studio 7 Fine Arts in Pleasanton, CA, features a diverse their art buying an environ- array of artwork including paintings, limited editions, habits. ment that sculpture, hand-blown glass, and custom framing. makes peoBasic informaple feel comfortable enough us to make more sales last tion collected for the datato return, even if it is just to year than we had the previ- base includes name, addconnect with the art. “Cus- ous year.” ress, telephone numbers, etomers tend to come back mail addresses, names of to us because we are like a Another boost to sales at family members, and place rejuvenation for them. Art is Studio 7 is an expansion that of employment and title. so connected with the soul took the storefront from a While it may seem obvious and when people take the side street located off Main in this Internet-driven world time to stop by the gallery Street to actually being on that e-mail is a cost-effective on their lunch break, it be- Main Street. “For years we and immediate way of correcomes like a mini-retreat for were the best kept secret in sponding with customers, them. It results in them re- Pleasanton and now we’re it is still very important to turning to us for new art, right on the main drag. Walk- get the customer’s permisnew artists, and friendly con- ins are something very new sion to contact them in that versation. We actually get to for us.” fashion. know our clients as friends.” Before the expansion, it Another benefit to e-mail The investment that all was the faithful clientele who is the ability to immediately businesses make in keeping kept the sales coming in. inform customers of gallery existing collectors smiling Today, it’s a mixture of old activities, press coverage, can be less expensive than and new. “Since people continued on page 24 the cost of finding new cus- have been really loyal to us, ART WORLD NEWS A UDIO SA L ES TRA INING CD OFFER FROM TODD B I N GH A M F I N E A R T VISTA, CA—In the spirit of supporting retailers during a season when our industry is struggling, Ar t Wo r l d New s and To d d Bi n g h am Fi n e A r t want to help. When times are trying, art sellers should not abdicate the basic precepts of selling. The audio training seminar sets offered by Todd Bingham Fine Art are a case in point. The sales training books written and published by Todd Bingham in association with Art World News, offer fundamental and advanced sales techniques for art galleries. Five of Mr. Bingham’s bestselling books, unabridged and read by the author, are available on CD at a special price. Each title contains three audio CDs that comprise up to three hours of training. This 13-hour comprehensive course on the craft of selling serves as a way to conduct sales training sessions with staff, or review lessons in a car or office. And for a limited time, Todd Bingham Fine Art is offering AWN readers this special offer: • Order the Manual for Art Sales at its regular retail price ($49.95) and receive any other audio set at no charge, or order the complete set of four titles at 50% off and receive the fifth set, Hiring and Training Art Sales People at no charge. A $100 savings. We’ll even pay shipping and handling (First class shipping included within the U.S. For priority add $5. International is also available.) Order online at: www.todd binghamfineart.com, or by calling Mo at (800) 697-8935. (Mention this AWN offer when ordering.) PAGE 24 TOP 20% OF CLIENTS continued from page 22 and honors, all of which helps to build the relationship with collectors and raise the status of the gallery in their eyes. Even when it comes to e-mailing customers that have visited the gallery only once, the contact will help keep the gallery in their realm, so if they are looking to buy art again, the business will be in the forefront of their mind. “E-mail has become vital to our growth,” Mr. Dolin says. “Being in a non-tourist area as we are, we don’t have the luxury of a lot of walk-in traffic. We do have an e-mail database with over 5,000 names in it and it is broken down into what artists people are interested in. Our ‘open rate’ on these specific artist-related e-mails is much higher than a generic-type newsletter that might cover several different topics.” At Studio 7, Ms. Dowell can’t imagine not having email as part of her business. “It’s absolutely crucial. We do a lot of back and forth with customers, answering questions for them on sizes, prices, and sending them pictures. They also like being in the loop as far as gallery events and new arrivals. The other advantage is that you’re not calling them on their cell phones and bothering them. This way they can read the e-mail and respond when it’s convenient for them.” Obviously, a record of sales is part of any business’ accounting, but including that information in each customer’s profile helps to track the sales. Data such as an- nual amount spent, what services the customer requested, special offers that they acted on, events that they attended, and what time of year they made the most purchases, becomes invaluable to the gallery. This information will help to market to them at the right time, as well as presenting them with the right artwork. Upkeep of the database is critical. Staff must get into the habit of consistently updating the information and use each interaction as a way to learn a little more about the person, while also verifying existing particulars. It allows staff to focus on key customers. “It is always important to take note of what a client sees in a piece of art,” Mr. Dannemann says. “Being a good listener is one of the biggest rules of sales.” Six or more interactions should provide a full profile of the client. A salesperson armed with this data will have the advantage in a business where personal connections are not just between the artwork and the art buyer, but also between the buyer and the gallery. Ms. Dowell feels that her collectors like the non-competitive atmosphere in her gallery due to a “shared” commission policy among sales staff. “I think that it makes for a more comfortable and relaxed situation for the customer because this way they each get the same close, personal attention, rather than everyone pouncing on the big spenders. The staff all work together and it’s a friendly team environment. There is no competition and no battles for sales.” An added benefit to using profiles is that they are useful in analyzing which events, services, and marketing strategies bring in the best results, as well as which attracted existing and which attracted new customers. Mr. Dolin adds, “It does cost more to develop new clients than to get more sales from existing ones, but we are always striving to increase our customer base. You lose 20% of your clients every year due to relocation, etc., and you have to be able to replace those sales.” For Ms. Fogle, her primary goal and that of her staff is to develop great relationships with people, and then let the economics fall into place. “We are more likely to acquire new customers through the successful relationships that we have with existing clients, than we are running advertisements or trying to develop a name on a lead sheet into a customer. Making friends through friends is easier, more equitable, and more personally rewarding.” Mr. Dolin agrees. “We want our sales staff to be empathetic,” he concludes. “We try to listen to customers and find out exactly what they are looking for. If a salesperson truly cares about finding the right piece for a client, and not just about making a sale, that one-time customer will become a repeat art buyer.” Article is by Koleen Kaffan, Managing Editor of Art World News. ART WORLD NEWS Lucy Limited Edition Giclee On Canvas 48 x 36 Edition of 25 32 x 24 Edition of 75 16 x 12 Edition of 250 Order Today Limited Editions • Apparel • Puzzles • Paintings • $culptures The LEAPP$ program is an outside-ofthe-box approach that dramatically increases the frequency of purchases made by your gallery patrons. Receive unique art with a fresh look & appeal, promotional & display materials, and a selection of David O’Keefe Studios’ items that range in price points. Effectively balance today’s economy by giving your patrons multiple buying opportunities at a variety of price points. David O’Keefe Studios, Inc. • Tampa, FL • 813.254.5056 www.davidokeefe.com MA X MOUL DING A PPOINTS S C OT T L A J E U N E VP OF SA L ES Max LOS ANGELES—M Mo u l d i n g has announced the appointment of Sc o t t L aJ eu n e as Vice President of Sales. An industry veteran, he has spent over 30 years in the custom framing business holding various management positions. Mr. LaJeune will be responsible for all of Max Moulding’s product sales, as well as the company’s sales force. He can be reached at Max Moulding’s Atlanta office. The phone number is (888) 8836055 or e-mail him at: scott@maxmoulding.com. FRA MERICA’ S A NNUA L FOOD DRIVE B ENEFITS L OCA L CHA RITY YAPHANK, NY— Fr am er i c a’s ninth annual food drive built upon prior successes to this year raise funds sufficient to purchase bulk quantities of food estimated to benefit more than 1,000 people. Each holiday season Framerica employees contribute food and money, with the final tally doubled by the company. John Occhiogrosso, Framerica’s trade show coordinator, managed the effort again this year. All monies raised were used to purchase bulk quantities of food which were then personally delivered by Framerica’s staff. To reach the company, visit: www.framerica.com. PAGE 26 WCAF ROUND UP continued from page 18 way said. “It is unrealistic to think that you’re going to go to a trade show and spend all your time writing up new orders, but this show has definitely exceeded our expectations.” the show this year. Also, it’s always good to touch base with our customers and show them that we have plenty of new products.” Fotiou also let attendees know about their new Los Angeles location, opening in the Spring. Big at the company’s booth were frames featuring rust colors. vative expectations, and the show has exceeded them.” New items included mouldings made of recycled BonanzaWood. Stuart Cohen of Max Moulding noted that big sellers for the company were discounted pieces and closeouts, along with new lines inFirst time exhibitor cluding Le Provence, Scorpio Posters Inc. Patine Rouge, LATTA, came to this year’s Hampton Classics, show at the recomSan Marco, and Siena. mendation of their “It’s important to keep clients. “Some of everyone motivated. our customers told Now is the time to reus that this was a vamp your frameshop good show for us walls, clean up your into do, so we thought ventory, and keep we’d take the staff and customers chance,” says the excited.” company’s Brian Pictured at the Applejack Art Partners booth Edmiston. New are, from left, Denise Mekita, Jim Giller, Lisa A big draw at the prospects were met, Henke, and Alain Pelletier during the show. Larson-Juhl booth was as well some of their their Biltmore CollecWest Coast customers. At Framerica’s booth, Mr. tion featuring moulding deRosner believes that in order signed to resemble that of From the U.K., Visoni Ltd. to get customers excited the architecture and furnishof Hothfield, Kent, displayed about selling in their own ings found in the famous colorful, bold, retro images frameshops, exhibitors need Asheville, NC, home. Also including posters on display were Arfrom the ’50s and taissance images cre’60s for British Airated from the Biltmore ways. “Part of our Collection. “We have appearance at this been pleasantly surshow has been to prised by the optioffer customers free mism of the people shipping,” said Eddie that we have met C. Hemmings. “That with,” said Larsonhas been very apJuhl’s Mr. Perkins. pealing since we are “There has been an based in England, obvious cutback in customers can make Christy Schoonover, sales manager for spending, but people a purchase and not National Geographic Maps, stands beside are still looking have to worry about maps sized specifically for framers. for new products. any overseas shipThey’re just being ping costs.” to be one step ahead with more careful.” the products and services On the framing side, at- being offered. “What we’re Decor Moulding, which tendees were looking for doing differently this year, is had launched its revamped new trends, colors, and de- that we’re doing more,” Mr. website (www.decormoulding sign ideas that they could Rosner said. “We’re intro- .com) recently, advertised it take home to keep their ducing more cutting-edge throughout their booth. Omeframeshops evolving. “We mouldings. We brought 115 ga Moulding debuted the Meplaced a lot of sample or- new items to the show. I tropolis, Chloe, Panache, Senders,” said Tara Crichton of think that sends a very good timents, and Sorbet lines, the Fotiou Frames. “That has message to customers. We continued on page 30 made it worth it for us to do came here with very conserART WORLD NEWS ‘EXPERIENCE THE VISION’ WITH MASTERPIECE Masterpiece Publishing is inviting select galleries to “Experience the Vision” ArtMP2009, a learning and inspirational event to be held April 27–28 at its Irvine, CA, headquarters and at its fine art showroom in Laguna Beach. into the world of Masterpiece Publishing and to show you that these times do not have to be as tough as they seem.” Mr. Slavin says that artMP2009 promises to be “a dynamic event rich with new art, sound business insights, inspirational heroic installations, presentations, fine dining, exceptional purchase opportunities, and more.” At the same time, Masterpiece is holding a contest for galleries who are not existing clients to win a free trip to the event including The presentations in the airfare and four days and artMP2009 program, given three nights at the luxurious by guest speakers who are St. Regis Hotel overlooking all on the Board of Directors the ocean at Laguna Beach. of Masterpiece Publishing, Those interested in entering will address business and the contest can fill out and marketing techniques. submit the entry form on this page, along with photoSays Daniel Winn, CEO graphs of the of Masinterior of the terpiece What you do to set P u b l i s h gallery, or go online to the “We yourself apart from ing, c o m p a n y ’s will be the competition, website: talking www.master about the especially in piecepublish economic today’s challenging c l i m a t e ing.com. and what times, is what In addition we can draws people into to presenting do in the your gallery. the artwork environof Masterment that piece Pubis ‘outlishing’s artists, the focus of side the box.’” All of MasterartMP2009 will be on helping piece’s artists will be in galleries to do better busi- attendance to meet with ness in this harsh economic gallery owners, directors, environment. and staff, and to talk about their artwork. Artists repre“What you do to set your- sented by the company inself apart from the competi- clude Arian, Boban, Darida, tion, especially in today’s Desjardins, Garcia, Reines challenging times, is what Renzo, Tuan, M.L. Snowden, draws people into your Tarnowski, and C. Torres. gallery,” says Randy Slavin, CFO of Masterpiece PublishFor further information, ing. The company is hosting visit the company’s website artMP2009 in support of its located at: www.masterpiece galleries, as well as its art- publishing.com or telephone ists, to bring you (the gallery) (800) 795-9278. ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 277 L A RSON-J UHL RECEIVES TWO CHA IN-OF-CUSTODY ENVIRONMENTA L CERTIFICATIONS WCAF ROUND UP continued from page 26 latter featuring soft colors such as pistachio, blue, rose, peach, and coconut. Crescent’s booth featured its new Moorman Sheer Silk Fabric Matboards available in 16 new colors for size 32 by 40 inches and eight new colors for 40 by 60 inches. The line uses European fabrics. NORCROSS, GA—LL ar s o n J u h l is launching the company’s first moulding and matboard products that have been awarded chain-ofcustody certification by two respected worldwide organizations. These certification organizations are the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The B i l t m o r e Fr am e Co l l ec t i o n is PEFC certified and Th e A r t i q u e B i l t m o r e Co l l ec t i o n of solid color core matboards is FSC certified. “Part of Larson-Juhl’s mission statement has always been to improve the world we live in, and I’m proud to say Larson-Juhl has a long history of being environmentally responsible,” says Steve McKenzie, president and CEO. “We now, however, realize that being green is only part of the story. In addition to the environment, when we think of our world’s resources, people, and financial resources are also very important.” Both Larson-Juhl’s Lira and Archobalegno manufacturing facilities have received PEFC status. In addition, all of its distribution centers are now FSC certified. For more information, visit: www.larsonjuhl.com. PAGE 30 were doing well, even with the current economic situation. “I had a customer say to me, ‘We’re doing really well,’ as though it was almost a guilty secret. I think that retailers’ attitudes have become too dependent on what they hear in the news.” SpecialtySoft featured an offer for a free entry level what you have learned.” After eight years attending the show, Ms. Eller now comes mostly to buy new moulding and to take classes on business and framing design, since she has most of the equipment that her business needs. Attendee Glen Baillie, owner of Baillie’s Picture Framing in Grand Bend, Ontario, hasn’t been to a trade show in seven years, but felt that since the At the Nielsen Canadian economy Bainbridge booth, hasn’t been affected The ECO Care earth the way the U.S.’s friendly frames were has, he may be able on display, as was to find some barthe collection of gains. Mr. Baillie didMartha Stewart Pictured at the World Art Group’s booth is n’t participate in any Framed Photography vice president of sales Lonnie Lemco. classes due to his featuring giclées of schedule, but did photographs taken by software as a show special. come to the show looking for Martha Stewart of her fa- Lifesaver Software’s booth new equipment, moulding vorite places in her home, featured information on new designs, and color trends. “I garden, and travels. Ms. website templates for a do still think that it is imporStewart also chose the minimal fee and $20 mainte- tant as a framer to come to hand-finished wood frames nance. this show and see what is and mats. out there and what is happening in the inAt the Tru Vue dustry.” booth, Doug Simon noted that many atAlso featured durtendees were at the ing the show was a show looking for inProduction Pavilion formation and industhat consisted of intry news. “The show dustry experts and went really well for us manufacturers demoin that we met with a nstrating software, lot of our existing equipment, and techcustomers and some Educator Brian Wolf gives a demonstration nology for the picture new. All of them have of Wizard International’s Integrated Framer IF framing industry. Prebeen really positive.” Visualization and Retail Management software. senters of the pavilTru Vue showcased ion were PFM Prodthe advantages of their 1, 2, For show attendee Betty uction, Art Materials Service, 3 Museum Glass point-of- Eller, owner of Park Avenue Beale Ashe, Framerica, Gunsale retail demonstration Gallery & Frame Shop in nar International, Frameware, system, as well as the Op- Cañon City, CO, the smaller SpecialtySoft, Ultramire, and tium Museum Acrylic and size of the show made it Valiani-North America. Museum Glass. more manageable for her to take it all in. “It can be very The 2010 West Coast Art In its tenth year of exhibit- overwhelming to visit each and Frame Show is slated ing at the West Coast Art booth and to learn all about for January 25 to 27 at the and Frame Show, Special- the new products, trends, Las Vegas Hilton, with The tySoft’s Jeannette King said and techniques. It’s impor- National Conference beginthat some of her customers tant to be able to take home ning January 24. ART WORLD NEWS Things are tough . .. but we need to continue to do the things that work...creating a compelling sales presentation and closing that presentation is essential — in good times and bad. www.toddbinghamfineart.com \ 800 697 8935 Books written exclusively for the Art Gallery • A Manual For Art Sales Fundamental Sales Methodologies for Selling Art in Any Context • Increasing Your Art & Framing Sales • The Ten Minute Sales Trainer 36 Death-Defying Sales Training Articles • The Ten Minute Sales Trainer 2 26 Life-Giving Sales Training Articles © 2009 Todd Bingham Fine Art Vista, CA 92084 Sales Management, Marketing & Sales Promotion for the Art Gallery • Painting the Picture Creating the Compelling Art Sales Presentation • THE YES TRAIN mmIndustrial Strength Techniques for Closing the Sale This, as well as our other books & CDs on art gallery sales training, is produced in association with FRA MERICA UNVEIL S HA MMERED B RONZE Vivian’s Voice Artistic Reading Fr am er i c a’s YAPHANK, NY—F newest offering, Ham m er ed B r o n ze, featuring an old world beaten bronze finish is a first for the company and also an exclusive. Manufactured in Framerica’s EPP Downstream certified facility, the moulding is available in various profiles ranging to 4 inches. Call (800) 372-6422, www.framerica.com. STUDIO MOUL DING INTRODUCES GRA NO St u d i o CARSON, CA—S Mo u l d i n g introduces Gr an o, a faux walnut grain finish moulding featuring a matte black lip and back edge. Available in five widths, including a shadowbox with a rabbet depth of 2 7/8 inches, Grano is designed for sports memorabilia and object framing. Call (800) 262-4174, (310) 835-2323 or visit: www.studiomoulding.com. PAGE 32 Stories, fiction or non-fiction which include the lives of artists or of the museum world in general, are my favorite reads. Many of these are not the great novels of all time but are quite enjoyable from my point of view. Here are a few of my favorites: The Painted Word by Thomas Wolf; this a “must read” for all personnel in the gallery that carries modern art. As an art dealer you will enjoy Recollections of a Picture Dealer by Ambroise Vollard. The recollections are of his dealings in the Parisian art scene while he was acquiring art and dealing with Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Renoir, and Gauguin. Some of the sections meander but I scan through the pages and pick up on a topic or person. You will find stories very similar to what art dealers do today. Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King. Filippo Brunelleschi’s design for the dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence remains one of the greatest architectural achievements. The story starts in 1420 when Brunelleschi won a competition over his rival Lorenzo Ghiberti to design the cupola. If you have been to the Domo in Florence you will enjoy the details and stories of daily life during the building of the cathedral which was completed in the year 1436. In the category of “half history, half fiction” you can’t beat Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. The book is much more detailed than the movie. There is a similar tale about the Cassatt family in Paris by Harriet Scott Chessman, Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper. I’ve got Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean in the “to-beread” stack. My current favorites are letters to or from artists. Lovingly Georgia is the complete correspondence of Georgia O’Keeffe and her friend Anita Pollitzer with nearly 200 letters, as well as sketches between 1915 and 1968. It really brings her art to life. My other favorite is or non-fiction will net you hundreds of books. Happy reading! The Value of Art Recently I was asked to judge a high school student art show. I was stunned to see that several mediums were not represented in the show. The entries consisted of pencil and charcoal drawings, watercolor paintings, computer-aided drawings, photography, and ceramics. No serigraphs, no block printing or oil or acrylic paintings, because failed school levies and general budget cuts have taken their toll on art programs in schools. According to the teachers, the lack of supplies and therefore the lack of inIf you are looking for a struction is a result of ‘cause’ to tie to your many years business, consider your of failed local school system. school levies. If the budget Encouraging the underwas cut 10 standing of art is an years ago and the art investment in the future department of our industry. continued to function without losing Letters to Lucien by Camille any students, there is no Pissarro. Lucien is his son awareness that something and he writes to him weekly. was lost, and little chance The letters include wonder- that new money will be alloful stories of Pissarro meet- cated for the arts. In recent ing Renoir and his family on years some levies have a train. Comments about been passed but art departcolors and what he liked to ments are not receiving use for different areas of a enough funds to revive the painting. The letters take full curriculum, which now inplace in the 1880s. Both of cludes regular updating of these books are out of print computers. but still available through If you are looking for a used book sellers. Any search of art fiction continued on page 40 ART WORLD NEWS BRANDING ARTAISSANCE DEBUTS BILTMORE PRINTS by Sarah Seamark Rich imagery from the library and archives of Biltmore House, the French Renaissance-inspired chateau near Asheville, NC, is being made available by Artaissance, publishing division of Larson-Juhl. The Biltmore Collection is comprised of over 270 exclusive images straight from George Washington Vanderbilt’s vast library. Commissioned by Vanderbilt, third son of family founders Cornelius Vanderbilt and Sophia Johnson, and opened on Christmas Eve in 1895, Biltmore House boasts more than 250 rooms with four acres of floor space filled with priceless collections of furnishings, artwork, books, and more. As an avid reader and ardent book collector, Vanderbilt began to amass the volumes for his own library at the age of fourteen. That private library eventually grew to 23,000 volumes, many of them rare and limited editions, devoted to a variety of subjects including art, architecture, furniture, landscapes, and travel. And it is on these topics that Artaissance is focusing. Steve McKenzie, president and CEO of LarsonJuhl and Artaissance, has personally made 12 trips over the past 18 months to PAGE 34 Biltmore to oversee the creation of the Biltmore Collection that is made possible through a licensing agreement with Biltmore. tion of fine frames for today’s homes. The art and framing collections are a part of the “Biltmore For Your Home Collection.” Larson-Juhl initially developed a relationship with Biltmore for the purpose of Branding It is anticipated that the relationship with Biltmore will bring many new visitors to the Artaissance website ( w w w. a r t thatfits.com) which will in turn bring customers to brick-andmortar custom frameshops who are participating in the Artaissance program. Artaissance was “The Farewell,” a reproduction of an antique founded to further adprint marries well with modern furniture vance the when dramatically enlarged to 40 by 67 relationship inches. The retail price is $756 in this size. between creating the Biltmore Collec- framers, artists, and clients. tion of mouldings in six pro- Customers can browse the files. Inspired by the tradition, imagery selected from the elegance, and grandeur of Biltmore library on the interBiltmore, the newly released active online catalogue, and moulding collection fuses the select size specifications classic beauty of Biltmore’s and substrates. When they architecture and its magnifi- have chosen an image to cent treasures into a collec- purchase, they then have the option to work with local framers to customize their selections with fine frames. These select custom framers can be found on the Artaissance website, as well as on the Biltmore website, (www. biltmore.com) under the Biltmore For Your Home Collection as of early March. More than one million people visited Biltmore last year—and over four million visited the website. The historic home’s acclaim as one of the most visited historic sites in the country means that many people are likely to want to acquire “a piece of Biltmore” in the form of artwork and framing, observes Mr. McKenzie. Lynn Fey Duncan, Larson-Juhl’s vice president of corporate identity, adds, “The brand awareness of Larson-Juhl and of Biltmore becomes more powerful because you are leveraging the strength of both brands.” To launch the Biltmore Collection of art and framing to the public, Artaissance hosted a consumer press day in New York City. The event was attended by a number of leading publications including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Cookie, and more. continued on page 36 ART WO ORLD NEWS BRANDING ARTAISSANCE continued from page 34 similar culture and values as Larson-Juhl—the companies are run in the same way.” Biltmore, in fact, is the largest home in the country that is still owned by the family. It is a symbiotic rela- In addition, the LarsonJuhl/Artaissance team is taking advantage of the interest in Web communities to introduce select blogs to the art and framing collections. Says Mr. McKenzie, “We have started leveraging the electronic world and pitched to select blogs in order to reach consumers in the way that they want.” About a year ago the company began t r a c k i n g Imagery, such as the series of Hepplewhite blogs that chairs and sofas, have been repurposed and could act as placed on contemporary backgrounds that “spokespeo- correspond to today’s color trends. ple” on the Web for its products. “All of tionship between the comus in the industry want to find panies and one that Mr. that voice that reaches the McKenzie sees as long consumer and tell them of term. “We are talking about the power of art and framing what is to come in terms of to enrich their lives,” he says. art and moulding.” Mr. McKenzie explains the connection between Biltmore and Larson-Juhl’s Artaissance came about through a mutual introduction related to the moulding collection. “That brought us together. And once I got up there I found they have a PAGE 36 Returning to his explanation of how Artaissance’s Biltmore Collection originated, Mr. McKenzie admits that it was prompted by his love of art books.“You can’t put 10,000 books in front of me without my getting excited. I kept thinking what I would not give to know what was in the books—and as I looked at the titles I realized there was a lot of potential (for an art program).” In total, there are 23,000 volumes because there are another 13,000 in the archives. Biltmore invited the Larson-Juhl/ Artaissance team to An entire alphabet has been crebring to the house ated based on the ornate first letter their sophisticated of every paragraph used in old camera that has the English and Italian volumes. capacity to capture 120 megs of information for Landscape design, archieach image. “They let us tecture, furniture, portraits, set up camp in Vanderbilt’s animals, and typography are office,” Mr. McKenzie re- all represented in this new calls. Working from the vol- design resource that ranges umes in the archives, an from a tour of celebrated archivist would turn the English manors and their pages as the team selected the images for reproduction. When a specific image was selected, a s e c o n d archivist would hold up the book for the team to shoot the Among the architectural renderings reproimage. In all, duced as prints is this English Tudor home. some 80 images were captured for formal gardens to plates a total introduction to the representing the detail in market of over 270 prints the work of furniture deand photographs—many of signer George Hepplewhite. them never viewed by the continued on page 38 public before. ART WO ORLD NEWS BRANDING ARTAISSANCE continued from page 36 His shieldback chairs, so representative of elegant late 18th century design, were carved with ornate interlocking patterning with such neoclassical motifs as drapery, feathers, rosettes, and flowers. Elsewhere in the collection are to be found equestrian scenes, garden statuary, religious iconography, and musical instruments. While many of the images are brought directly to the public as they are seen in the original volumes, others can be custom sized and are colored for a more contemporary sensibility. Imagery can read as both authentic historical documents and as more modern expressions. An oversized illustration of a formal English garden, for example, rendered in an unexpected palette brings the antique image into present times. Indeed, the Biltmore Collection for Artaissance reflects not only the splendor of a near immeasurable design resource, but the intellect, curiosity, and passion with which it was collected. The Artaissance collection features a number of series including a complete Biltmore alphabet, a series of contemporary elements re-colored to work with today’s modern decor and, of course, classic pieces such as architectural drawings, portraits, furniture, and PAGE 38 landscapes. “The Gilded Age offers so much inspiration for moulding and art,” notes Mr. McKenzie. The Artaissance team’s addition of a contemporary twist to some of the images brings another dimension. For instance, “Romeo and Juliet,” when blown up to 84 inches tall, is very pow- This creative work is done by Artaissance’s staff with digital experts from Savannah College of Art and Design. It is this team that has re-purposed the imagery, such as the series of Hepplewhite chairs and sofas that are placed on contemporary backgrounds of blue, chocolate, gray, and so on, corresponding to today’s color trends. “We have let our designers express popular trends with color while not compromising the integrity of the etching palette,” At the New York consumer press confersays Mr. ence for the launch of Larson-Juhl and Artaissance’s Biltmore Collection are Steve McKenzie of the modernMcKenzie, CEO and president, and Paula ization of Jackson, product design manager. something erful “and goes well with that is founded in a hand modern furniture.” technique. Thus antique images can become very modern— something the Artaissance team has learned is popular with Gen Y. Through its art offering from the New York Botanical Garden Library, Artaissance found that the young consumer is very interested in purchasing art for their spaces that responds to modernization of images from antiquity—re-purposing them with color and details. Based on the ornate first letter of every paragraph in old English and Italian volumes, the team has created an entire alphabet. No doubt a framed monogram would make a lovely wedding present, notes Mr. McKenzie. Other of the imagery includes floor plans of English Tudor homes and architectural renderings. The concept for Biltmore began in the 1880s at the height of the Gilded Age when George Vanderbilt began to make regular visits to the Asheville area. He loved the scenery and climate so much that he decided to create his own summer estate in the area, just as his older brothers and sisters had built opulent summer houses in places such as Newport, RI, and Hyde Park, NY. His idea was to replicate working European estates. Richard Morris Hunt, who had previously designed houses for Vanderbilt family members, was commissioned to design the house similar to the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Because he wanted the estate be selfsupporting, Vanderbilt set up scientific forestry programs, poultry farms, hog farms, and a dairy, as well as a village and a church. Famous guests to the estate have included author Edith Wharton, novelist Henry James, presidents McKinley, Wilson, and Nixon, and Charles, Prince of Wales. In 1956 the house was permanently opened to the public as a house museum. Today, the estate covers approximately 8,000 acres and is owned by The Biltmore Company which is controlled by Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A.V. Cecil. continued on page 48 ART WO ORLD NEWS CALENDAR February 13–15: The National Black Fine Art Show, 7W New York at 7 West 34th St. & 5th Ave., New York City. E-mail: info@black fineartshow.com or visit: www.blackfineartshow.com. February 13–15: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC. For details, call (843) 723-1748 or visit: www.sewe.com. February 19–22: Quadrum Saca, Bologna, Italy. New Company SRL. For information, phone (011-39) (0) 516646624, send an e-mail to: segretaria@on-nike.it, or: www.QuadrumSaca.com. February 26–March 2: International Artexpo New York. Jacob Javits ConvenVIVIAN’S VOICE continued from page 32 “cause” to tie to your business, consider your local school system (public and/ or private). Encouraging the understanding of art is an investment in the future of our business. The art experience that children receive in school affects them all their lives. They need to learn to value art and give it a place in their lives-and to understand the value of the framing that displays and protects their art! Donate supplies or used equipment. There are many things you could buy wholesale that would benefit the PAGE 40 tion Center, New York. Summit Business Media. Phone (888) 608-5300 or visit: www.artexpos.com. February 26–27: Decor Expo at Artexpo New York. Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York. Summit Business Media. Phone (888) 608-5300 or visit: www.decor-expo.com. February 27–March 2: Works on Paper, The Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue at 67th St., New York. Sanford L. Smith & Associates. Call (212) 777-5218, www.sanfordsmith.com. March 5–8: The Armory Show, Pier 94, New York City. The Armory Show Inc. Call (212) 645-6440 or visit: art department. You could host a tour of your gallery to students—providing they www.thearmoryshow.com. merchandisemart.com. March 5–8: Red Dot NYC, 521 West 25th St., between 10 and 11 Ave., New York. Contact George Billis at (917) 273-8621 or visit: www.reddotfair.com. May 17–19: SURTEX, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City. George Little Management. Call (914) 421-3200 or visit: www.surtex.com. March 5–9: PULSE New York, Pier 40, 353 West St. at West Houston, New York City. Call (212) 255-2327, www.pulse-art.com. May 17–20: National Stationery Show, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City. George Little Management. Phone (800) 272-7469 or go to the website: www.nationalstationery show.com. April 25–30: International Home Furnishings Market, High Point, NC. Call (336) 888-3700, www.ihfc.com. April 30–May 4: Art Chicago, Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. Telephone (800) 677-6278 or: www. broader experience is to make sure kids get to visit museums. Patti Smith of Art Expressions Gallery in San Diego ArtsBusXpress has a was personwonderful tag line: ally impressed by a ‘Today’s Children, trip to the Tomorrow’s Culture.’ museum when she was younger have a field trip bus. Or why —so she started The Arts not bring several of your BusXpress in San Diego. It pieces to the school and ex- is now a funded organization plain them in detail. Rally that utilizes idle school other galleries to participate buses to take groups of chiland perhaps provide sup- dren to local cultural events. plies to broaden the experiences of the students. They have a wonderful tag line: “Today’s Children, ToOne way to provide a morrow’s Culture.” Go to: June 2–4: Licensing International Expo, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. Advanstar Communications. Call (888) 6442022 for details, or go to: www.licensingexpo.com. www.artsbusxpress.org for more details. Cass and Bob Mayfield of Kent, OH, held a fundraiser in their shop (McKay Bricker Gallery) and raised nearly $2,000 to pay for buses that will take kids to the art museum. Find ways to get involved with your local schools—the kids need our help and its good for business. Vivian Kistler is a Certified Picture Framer in the U.S., Guild Commended Framer in the U.K., and she is a Senior Chairholder of the Color Marketing Group. E-mail: Vivian@viviankistler.com or call her at (330) 836-2619. ART WO ORLD NEWS ARTIST VITAE ERIC CHRISTENSEN: THE GOOD TIMES by Koleen Kaffan of the natural environment my paintings in two to three “Collectors were encour“My paintings represent the that is prominent in his weeks. I quit my job then aging me to take advantage good times in people’s work. After encountering a and began painting profes- of all the beauty of the area lives,” says few teach- sionally.” Later, he opened in my work. My paintings artist Eric ers that his own gallery in Yountville, are about being happy,” he Christensen. tried to dis- CA, a small picturesque says. “They are about the “It’s a lifestyle suade him town in the heart of Napa, best of times spent with that we would from be- and divided his time be- your friends, enjoying a all cherish. coming a tween running the business glass of wine, in the garden. Some live it professional and painting, sometimes It’s the California lifestyle and some asartist, he de- right in the gallery itself. that I moved from Utah to pire to have cided to be be a part of.” it.” The life of a botanist. “People would come in soulful relax“Working in and watch me work all the Today, Christensen uses ation with the floral time. After seven years non-standard watercolor friends, some i n d u s t r y though I realized that the paper and employs the drygood wine and helped me gallery kept me limited on brush technique in which he food, and the to develop a how much time I had to starts out with thin washes idea that there unique per- paint. I also knew that there that he then builds to more is all the time spective. I were other aspects of the than 30 subsequent layers in the world Eric Christensen. learned to business that I wanted to go in his hyperrealistic paintare running see things into, such as publishing gi- ings distributed and pubthemes throughout the wa- two dimensionally.” clées and to present my lished as giclées on canvas tercolor work of this selfwork on more of a national in editions from 25 to 150 taught artist. Today his work In 1990 he moved to Cal- level.” It was during this by Eric Christensen Fine Art is represented by more than ifornia and & Editions in 50 galleries across the U.S., painted as a San Jose, as well as one in Norway hobby. “My CA. “In all and one in Venezuela. aunt also of my paintlived in Caliings there Born in Salt Lake City in fornia and is always 1966, Christensen was the bought one something oldest of four children of a of my paintorganic,” he civil engineering father and ings. She says. a homemaker mother. “I ended up was influenced by both of bringing it to “Growing my parents in different a gallery to up in Utah, ways. My mother was very be framed wine was not creative and my father was near her in a big thing, very practical. I took a little Napa and but being in of each of there traits as a the owner Napa Valley, child.” a s k e d “First Ones” is an oil on canvas by Eric Christensen. surrounded where I was by all of its Growing up in Salt Lake showing my work. She said time also that he began to wine culture is when my City, Christensen was in- that I wasn’t and they asked paint more wine scenes and work really began to take volved in a lot of outdoor ac- to meet with me. I did and the natural environment continued on page 42 tivities which led to his love they ended up selling 20 of around him in Napa. ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 41 ARTIST VITAE continued from page 41 off. Some of my great loves are botany, entertaining, and gardening and my work combines the three. These hobbies are a strong presence in my work today.” Paying close attention to detail, Christensen spends hours painstakingly painting minute details such as the veining of a leaf. “I really like the idea of people seeing something different each time they look at my work because of all of the detailing. I always try to paint something that is easy to live with because I like that my collectors can wake up in the morning and are not faced with something complicated or brash. A painting should be something that soothes your senses.” A typical day for the artist is very regimented. He works Monday through Friday for eight to 10 hours a day while listening to classical music in a studio on his property in San Jose, overlooking his vast gardens. “I didn’t want my studio to be too far from my gardens. I take several photos of my plants to use in my work, usually compiling a few together for one painting.” “I’m not the type of painter that will get up at 3 a.m. because I’ve been moved to paint. I plan it all out. My style is not big splashes of color, but I think PAGE 42 that I do paint rather abstractly, concentrating on small sections at a time. My work has become more detailed and more focused because it’s important to me that it is 100% accurate in its interpretation.” Working on one piece at a time, Christensen currently completes about 10 galleries that represent you and get their feedback, but it’s always best to get yourself out there and talk to the collectors themselves. Every year he throws a party at the Napa gallery that represents his work for his longtime collectors. “I try to make the collecting of my art a very personal Eric Christensen’s “Napa Style” is a watercolor, also published as a giclée on canvas available in three sizes. paintings a year. “I used to do 25, but have chosen to work on larger format paintings, do more commissions, and more shows, therefore the number has gone down. I think that all aspects of my career are equally important.” Getting out of his studio and meeting with collectors is a vital part of his business and has led to more commissioned work. “When you sit in a studio most of the day, you don’t get a real idea of who is buying your work. You can talk to the experience for collectors,” he says. “At my appearances I will create a small sketch for each person that makes a purchase on the back of their purchase that is unique to them. It’s not a quick sketch. It’s one of the ways that we try to connect with each person.” A recent commission came from a man that, like Christensen, was really into wine. “The painting included a bottle of wine that the collector had opened when he proposed to his wife, the bottles that he opened to celebrate the birth of his kids, and some riesling grapes. His dog’s name is Riesling.” The painting was titled, “Family Portrait.” “It’s a lifestyle that we would all love to have and it represents the good times,” Christensen concludes. “I always try to go into each painting with a fresh mind in hopes that I will be able to create something that delights the eye. It’s a total spectrum of life that an artist creates with their work and every little detail can change the whole piece. The angle of the light or even the time of day portrayed can completely change the meaning of the painting.” When not working, Christensen spends a lot time working on his garden and caring for his 220 palm trees with his dog, a schnauzer named Hubbell. He’s also an avid cook, making everything from Russian to Thai food. Travelling to different wineries with friends is also a passion of his. Retail prices for his originals range from $14,000 to $26,000, and his limited editions range from $1,200 to $3,000. For further information, telephone Eric Christensen Fine Art & Editions at (408) 445-1314 or visit the company’s website at: www. ericchristensenart.com. ART WO ORLD NEWS ® Wine art,, e from the wine country y! Back to Back Christensen’s watercolor masterpieces capture the essence of wine country in stunning detail. Elegant Afternoon Limited Editions on Canvas: For exclusive dealerships in your area, contact us at: Phone: 408-445-1314 www.ericchristensenart.com info@ericchristensenart.com All images copyrighted 2009 Eric Christensen DOSSIER CROWN THORN: FINDING THE OPPORTUNITIES by Sarah Seamark The Marine Corps background of James Thorn, coowner with his wife RuthAnn of Crown Thorn Publishing and two Exclusive Collections galleries in San Diego, gives him a unique perspective on how to conduct business during this time of severe economic recession. “In the Marine Corps we used to say during times of duress, ‘Attack or retreat! Do something or you will die in place!’ During periods of high consumerism many businesses can get away without much advertising and marketing as money is plentiful. Most businesses that fail often fail during economic recovery. They have outdated or unwanted stock, poor market share, and confidence of their existing customer base is in the tank if they relegated themselves to discounting to get by,” observes Mr. Thorn. “We believe that if traffic is slow, make some traffic. Have an artist appearance, a book signing, a local artist painting in your gallery, a charity event, community outreach, etc.” This maxim has enabled Crown Thorn Publishing and its two Exclusive Collections galleries to not only weather but excel through the ups and downs of the past decade. Mr. Thorn points out, even during the great PAGE 44 depression, there were businesses that not only survived but that thrived. more favorable lease or buying terms. During these times there are better employee pools to hire from as other businesses fail. We can be victims of circumstances or we can meet the challenges headon. Now is the time to figure out what works and disregard what does not.” Ruth-Ann Ruth-Ann and James Thorn with their daughand James ter Isabella who has just turned two. Thorn operTypically the businesses ate Crown Thorn Publishing that were successful during Inc. and Exclusive Collecthe Great Depression were tions Inc. as separate comaggressive with marketing panies so that each entity and advertising. They gra- must stand on its own merbbed market share. They its. The wholesale side, extrained their employees to clusively representing the do better. Training is a hall- work of Henry Asencio, mark of great companies. “It Michael Flohr, and Christoamazes us the number of pher M is run by Ruth-Ann; galleries that have no sys- the two retail galleries by tematic means of follow-up James. in place or do not participate in or organize ongoing trainNew initiatives have been ing. Professionals at all instituted on both the publevels are provided with lishing and the retail sides of ongoing training. Why the business to counteract should our industry be any the difficult economy. The different?” he asks. “Op- most recent has been to portunities present them- step up their search for selves (in hard times) in the opportunities overseas. Iniform of better locations and tially, Crown Thorn estab- lished a market in Canada for Asencio, Flohr, and hopefully soon Christopher M, through its exclusive representative The Art of Traderhorn. “When we felt we were doing a good job in servicing Canada, then we went into the U.K.,” says Mrs. Thorn. Following discussions over an extended period of time with U.K. publisher DeMontfort Fine Art, an agreement is now in place for the work of Asencio and Flohr to be represented in DeMontfort’s Whitewall Galleries, of which there are about seventeen. In September of this year, Asencio will have a London show at Whitewalls’ two London locations. “The U.K. has been good for our artists and we look forward to creating other relationships on the international scene. It certainly does result in a much more robust business model,” observes Mrs. Thorn. “The next spot could possibly be Dubai. We have entered into discussions with a number of entities there. However, we like to move slowly and deliberately so that it is done well.” There are certain criteria that the Thorns look for prior to the establishment of a business relationship. “Most important is partnering with those who have a continued on page 45 ART WO ORLD NEWS CROWN THORN continued from page 44 similar business model. What is their vision for their business? What has been their track record? If these things are a good fit it should be a profitable relationship for both sides,” states Mrs. Thorn. time for the ads to be most effective. For its dealer network in the U.S., Crown Thorn is in the process of formulating an aggressive mail campaign to assist galleries in getting back to the “high touch” way of conducting business. “We have developed event concepts that many of our galleries are excited to participate in websites, www.crownthorn publishing.com and www. ecgallery.com, we are getting more sophisticated by having the sites be more entertainment-driven to cater to today’s consumer and by really taking a hard look at ease of navigation.” Additionally, Crown Thorn has created broadcast quality DVDs for its artists and is a Crown Thorn publishes giclées that are extensively hand-embellished with UV inks and a one-millimeter UV Urethane protection coat. Editions are low in order to keep value and collectability high. There is only one image size for each edition and only one edition for international distribution. There are 195 in the edition with 25 APs and 10 PPs for Asencio and Flohr. For Christopher M, the edition size is 88 with 8 APs. “We only sell to stocking dealers, we do not sell retail as a publisher. We do not sell to QVC, the Home Shopping Network, or to cruise ships. There is only one edition. There is not a U.K. edition, a Japanese edition, or any other edition. There is just one edition for international distribution.” Prints start at $500, and with some of the editions, toward the end of the edition, limiteds have sold for $5,000 to $6,000. The Thorns believe they need to advertise and market their artists’ work consistently over a period of ART WORLD NEWS Christopher M’s “French Bistro” is a newly released edition of 88, with an image measuring 24 by 24 inches. this year that we have tested and found to be very profitable,” says Mrs. Thorn. The company is putting together plans for co-op advertising for galleries in its network to drive sales to their doors. “We believe that what may have once been successful in the past may need some adjusting now,” she says. “On our big believer in “empowering the art consultant” with beautiful marketing materials, monthly updated pricing sheets, catalogues, and more. “Some galleries, in this harsh business environment believe that the best thing to do is to put all their hot artists on their website and run an online catalogue. Our question to those galleries is, ‘Which art do you believe in and what message are you sending your collectors?’” asks Mr. Thorn. Things are flatter, he concedes, but in his opinion, the high end remains vibrant, as well as the low end. It is the middle that is soft right now. “People want to spend. We are, after all, a nation of consumers. People are just adjusting how they spend. In the meantime, we are giving our collectors more for their money. We are not discounting. That is the kiss of death at so many levels. If a gallery discounts now, in these difficult times, when things turn around, the collector will still want a discount. And without good margins, galleries cannot survive. When luxury goes on sale, it is no longer luxury!” This is the luxury business model that the Thorns have chosen to emulate for their art businesses. For more on the topic of the necessity of preserving a brand, Mr. Thorn points to an online article by Leonard M. Lodish and Carl Mela entitled, “If Brands Are Built over Years, Why Are they Managed over Quarters?” The authors are marketing professors at the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University, respectively. Their premise for the article is that businesses continued on page 46 PAGE 45 DOSSIER CROWN THORN continued from page 45 tend to take short term approaches to what takes years to market and brand at the high end. Lacoste, Mr. Thorn notes, embraced discounting of their label years ago and nearly killed the brand. They were, however, able to turn it around after considerable effort, and it took a long time to win back market share that they at one time owned. Exclusive Collections Discussing the retail philosophy of his and Ruth Ann’s retail galleries, Mr. Thorn says they have found a number of opportunities resulting from fallout in this challenging economy. A build-out has just been completed on a new space in arguably the best location in the Historic Gaslamp district of San Diego. The former tenant, a realtor, was hit hard by events in the economy and vacated the space. It was not through luck or good fortune that Exclusive Collections obtained the lease. James and Ruth-Ann had their eye on this prime piece of real estate for a long time and worked to make sure that if it ever became available, that they would have first refusal. “We took a space (for Exclusive Collections) about three years ago right around the corner from the real esPAGE 46 tate office. This made it possible for us to establish a relationship with the owner of the building so that we would be the first choice, and we were,” states Mr. Thorn. The grand opening show featuring the romantic paintings and prints of Steven Quartly is scheduled for February 14 and 15, Valentine’s Day weekend. along with those published by Crown Thorn, include Royo, Steve Barton, Dale Terbush, Walfrido Garcia, Michael Summers, Samir Sammoun, Daniel Merriam, Dale Evers, as well as Santana and Jaccarte glass. Collectively, the galleries have eight full-time art consultants and two support persons. This new gallery and the existing Exclusive Collections gallery, located in a high-end open-air shopping center in San Diego, are both about 2,000 square feet. The former caters to 80% residential and 20% tourist collectors, while the clientele in the gallery Michael Flohr’s “Big City of Dreams,” a new in the his- hand-embellished giclée on canvas, edition toric district of 195, 30 by 40 inches, retails for $1,600. is the reverse, 80% tourist and 20% In addition to managing to residential. “We believe this acquire a prime retail locaoffers a robust business tion because of the recesmodel,” notes Mr. Thorn. sion, “We have made some Offerings start at $50 for great hires in the galleries a small hand-blown piece as other businesses have of glass to $500,000 for closed or lost their vian heroic-size sculpture by brancy,” says Mr. Thorn. Tuan. Artists represented, “We have also taken a hard look at our inventory and the artists we represent in the galleries and have reduced the number so that we can really focus on those artists that we have in the galleries day in and day out.” As a regular course of business, at least one and possibly two major events are held in the Exclusive Collections galleries every month, often to include outside festival events. “These are extremely important in terms of creating an event for our existing collectors, as well as aggressively taking the art to the people to keep an infusion of new collectors,” says Mr. Thorn. “Art lovers come in all shapes and sizes, and we go to where they will be and host exciting experiential events where they can come and receive the royal treatment.” For their shows, Exclusive Collections always has a theme on which the marketing and P.R. effort is based. There is a large show poster along with window displays, live music, a sommelier sharing and pairing wines to the appetizers throughout the evening, excellent wines and champagne in glass flutes and wine glasses, top class catering, fresh flowers. “We want our collectors to enjoy a true art buying experience and, of course, we have the artist in attendance. We like continued on page 47 ART WO ORLD NEWS CROWN THORN continued from page 46 to say, ‘Our collectors don’t pay less, we give them more!’ Today, people expect that.” Each December, Exclusive Collections galleries host a V.I.P. invitation-only event for collectors where a drawing is held every half hour for three hours for artwork valued at $500 to $5,000. “We are big believers in P.R. and getting local TV spots to get our message out,” says Mr. Thorn. He feels that consumers have a higher level of “emotional buy-in” when they see and experience P.R. “Your existing collectors feel affirmed. Getting an artist or gallery spokesperson on a local TV station, coupled with a community outreach or philanthropic event, is powerful. “With our galleries, as well as the publishing company, we like to partner with local charities, restaurants, and hotels. When the consumer sees a gallery involved with a local charity, the good will that is derived is priceless.” Some touristheavy galleries may take issue with this because they do not have many, if any, local collectors. Mr. Thorn reminds us, “An art gallery is a great place to host events for the community good. Having an artist and a charity event in your gallery on a consistent ART WORLD NEWS Hawaii. After Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the Thorns were stationed in San Diego. There they started a gallery without a gallery in the early 1990s. “We would do shows in hotel suites, convention centers, collectors’ homes, restaurants, interior design shows, Koi shows, just about anywhere we thought that p e o p l e might be interested in art,” James recalls. “We would load up a moving van with our portable walls, lights, and artwork.” All this work c a u s e d them to decide to open a real gallery. They took their life savings of $30,000 Asencio’s “Solace” is a new print release and paid the with an image measuring 30 by 40 inches. first, last, and security deposit, and did most of the History build-out themselves. “We When Ruth-Ann and had just enough money left James were first married, to pay one month's rent if they were stationed in we rolled a donut that first Hawaii, James being in the month in June 1996 in La United States Marine Jolla, CA,” he continues. Corps. Ruth-Ann got her “This is where we learned start in the art business in that nothing is more expenthe ’80s, working with a sive than cheap rent! We publishing company that were in an art destination also had its own galleries in area, La Jolla, CA. We were basis keeps the energy high. We are a social people. And people will be less intimidated to come into your gallery space if they see others there and something interesting going on. We are such an eventand-entertainment-oriented society, we must capitalize on this.” just 30 paces from the main street of La Jolla and would watch as hundreds of people walked by just within conversation distance of our gallery. And yet, those people did not know we existed because they never turned that corner to discover us. Some did, but many more did not.” Consequently, the Thorns were forced to spend much more effort in marketing, advertising, and embracing “high touch” forms of selling to survive. Hence the cheap rent remark. That same year, 1996, they fell in love with the sculpture of R.T. Pearce and began to represent his work. Two years later, James retired from the Marine Corps after 22 years of service. He left on a Friday and was busy working with Ruth-Ann in their business the next morning. James likes to say that he is “uniquely qualified for the art business because of his background.” The Thorns have received a few laughs out of that over the years! 1998 was also the year that they exhibited the work of R.T. Pearce at San Francisco Artexpo. “This was our first event as publishers. It was a dress rehearsal for Artexpo New York the following spring,” says RuthAnn, adding, “We were able to pick up 10 accounts for R.T. Pearce over the course of one year.” In 2000 they continued on page 48 PAGE 47 DOSSIER CROWN THORN continued from page 47 were approached by a larger publishing company to buy out the contract. “We felt that it would be best for R.T. to go with a large publisher who could do so much more for him,” she explains. But publishing was meant to be. In the spring of 2000, Asencio became one of the Thorns’ top-selling artists in their two San Diego galleries. The Exclusive Collections galleries have always, and continue to serve as a test market for an artist’s work. “We approached Henry and encouraged him, too, to seek out a publisher as we believe him to be a true master,” says Ruth-Ann. the name of Michael Flohr came to the attention of the Thorns. He also became a top-selling artist in their galleries. “Collectors fell in love with his street scenes, café, restaurant, and bar scenes, and with his Urban Impressionism and Expressionism.” They encouraged him to find a publisher. “Michael, like Henry, came to us and asked focus on these great young artists’ careers.” They placed the work of Christopher M, who captures chefs in action and the kinetic energy of world class kitchens, in their gallery in 2006. He has painted many local chefs, as well as those that are nationally known. Soon he started receiving a operate Crown Thorn Publishing, exclusive representative of the three artists, and two Exclusive Collections galleries. Although James manages the retail side and Ruth-Ann the wholesale, they work together on many aspects of the business such as show planning, conducting training sessions, and on the marketing and P.R. planning. They also travel together as often as possible. Not too long ago, they were blessed with a beautiful little girl by the name of Isabella who will celebrate her second birthday this spring. Because they love to spend as much time as they can with her, she travels with them to the many places where they have galleries that they work with, New York, London, Hawaii, Florida, and more. Asencio’s style is an eclectic synergy of abstract expressionism, impressionism, and detailed portraiture technique that is difficult to pigeon hole. Mrs. Thorn describes his works as spontaneous in nature meaning that they are inspired based upon his mood, his relationship with the model, the music playing as he paints whether it be classical or alternative, and that special once in a lifetime moment that is impossible to replicate. us to consider publishing him. We were very busy with our galleries at the time,” says James. “We closed one of them so that we could lot of regional attention, and in 2007 the Thorns approached him with a publishing agreement. And so today, James and Ruth-Ann To reach the company for more information, telephone (619) 895-3027 or visit the websites located at: www. crownthornpublishing.com and at: www.ecgallery.com. ARTAISSANCE continued from page 38 Mrs. Thorn relates, “In the fall of 2000 Henry asked us to consider publishing him. We have a great relationship built upon mutual respect and trust. It was just a good fit.” Soon another young artist by In 1964, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Besides the house, there are 75 acres of formal gardens, a winery and the Inn on Biltmore Estate. Visitors from all over the world come to the estate, making it the most visited historic tourist destination in the nation. The grounds and buildings have appeared in many major motion pictures including Patch Adams, Forrest Gump, and Being There. It is these visitors to Biltmore, as well as to its website, who would like to bring some of its elegance and splendor into their own homes in the form of artwork, that Mr. McKenzie feels will take advantage of the Biltmore Collection of art and framing. Visit: www.artthatfits .com, www.biltmore.com, or www.biltmoreframes.com. PAGE 48 Exclusive Collections gallery in a high-end San Diego mall. ART WO ORLD NEWS NEW ART Cold Call Enticing Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts Inc., of Greenwich, CT, introduces “Cold Call” by R o b e r t Deyber as a hand-signed lithograph on paper in an edition of 395. The image size is 9 1/8 by 9 inches and the retail price is $495. Telephone (800) 877-2250 for further information, or go to: www.chalk-vermilion.com. Masterpiece Publishing Inc., located in Irvine, CA, presents “Enticing” by Darida as an oil on canvas measuring 36 by 48 inches. The retail price is $16,800. Telephone (949) 376-2645 or visit the company’s website located at: www.masterpiece publishing.com. Elegantly Big in Magentas Herbert Arnot Inc., New York, introduces “Elegantly Big in Magentas” by Christian Nesvadba as an oil on c a n v a s measuring 36 by 48 inches. Price available upon request. Te l e p h o n e (212) 2458287 for more details, or visit Herbert Arnot Inc. at: www.artnotart.com. ART WORLD NEWS Amoré The Moss Portfolio, Mathews, VA, presents “Amoré” by P. Buckley Moss as a giclée on brushed aluminum or gold finish metal plate in an edition of 250 total plates. The image size is 8 1/2 by 11 inches and the retail price is $140. Twenty percent of the proceeds benefit the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education. For more details on the artwork, call (800) 430-1320 or go to: www.pbuckleymoss.com. For more on the foundation, visit: www.mossfoundation.org. PAGE 49 GALLERY LIGHTS At Galeria del Mar, St. Augustine, FL, are, from left, director Theresa Sickler, co-owners Mark and Matthew Cutter, consultant Samantha Palmer, artist Glen Tarnowski, consultant Matthew Sheltz, and v.p. of sales Ryan Sheckels. Lahaska, PA-based North Star Art Gallery was the setting for a show of work by Bob Pejman, second from left, pictured with, from left, consultant Adam Macinowski and gallery owners Lois and Forrest Michals. Artist David O'Keefe, left, and Romeo Gallery owner Walter Romeo stand in front of the artist’s “Aretha,” “Bruce Springsteen” and “Bob Dylan” at the Sound FX Art Exhibit held at the Tampa, FL-based gallery. Celebrating at the opening of a show of artwork by William Mize at the Avery Art Company, located in Atlanta, are from left, collectors Mary Will Gray and Derrick Wilson, along with gallery owner Alan Avery, and the artist. Musician Paul Simon is pictured with Tria Gallery directors, from left, Paige Bart, Carol Suchman, and Latifa Metheny celebrating during the Metheny/Manzer Signature 6 guitar event held at the Chelsea-based gallery. Film director Lawrence Schiller, far right, was a guest of honor at New York City-based Eli Klein Fine Art, pictured here with, from left, artist Zeng Jianyong, gallery owner Eli Klein, artist Zeng Tianmu, and photographer Cathy Schiller. PAGE 50 ART WO ORLD NEWS OPEN EDITION PRINTS Sun Dance Graphics Wild Apple “African Dreams II” by Patricia Pinto “Pumpkin Poppies II” by Shirley Novak Image Size: 24" x 24" or 12" x 12" Item #: 6684-24 or 6684-12 Image Size: 18" x 18" Retail Price: $16 407.240.1091 802.457.3003 www.sundancegraphics.com www.wildapple.com E-MAIL: sales@sundancegraphics.com 9580 Delegates Dr. Orlando, FL 32837 Editions Limited New York Graphic Society “Flora” by Robert Ginder “Patchwork I” by Judi Bagnato 800.228.0928 Image Size: 26" x 26" Retail Price: $36 800.677.6947 www.editionslimited.com www.nygs.com E-MAIL: customerservice@editionslimited.com 4090 Halleck Street Emeryville, CA 94608 E-MAIL: owen@nygs.com 129 Glover Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850 Image Conscious Haddad’s Fine Arts Inc. POSTER CATALOG Available now “Arrayed in Splendor” by Todd Williams 800.532.2333 Fax: 415.626.2481 Image Size: 18" x 24" Paper Size: 19" x 25" 800.942.3323 Fax: 714.996.4153 www.imageconscious.com www.haddadsfinearts.com E-MAIL: inquiries@imageconscious.com 1261 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 E-MAIL: cfskeen@haddadsfinearts.com 3855 E. Mira Loma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806 ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 51 SECONDARY MARKET Tom Binder Fine Arts / Alexander’s World 825 Wilshire Blvd., # 708 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Fax: (800) 870-3770 E-mail: info@artman.net Alexander Chen Ken Shotwell Misha Moracha Elaine Binder CHEN Central Park-Winter 800.332.4278 Doug Meyer Fine Art • A Secondary Market Specialist & Publisher Doug Meyer 1775 East 34th Street Brooklyn, NY 11234 Fax: (718) 375-8007 Tel: (718) 375-8006 E-mail: DMFineArt@AOL.com www.dougmeyerfineart.com Sell, buy or trade sculpture, original paintings or limited editions in canvas, paper or bronze. We deal in popular artists (but not limited to): Angelo BASSO, Charles BRAGG, Marc CHAGALL, ERTE, Tamara de LEMPICKA, Joan MIRO, LeRoy NEIMAN, Pablo PICASSO, Norman ROCKWELL, Helen RUNDELL, SAHALL, Andy WARHOL and Michael YOUNG. Quality service at the lowest price and always in excellent condition! www.artman.net Featured is “Freedom of Religion” by Norman Rockwell. Contact us for information and seductive pricing on any piece you seek! Jane Wooster Scott www.rareposters.com WOOSTERSCOTT.COM exclusive publisher of limited editions 18730 Oxnard Street, Suite 201 Tarzana, CA 91356 Rare Posters Inc 135 Plymouth Street, Suite 412 Brooklyn, NY 11201 www.rareposters.com or www.artwiseonline.com Toll Free: (800) 378-8899 Overseas: (718) 788-0791 Fax: (718) 788-1491 E-mail: sales@rareposters.com ACTIVELY BUYING AND SELLING TO GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS Fax your list to (718) 788-1491 or e-mail to sales@rareposters.com THE LIFE OF RILEY is available as a 22 x 44” hand-embellished Giclée on canvas Please contact us for a free catalog of new and secondary market editions. (800) 597-1920 (818) 344-0294 E-mail: info@woosterscott.com AJ Fine Arts Ltd. Buffet Frankenthaler Indiana Matisse Picasso Rosenquist Chagall Bacon Dubuffet Haring Johns Miro Artists represented and searching Christo Dine Basquiat Braque Rauschenberg Cocteau Thiebaud Hockney Le Corbusier Leger Motherwell Nagel Calder Dufy Warhol Lichtenstein Oldenberg Stella On-site and on-line appraisals, e-auction services, restoration and order fulfillment programs. Actively pursuing e-tailers, eBay Power Sellers, auctioneers, collectors and galleries worldwide. M. Tomchuk Fine Art / Marjorie Tomchuk Phone: (203) 972-0137 Fax: (203) 972-3182 Web: www.MTomchuk.com Embossings on Handmade Paper Etchings, Woodcuts, Paintings, Monotypes from 1962 “M. Tomchuk Graphic Work” Catalog Raisonne, book published in 1989 By appointment only PAGE 52 Shown is “ Sea Wall” , a new release, edition size 50. ART T WO ORLD NEWS CLASSIFIEDS CAREER OPPORTUNITY ART FOR SALE Full-Time Art Sales Consultant Position Titus Fine Art has an immediate opening for a career-minded individual who will work with our dealer-to-dealer wholesale exhibition program. Wholesale experience in Fine Art and strong sales record necessary. Salary plus commissions with benefits. Some travel required. www.elyseartstudio.com Tel 949.766.6626 tcollins@titusfineart.com or fax 310.273.2119 Please visit: www.titusfineart.com SMALL AD BIG RESULTS Fine Art Gallery With Custom Framing Prime location in affluent Newport Beach, CA, with strong customer base. Annual sales over $175K with no employees. In business for over 20 yrs with steady growth. Owner must retire. Asking $95K. Call: (949) 673-0771 ARTIZEN E DITIONS Dallas, TX (214) 979-2140 E-mail: dgough@ artizenfinearts.com www.artizenfinearts.com BUY CLASSIFIEDS ART WORLD NEWS E-mail Brooks Male at: j bm al e@aol .c om ART WORLD NEWS A GE 533 PA ADVERTISERS COMPANY LISTING PHONE FAX PAGE COMPANY LISTING PHONE FAX PAGE Acme Archives Ltd. ..............................................................6 Masterpiece Publishing ..........................................27, 28, 29 www.acmearchives.com www.masterpiecepublishing.com 818.252.1500 818.767.1953 Art & Design Publishing LLC ................................................23 www.andreiart.com 570.476.4407 570.476.4407 Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts Inc. ....................................11, 13 www.chalk-vermilion.com 800.877.2250 203.869.9520 Columba Publishing ..........................................................35 www.viviankistler.com 800.999.7491 330.836.9659 Crown Thorn Publishing ......................................................21 www.crownthornpublishing.com 619.895.3027 760.945.3864 David O’Keefe Studios Inc. ................................................25 www.davidokeefe.com 813.254.5056 813.251.4639 Digital Technology Group Inc. ............................................33 www.dtgweb.com 800.681.0024 800.795.9278 949.376.2644 The Moss Portfolio................................................................4 www.pbuckleymoss.com 800.430.1320 804.725.3040 Museum Editions Ltd. ............................................................9 www.crookedcouture.com 914.654.9370 914.654.0622 Pease Pedestals ................................................................39 www.peasepedestals.com 847.901.4440 847.901.4443 Pejman Editions International ..............................................37 www.pejmaneditions.com 973.515.4500 973.515.0070 Progressive Fine Art............................................................15 www.progressivefineart.com 800.487.1273 813.888.9680 Smart Publishing ................................................................19 Eric Christensen Fine Art & Editions ......................................43 www.ericchristensenart.com Herbert Arnot Inc. ..............................................................56 www.arnotart.com 800.438.5031 800.772.0225 Malcolm Farley Fine Art........................................................5 www.malcolmfarleyfineart.com 303.431.4514 ADVERTISING SALES INFORMATION Eas t er n U.S. & In t er n at i o n al John Haffey, Publisher Phone (203) 854-8566 Fax (203) 854-8569 jwhaffey@aol.com Mi d w es t & Wes t Co as t Brooks Male, Associate Publisher 954.746.9106 866.544.4827 Todd Bingham Fine Art ......................................................31 www.tbfa.com 760.806.7699 Wellspring Communications Custom Book Publishing ..............55 E-mail: jwhaffey@aol.com 203.854.8566 203.854.8569 Open Edition Prints, Page 51 Secondary Market, Page 52 Classifieds, Page 53 Phone (847) 705-6519 Fax (847) 776-8542 jbmale@aol.com For more advertising information, visit us online at... w w w . ar t w o r l d n ew s . c o m PAGE 54 954.746.5750 The Thomas Kinkade Company............................................17 www.thomaskinkade.com 212.245.8287 Larson-Juhl ......................................................................2, 3 www.larsonjuhl.com www.smart-publishing.com 408.445.1314 Art World News, (ISSN 1525 1772) USPS 17661 Volume XIV, Number 2 is published monthly by Wellspring Communications, Inc., 143 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, CT 06853. (Phone 203.854.8566) (Fax 203.854.8569). Single copy price $10. Periodical postage paid at Norwalk, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Art World News, 151 Fairchild Avenue, Ste. 2, Plainview, NY 11803. RT WO ORLD NEWS S AR ART BOOKS SELL ART Whether to help establish the credibility of an emerging artist or to chronicle the latest achievements of an established master, art books elevate the stature and visibility of an artist’s work. Art books breed collectors. Nothing illustrates the collectability of an artist like a well-written, expertly designed publication on the artist’s career and artwork. It is a tangible representation of the uniqueness and worthiness of an artist. Wellspring Communications, Inc., parent company of Art World News, is pleased to introduce its Custom Book Publishing division to offer the trade a complete line of editorial, design, and printing options to create elegant hard- and soft-bound books. Building on our deep experience helping artists and publishers to be more successful, we are pleased to now offer an economical array of book options to help you sell more art! To learn more about our services and to have a book created before your next gallery show, please call us today. Art World News 143 Rowayton Ave I Rowayton, CT 06853 P H O N E : 203.854.8566 I F A X : 203.854.8569 www.artworldnews.com ARNOT EXPO AT ARNOT SHOWROOM ONLY! LIMOUSINE TO ARNOT IN STYLE! © Guy DESSAPT Paris Boulevards Sebastopol 24x30" © Claudio SIMONETTI The Perfect Moment 15x8" © BAUER Willi's Birthday Celebration, A Special Day 20x24" Steps by the Estates California Dreaming 16x12" Only the Best, Cristal 15x8" © Raymond CAMPBELL HERBERT ARNOT INC. / ARNOT GALLERY, AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVES Dealers of Fine Original Oil Paintings for Five Generations Complimentary Limousine Service to the ARNOT 57th Street Showrooms will be provided by ARNOT to and from Javits Art Expo. 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