September 2013 - Art World News
Transcription
September 2013 - Art World News
SEP13-cover-acai_Layout 1 9/19/13 12:24 PM Page 1 Art World News SEPTEMB ER 2013 THE INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE LYRICAL FINE ART, A NEW PUBLISHING COMPANY, IS LAUNCHED POD EXCHANGE ADDS MORE OPEN EDITION PRINT PUBLISHERS James LaMantia and Robert Bluver have officially launched Lyrical Fine Art, formerly LaMantia Fine Art, representing the work of four artists: Daniel Del Orfano, Cathy Nichols, Tim Gagnon, as well as Chris Collins, known for his Top Dogs. Their objective as a global publisher is to introduce the work of artists that enjoy telling a story. See page 18. With these new additions, POD Exchange facilitates the secure delivery of copyrighted artwork files from 16 open edition print publishers directly to retailers with in-house, wide format on-demand printing capabilities for fine art reproductions. Turn to page 22 for full article. Westport River Gallery in Westport, CT, in business nine years. DETAILS OF A FRAME DESIGN: FRAMING SMALL WORKS OF ART It’s a shame when framed art appears insignificant simply because it’s small. In his latest column, Greg Perkins describes why different framing guidelines should be applied to small works of art. See page 32. Amazon.com Inc.’s launch in early August of Amazon Art is a hot topic of conversation in the art industry. Galleries, dealers, and publishers are weighing the potential affects of the online retail giant moving into the business of selling art, including paintings, original prints, and reproductions—art that falls within the purlieu of work typ- 40,000 works of fine art ically sold by brick-and-mor- from over 150 galleries and tar galleries, as well, of dealers, with artworks from course, as other outlets like more than 4,500 artists. cruise ships, auction houses, Consumers purchase the art and eBay. At its launch, Ama- online, and the fulfillment is zon Art (www.amazon.com/ carried out by the gallery or continued on page 14 art) presented more than ARTIST PAMELA SUKHUM EXPANDS THE BEAUTIFUL PROJECT Focusing on the healing power of making art, Pamela Sukhum rolls out her mobile studio ArtVentures. Page 48. AMAZON ART: FRIEND OR FOE? QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Brick-and-mortar shopping is done for the experience. I just don’t know the future of art sales online. Open editions, yes. But the kinds of things we sell as dealers and galleries, I don’t know.” Greg Bloch, page 47 *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 6/10/13 1:51 PM Page 1 *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 6/10/13 1:53 PM Page 1 *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 7/25/12 12:01 PM Page 1 *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 7/25/12 11:59 AM Page 1 Lyrical-SEP13_Layout 1 9/6/13 1:56 PM Page 1 Tim Gagnon “Between the Red” Original Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 36” Daniel Del Orfano “Our Paris” Hand Embellished Limited Edition Canvas 44 x 24 and 32 x 18” Cathy Nichols “Shelter” Original Acrylic on Board 22 x 28” (631) 787-8585 Ferjo “Fiddler” Limited Edition Canvas 24 x 20” WWW.LYRICALFINEART.COM SEP13-toc_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:49 AM Page 1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS ARTISTS & PUBLISHERS Page 10 FRAMING Page 26 DETAILS OF A FRAME DESIGN Page 32 ART & BUSINESS Page 34 WHAT’S HOT IN OPEN EDITIONS Page 40 OPEN EDITIONS Page 43 CALENDAR Page 44 VOLUME XVIII ISSUE 8 POD Exchange’s Newest Additions Survey: Bright Spots For Framers Getting Honest About Consigned Art Chris Moseley, President of POD Exchange LLC., has announced the addition of five new art publishers and three new artists to its roster of print-on-demand options. According to research conducted by Unity Marketing, the top three factors that influence where a consumer chooses to frame are: Trust, confidence, and materials. Industry veteran Cristi Smith discusses the topic of consigned art and all of its pros and cons, as well as the best way to approach a new agreement to consign. Page 22 Page 26 Page 34 What’s Hot in Open Editions Calendar: Industry Events Art & Healing: Pamela Sukhum In this month’s What’s Hot in Open Editions, we feature a variety of the latest best selling images from the month of August, as well as publisher contact information. The Fall season is a busy time for art shows in the industry, such as Spectrum New York, Affordable Art Fair NYC, Toronto International Art Fair, and many others. Artist Pamela Sukhum focuses on what the creative process can contribute to healing children traumatized by war and sickness, as well as children and adults with special needs. Page 40 Page 44 Page 48 ART & HEALING Page 48 NEW ART Page 50 GALLERY LIGHTS Page 52 CLASSIFIEDS Page 53 AD INDEX Page 54 Artwork featured is “ Destination Napa” by Eric Christensen from Eric Christensen Fine Art & Editions. Go to page 50. ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 7 SEPT13-Opinion page_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:13 AM Page 1 IN OUR OPINION FINDING A BUSINESS MODEL FOR AN ARTIST n the art business, indecision costs money while wrong decisions may cost careers. For artists, and the publishers and agents that represent them, this is the commercial imperative they must live with and conquer if they are to be successful. Over the last fifty years or so, each decade seemingly supported a distinct business model that was a clear and reproducible pathway to financial success in the business. In general, as the industry evolved so did the model and its assumptions. Certainly there were spikes along the way, but business, for each member of the economic chain in the industry, prospered. I Fast-forward to the last six years where depressed consumer spending swirled with a changing technological landscape to transform the face of all retail businesses. For the art industry, more “product categories” of art and potential channels of distribution exist for artists and publishers. However, the identification of a responsive, sustainable business model that would guide good decision-making toward profitability remains somewhat elusive. Sure there are pockets of folks on all levels whose businesses are “just fine.” But in the aggregate, legions of galleries, artists, and publishers have yet to weave together their abilities and plans in a way that yields sustainable and significant margin. Amazon’s foray into retailing art is simply the most recent complicating development in the marketplace. Is it merely a form of promotion for artists? Is it a legitimate profit center? Does it undermine or enhance the strength of an artist’s, gallery’s or publisher’s current position? Right now I think we can only say that the answers vary but will gain clarity by year’s end. In the meantime, the bigger question remains, how to best make more money in the art business. John Haffey Publisher A RT W ORLD N EWS Editor in Chief Managing Editor Production Manager Editor at Large Columnists Sarah Seamark sseamark@optonline.net Koleen Kaffan kkaffan@optonline.net Sue Bonaventura awnimage@optonline.net Jo Yanow-Schwartz Todd Bingham mo@tbfa.com Barney Davey barney@barneydavey.com Joshua Kaufman JJKaufman@Venable.com Co ntributing Writers Publisher Associate Publisher Information Technologist Greg Perkins Cristi Smith John Haffey jwhaffey@aol.com Brooks Male jbmale@aol.com Joe Gardella Editorial Advisory Board Phillip Gevik, Gallery Phillip, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada Steven Hartman, The Contessa Gallery, Cleveland, OH Philip M. Janes, Arts Exclusive Inc., Simsbury, CT Heidi Leigh, AFA, 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) 877-4568 Fax (203) 854-8569 jbmale@aol.com Art World News (Volume XVIII, Number 8) ISSN 1525 1772 is published 10 times a year 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 e-mail: 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. PAGE 8 ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 5/16/13 9:55 AM Page 1 SEP13-a&p-pg1_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:04 AM Page 1 ARTISTS & PUBLISHERS Cao Yong’s Art in High Places! New Release from Romero Britto Artist Cao Yong’s work was selected by the New York Times Square China Image Advertising Program to be showcased in August on the seven-storeys high MarketSite Tower that serves as the epicenter for NASDAQ news and events in Times Square. The exposure on this modern day icon that has been featured in movies, on TV, and in numerous articles, resulted in a huge increase in interest in the Chinese-born artist’s paintings and prints that are represented by Cao Yong Cao Yong’s artwork featured Editions of City of Industry, on the NASDAQ Building in CA. The limited editions NYC earlier in the summer. shown were “Freedom,” “Voice of the East,” and “Catalina, My Love,” a new limited edition print release featured in the photograph, shown. The retail prices of Yong’s prints are $460–$20,800. For more details, visit the website located at: www.caoyong.us. Miami-based Magical Thinking Art, exclusive worldwide publisher for artist Romero Britto, presents a new mixed media sculpture titled, “Bow Tie Cat.” The new piece is based on a small collectible sculpture the artist created in 2011 named “Squeaki Cat.” The success of that collectible, made of polyresin and in edition of 800, inspired Britto to create “Bow Tie Cat,” an MDF, “Bow Tie Cat” by Romero Britto. resin, and enamal sculpture in an edition of 100, measuring 16 by 24 by 18 inches ($18,200). For more details, call (305) 938-2861 or visit the website located at: www.magicalthinkingart.com. Rosenstiel’s Signs Irene Suchocki Felix Rosenstiel’s of London has signed Canadian photographer Irene Suchocki, and has added almost 100 of her images to its portfolio. David Roe, Rosenstiel’s executive chairman, says, “Irene’s combination of her love of travel and nature, with her dreamlike aesthetics, creates visual poems that evoke a sense of magic, delight, nostalgia, and romance.” “Flying Over Suchocki’s “Flying Over Paris.” Paris,” shown, ranges in size from 18 by 24 to 36 by 48 inches. Call Rosenstiel’s in the U.S. at (480) 305-0714 or go to: www.felixr.com. PAGE 10 Benson Debuts Nocturnal Cityscapes Erik Benson, who is a recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts Painting Fellowship, has created a new body of work focusing on nocturnal cityscapes that are featured in a solo show, “Full Moon–Dead Vines” by Erik Ben“Sleep Walking,” son, acyclic on linen over panel, with at Edward Tyler an image measuring 36 by 28 inches. Nahem Fine Art, New York. Retail prices for his work in this exhibit are $8,000 to $40,000. Most recently Benson, who uses an applique technique, with every detail applied by hand using dried acrylic paint, participated in a solo show at New York City’s Arsenal Gallery in Central Park. As part of the NYC Parks & Recreation department, the gallery provides an accessible exhibition venue. To reach Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art, visit: www.edwardtylernahemfineart.com. ART WORLD NEWS Ferjo is exclusively published by SEP13-CJR full page_Layout 1 8/7/13 11:59 AM Page 1 “Music, Starry Night with Sky of Colors” is an Original Oil on Canvas Image Size: 40” x 49” Ferjo was born Fernando de Jesus Oliveira in 1946 Brazil. He now lives in the U.S. and is renowned for his work in surrealism. Often called “The Master of Perspective,” he is a master of style, whether painting a room with floating objects, or a marina scene. His use of colors and lines is flawless. Call Now: 561-333-9472 Mention this AD to get an additional 10% DISCOUNT and FREE Shipping. www.cjrfinearts.com SEP13-A&P-pg2_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:06 AM Page 1 A&P Lower East Side Printshop Program Gango’s Aaron Christensen Releases A suite of nine prints has been created by Steven Millar as part of Manhattan-based Lower East Side Printshop’s latest residency program. Among them is “Marriage,” shown, an edition of 6, retailing for $900. Millar’s images are elaborations on aspects of the middle- “Marriage” by Steven Millar is an class suburban archival inkjet print featuring intaglio milieu of the ’70s with relief roll, collage, and hand addiand early ’80s, tions with a 15 1/2- by 17-inch image. with wood grain evoking paneling, flocked and textured wallpaper, among other design elements typical of that period. For information, visit: www.printshop.org or call (212) 673-5390. G a n g o Editions is releasing the first new collection in several years of prints by Aaron Christensen, an artist known for the vintage look of his art and sense of history. The collection comprises eight open edition “All’s Well” by Aaron Christensen, an open prints on edition print on paper and canvas. paper and canvas, and 30 pieces available for custom printing. Shown is “All’s Well,” that comes in a 12- by 12-inch size retailing for $10, and can be custom printed for all other sizes on paper and canvas. Call Gango Editions, Portland, OR, at (800) 852-3662 or go to: www.gangoeditions.com. Ann Jackson Gallery Hosts Shortridge Ann Jackson Gallery, located in Roswell, GA, was the setting of a show titled “Art Imitating Life” with new work by romantic impressionist painter Stephen Charles Shortridge, followed Artist Stephen Charles Shortridge gives a by a workshop painting demonstration to a group of artists. for an exclusive group of new artists. The show featured new landscapes, interior scenes, and figurative work. During the workshop, Shortridge presented painting demonstrations and a critique of the participants’ own artwork. For further information, phone the gallery at (770) 993-4783 or visit the website located at: www.annjacksongallery.com. PAGE 12 NOBE Gallery Aides Animal Charity In a benefit for 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida, North Beach Art Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, FL, held an art sale, silent auction, and raffle as part of their Summer Se- Local Florida artist Andrea Goldsmith and ries. Featuring her pet portraits during the event. the work of local artists, including pet portraits created by artist Andrea Goldsmith who donated a dog portrait, the event raised money for the charity that helps abandoned dogs, nurses them back to health, and finds them forever homes. Phone (954) 667-0660 or visit the website: www.nobegallery.com. ART WORLD NEWS TopDogsAd-revised-SEP13_Layout 1 9/6/13 4:39 PM Page 1 See more at: www.lyricalfinear t.com 631-787-8585 SEPT13-Amazon page 1_Layout 1 9/19/13 12:26 PM Page 1 SPECTRUM NEW YORK TRADE & CONSUMER SHOW, OCTOBER 3–6 NEW YORK—Spectrum New York, a trade and consumer show produced by Redwood Media Group, takes place October 3–6 at the Javits Center North in New York. The juried show, with a trade-only day Thursday, will feature work from publishers, galleries, and studio artists, including paintings, prints, sculpture, and photography starting at $1,000. Show director Eric Smith says, “Business is picking up, the economy is getting better, and we have some really interesting art and new things that will be displayed.” Autumn is the perfect time for a fine art fair to kick off the fall buying season for industry professionals. Endorsed by the Mayor’s Office of New York City, Spectrum has a number of sponsors. They include GE Capital, provider to art galleries and other retail businesses of consumer financing programs; and Belaya Rus, supplier of premium vodka. Among the show highlights, Spectrum After Dark is on Thursday, 5 p.m.– 7 p.m., when champagne and cocktails are served. Show hours are: Thursday: 12 noon to 7 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more: www.spectrum-new york.com or call Eric Smith, (216) 225-0962; or Rick Barnett, (831) 747-0112. PAGE 14 AMAZON ART: FRIEND OR FOE? continued from page 1 dealer. Prices, ranging from around $200 to several million, are set by the seller, and Amazon takes a percentage of the sale. and other sites like that.” For this reason, he says he fears Amazon Art could at- A key to how much Amazon Art will impact the market is price. As Greg Bloch, owner of Triad Art Group Publishing, says, “I don’t think it can do any harm as long as it is not used for discounting by galleries.” That is something that artist Bob Pejman, owner of Pejman Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ, is greatly concerned about. “I see it as a way for a lot of dealers to dump art. That is my opinion. And they could dilute the market if they list pieces they can’t sell for less than market value. There is a huge inventory of art that galleries have purchased that they are stuck with right now because tastes have evolved or for some reason they just can’t sell it.” Much of this he attributes to the Great Recession. “It slowed down the rate of sale for galleries, and in the meantime, tastes in art have shifted, making what was once saleable, not saleable.” He says some galleries were in a Catch-22 situation, where they were stuck with inventory, and this restricted their cash flow, so they either couldn’t or were too scared to buy new art that might have been easier to sell. “I think this put a lot of galleries out of business. The good pieces always sell first and their inventory got narrowed down to the unsaleable. tract galleries that want to dump art. If that were to happen and work by an artist that usually goes for $10,000 comes down to, say, $4,000, “then people will see that this artist is selling for much less.” In a “So much inventory is already on eBay, Craigslist, tive. Yes, art will become more accessible to more people, but it could hurt both galleries and artists.” Mr. Pejman points out that book retailers, particularly momand-pops, are not nearly as prevalent as they once were. Galleries need to hold their own because it is vital that an artist’s work be shown in a gallery setting, he says. Ken Warren, owner of Westport River Gallery in Westport, CT, states, “I think the wake-up call is for A screenshot of a partial view of the Amazon Art storefront that is located at: www.amazon.com/art. showroom or gallery setting, artwork can be sold in privacy for less. “But, when the transaction is done online, the whole world can see that the artist is selling for less, and it will impact sales of that artist’s work going forward. Who will buy that artist for normal prices? “In my opinion, Amazon Art is not going to be posi- frameshops and galleries that deal more in paper and non-unique oils (mass produced generic oils by relatively unknown artists), to make sure what is offered is a reasonable price, so that one day they don’t find their revenue stream undermined. For fine art galleries, they need to make sure the artists continued on page 16 ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 5/15/13 1:04 PM Page 1 SEPT13-Amazon page 2_Layout 1 9/19/13 12:34 PM Page 1 LAS VEGAS SUMMER MARKET THE STRONGEST IN YEARS LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Market announced its Summer Market was “a smashing success,” with growth in buyer attendance across all categories, including furniture, decor, and gift. In all, the Market registered a 31% gain in buyer attendance on last summer, with newcomers from all across the U.S. and from over 60 countries. The ongoing expansion and realignment of gift and home decor exhibitors resulted in a 67.3% increase in home decor buyers, and an 82.5% jump in gift attendees visiting the revamped Building C that featured more than 50 new gift and home decor showrooms and an estimated 1,150 lines added since last winter’s show. Buyers representing the top 100 retailers, the design industry, and small to mid-size retailers were out in force and writing orders. Said Paul Watson, president, Christopher Guy-Americas, “We exceeded our sales goals by over 200% and we look forward to the 2014 Las Vegas Winter Market. We are thrilled by the strong order-writing, particularly from new, international accounts predominantly from Canada and South America. Las Vegas Market is no longer a regional market and is proving itself as the leading International West Coast marketplace.” The recognition of Las Vegas as an international hub, bodes well for the West Coast Art & Frame Expo, trade show and National Conference, January 20–22, 2014, at the Paris Las Vegas, a few days before the Winter 2014 Las Vegas Market, January 26–30. For Las Vegas Market, go to: www.lasvegas market.com. For the West Coast Art & Frame Expo, go to: www.wcafshow.com. PAGE 16 AMAZON ART continued from page 14 they deal with are honest, the art is unique, their prices fair, and that their artists have minimal Internet presence.” Galleries, he says, need to be vigilant to define and protect their exclusive geographic rights. “Amazon can wield its mighty sword and trigger anxiety in any market, but for now, it’s just e-noise. The ‘Giant Gorilla in its Suit of Armor’ should be watched carefully, but probably not feared by most. At least for now.” Amazon Art could, of course, be seen as the wave of the future or as just another way for people to advertise their wares. However, as Greg Bloch says, “I don’t know whether people will buy more expensive pieces via point-and-click.” Jake Henderson, president of P. Buckley Moss Galleries, Mathews, VA, agrees. He has found that typically it is the less expensive work by Pat Buckley Moss that sells online. Her paintings, although available online through galleries that sell her work and at: www.pbuckley moss.com, almost always are sold in a brick-and-mortar setting, i.e. in the galleries. “In my experience of online sales, which we have been doing for a long time, if people are familiar with Pat’s work, they are content to purchase limited edition giclées and offset lithos. Those are the media in which we have the most online sales.” (The price range is $75 to $3,000.) The company does, however, pick up inquiries about original work based on the selection presented on its website. “They may say they are interested in a subject similar to what is online, and they want us to provide them with a selection of four or five pieces that fit their wants as regards subject matter and price. Then a discussion begins about what they like. It gallery in its dealer network to where the buyer is located is credited with a percentage of the sale. Ray Maseman’s “Collaboration,” above, a multiple-plate gravure, 9 by 12 inches, sold for $300 on Amazon Art, and below, Deborah Donelson, “Crying for Birds,” gravure and watercolor, 8 by 10 inches, sold for $350. Both original prints were offered by New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery in Albuquerque, NM, www.newgroundsgallery.com. is much more of a hands-on process for us than we can accomplish online.” And Mr. Henderson does make it clear, that if a sale is made by the company, the nearest Mr. Henderson confirms, “There is no doubt having Pat’s originals available online does generate some inquiries, but as far as I recall, I dont think we have ever had anyone drop a watercolor into a shopping basket and purchase it, even at $2,000, which is the lower end for her work. Even people who have previously purchased her watercolors, are buying their next watercolor in a gallery. Yet we have had $3,000 giclées sell online.” Mr. Henderson thinks collectors are O.K. with purchasing the giclées online because there is consistency in their production, and the buyer knows what they are getting. He adds, “I think if I were a collector, I would need assistance in narrowing down my options for buying art at Amazon Art. I think, for a serious collector, it would be difficult to sort through it all because of the sheer scale of it. I think a serious collector respects the opinion and advice of art sales people, and if they are prepared to spend a significant amount of money, they especially value that opinion. I don’t think Amazon Art is going to sell million-dollar art online. That person will contact an art dealer, and the sale will happen in a gallery.” Mr. Henderson believes it will be continued on page 46 ART WORLD NEWS SEP13-CJR stacked_Layout 1 8/7/13 1:48 PM Page 1 Soho Iron Flats 30” x 40” Original Oil on Canvas Alex Zwarenstein Exclusively Published by CJR Fine Arts CJR Fine Arts 561-333-9472 www.cjrfinearts.com Alex Antanenka Published Exclusively by CJR Fine Arts Lover’s Meeting at the Country Bridge 24” x 36” Original Acrylic on Canvas CJR Fine Arts 561-333-9472 www.cjrfinearts.com SEP13-news-Lyrical-pg1_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:33 AM Page 1 JOHN BANOVICH PAINTING FETCHES WELL OVER ESTIMATE AT COEUR D’ALENE ART AUCTION RENO, NV—The Coeur D’Alene Art Auction in late July of 19th and 20th century Western and American art, realized $30.5 million with 98% of the 300-plus lots selling. A highlight of the auction was the sale of an oil on linen painting by artist and conservationist John Banovich of Banovich Art Inc., Livingston, MT. Entitled “Approaching Massai,” the painting, shown, fetched well above estimate at $64,350. Measuring 32 by 44 inches, it was estimated to sell for $35,000 to $55,000. For the Coeur D’Alene auction, visit: www.cdaartauction. com; for more on the work of John Banovich, go to: www.johnbanovich.com or phone (888) 486-3160. TORONTO ART FAIR RUNS OCTOBER 25–28 TORONTO—The Toronto International Art Fair, with more than 100 exhibitors of modern and contemporary work and produced by Informa Canada Inc., takes place October 25–28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Opening night benefits the Art Gallery of Ontario. For more information, go to: www.arttoronto.ca. PAGE 18 LYRICAL FINE ART LAUNCHED Lyrical Fine Art, located in Hauppauge, NY, has been launched by James LaMantia and Robert Bluver to publish limited edition giclée on canvas prints and represent the originals of a variety of artists. Formerly LaMantia Fine Art, the new company features the artwork of five artists and currently has 26 dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Mr. LaMantia says that with his and Mr. Bluver’s extensive industry experience (a combined 44 years), they saw a niche in the industry that needed filling. “Starting Lyrical Fine Art has been in the works for a while,” he says. “As a gallery owner for some 25 years (and counting), it was time for us to grow and this was the natural progression. Because of my gallery experience, I know what it is like working the floor, and am able to tailor a gallery’s program with my artists in a personal way that is specific to that gallery’s needs.” giclées on canvas, that feature the theme of technology creating a disconnect with faceto-face, human interaction. “Cathy’s ‘Con-Text’ series caught my attention when she first described her vision to me,” Mr. LaMantia says. “I loved the concept of integrating words into the work as a tool to set up a particular theme for a painting.” Nichols works in various mediums and her giclées on canvas are available in editions from 50 to 95, retailing from $3,500 to $5,400. The hypnotic landscapes of painter Tim Gagnon offer a sense of calm through the artist’s warm color choices and skillful brushwork. Lyrical Fine 120, retailing from $2,900 to Art represents Gagnon’s $9,450. Another is Cathy acrylic on canvas work only, Nichols. Lyrical has recently that retails from $1,680 to $4,800. Mr. Lyrical LaMantia says Fine Art’s that there are objective is no plans to pubto introduce lish Gagnon’s the artwork work. “He is of fine artists quite a prolific that enjoy artist and we telling a story wanted an through their ‘originals only’ chosen medartist who was ium. One of highly skilled at those artists taking commisis Daniel Del sions. We had Orfano. The heard from sevcompany eral dealers that represents they wanted an his oil on can- “Faith” by Cathy Nichols is a giclée on canvas available artist who could vas work and in two sizes: 40 by 30 inches in an edition of 95 offer only origipublishes his ($1,975) and 24 by 18 inches in an edition of 50 ($995). nals at a price hand-embelpoint just above lished giclées on canvas, introduced her “Con-Text” available in editions of 50 to series of limited edition continued on page 20 “Our Paris” by Daniel Del Orfano is available as a giclée on canvas in two sizes: 24 by 44 inches in an edition of 95 ($1,750) and 18 by 32 inches in an edition of 50 ($995). ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 9/10/13 2:17 PM Page 1 SEP13-news-Lyrical-pg2_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:36 AM Page 1 PLEIN-AIR EASTON! SHOW BRINGS STRONG SALES AND ATTENDANCE EASTON, MD—Sales at the week-long Plein-Air Easton! show in July exceeded $325,000, an increase of more than 20% over 2012 figures, with sales of 300-plus paintings by plein air artists who came to this annual event from across the country. The Grand prize: Timothy E. Sills Memorial Award went to Garin Baker of New York City for his “A Buck Twenty a Bushel,” oil on linen, 24 by 20 inches, shown. Retail prices of Baker’s small plein air paintings are $1,200 to $4,000. The competition exhibit was held at the Academy Art Museum in Easton. Attendance this year was approximately 10,000, and the work of the competition painters was well-received with a painting selling every 45 seconds for one-and-a-half hours during the Collector’s Preview Party. Plein Air-Easton! is run by the Avalon Foundation, a not-forprofit entity whose mission is to work to improve the quality of life for citizens of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It accomplishes this by presenting diversified arts and educational programs, by working with other organizations that serve the community, and by acting as a home for arts organizations. The 10th annual Plein Air-Easton! will take place July 12–20, 2014. Visit: www.pleinaireaston.com; for more on Baker’s work, go to: www.garinbaker.com. PAGE 20 LYRICAL FINE ART continued from page 18 as well as red carpets and live music. Even the gallery owner wore a stunning red dress for the evening.” artists are unique in that they are extremely approachable and accessible. My dealers an average giclée. Tim Gagnon can speak to our artists was a perfect fit.” pretty much whenever they Paying attention to the need. Should they want Also new to the Lyrical Fine needs of gallery owners and a client to speak to the artist Art roster is to help close Top Dog artist a sale, I will Chris Collins, arrange that whose work the gallery features owner have bold Pop art that opportupaintings of nity. We made bulldogs. sure to work The company with very humalso now disble and hardtributes the working artists acrylic on who are honcanvas work ored to be a and limited part of these edition gigalleries clées on canaround the vas of whimcountry and sical surreal- Tim Gagnon’s “Between the Red” is an acrylic on canvas in Canada. ist painter measuring 36 by 24 inches, retailing for $2,400. They do not Ferjo. take that their clients is at the fore- blessing for granted.” Mr. LaMantia says that front of Lyrical’s main objecas the economy is showing tive. “I am very sympathetic Mr. LaMantia is excited to signs of consistent improve- to the challenges that gal- offer galleries access to a ment, the art industry is lookvaried body ing for new inspiration and of work to apthat has played a big factor in peal to many his and Mr. Bluver’s decision collectors’ to launch Lyrical Fine Art tastes. “Our now. “We are finally coming artwork is for out of the recession, and galthe collector leries seem to be looking for who wants something fresh—a new disomething rection to re-energize their more than a business with new art.” piece of art to hang on their One example is a show wall—they that the company, then called look for a LaMantia Fine Art, did earlier compelling in the year featuring the work story to share of Del Orfano. “The hosting with people in gallery sold 40% of the their lives,” originals that were sent for Mr. LaMantia the show within days of concludes. the opening,” Mr. LaMantia notes. For further information, “They also sold, and took “Fiddler” by Ferjo is a limited edition giclée telephone orders for, a number of lim- on canvas measuring 20 by 24 inches ($900). Lyrical Fine ited edition canvases. They Art at (631) adorned their gallery with the leries face. We have been 787-8585 or go to the comartist’s signature red umbrel- doing a lot of commissions pany’s website located at: las hanging from the ceiling, recently, and it helps that our www.lyricalfineart.com. ART WORLD NEWS HalfPageStacked_Layout 1 9/19/13 10:33 AM Page 1 ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 21 SEP13-news-POD_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:41 AM Page 1 KRISTI SHELLEY OF ACCENTS ART IS LARSON-JUHL CUSTOMER SURVEY WINNER! NORCROSS, GA—Kristi Shelley of Accent Arts Inc., a Minneapolis-based custom frameshop in business almost 40 years, is the winner of Larson-Juhl’s recent customer survey drawing. With over 1,500 responses from retail custom framers from within the U.S. collected, Kristi had luck on her side and won a trip for two to attend the 2014 West Coast Art and Frame Expo in Las Vegas, January 20–22, at the Paris Las Vegas. Her prize includes airfare, hotel accommodations for three nights, dinner and a show, and $200 in spending money. Larson-Juhl asked customers to take the survey in order to gain insight into customers’ businesses and the industry as a whole. A huge amount of data was collected. Some noteable statistics from customers surveyed are: 15% sell art 67% utilize social media 69% have a website Kristi Shelley bought Accent Arts 11 years ago, after working at the store for fifteen. “We try to do all our framing to meet museum quality and archival standards,” she says. “That is what we educate our customers to want. They don’t always know that is what they want until we educate them, and then they expect it the next time.” The average ticket at Accent Arts, Ms. Shelley says, is $300 to $400. Although, as she says, “It’s nice when we get bigger framing jobs!” To reach Larson-Juhl, visit: www.larsonjuhl.com, and for Accents Arts: www.accent arts.net, (612) 822-1234. PAGE 22 POD’S NEWEST ADDITIONS Chris Moseley, President of POD Exchange LLC., located in Panama City, FL, has announced the addition of five new art publishers and three new artists to its roster of print-ondemand options. The company has also signed more international retailers as customers, taking their products and services to a more global audience. “We’re very excited to announce that we’ve added American publishers Wild Apple, Classic Collections, and Premier Art; as well as international publishers Pecheur d’Images from France and Art Concept International from the Netherlands,” Mr. Moseley says. He also notes that three private artists: Patrick Reynolds, Jane Segrest, and Kate Hoffman, have been added. The original list of companies participating are: A.D. Lines, CAP & Winn Devon, Galaxy of Graphics, Gango Editions, Image Conscious, Main Line Art, PI Creative Art, and Sundance Graphics. With these new additions, POD Exchange facilitates the secure delivery of copyrighted artwork files from 16 publishers and artists directly to retailers with inhouse, wide format on-demand printing capabilities for fine art reproductions. The company tracks the usage and pays royalties to the appropriate publisher or artist. “Using POD Exchange allows retailers to offer their customers images from many different companies and artists in a true ‘on-demand’ fash- ion, even if the end point is a world away,” Mr. Moseley says. “Customers can not only print direct, they can also use our data services to extend the image gallery to their own websites for their customers to browse and purchase. There are so many advantages for retailers, offered by POD Exchange, such as less cost, fast turnaround, customizable size and substrate options, and a one-stop shop for all the more popular images.” In an effort to work with retailers and meet their needs, POD Exchange is in the process of finalizing data services, whereby customers that would like to show the gallery of images on their own website will have access to the data and thumbnail images of the full line of offerings from POD Exchange. The data service plan is available to all POD Exchange customers for a monthly fee of $19.99 or $199 for the year, if paid in advance. The company is also laun ching new printer RIP software. “We recently teamed up with Shiraz Software in London, England, to develop a POD Exchange Version of their popular Carbon RIP software,” Mr. Moseley says. “This new product will add thousands of printer models to the list of approved printers for the system and will be an affordable RIP solution that gives the user better control of the printer and ‘nesting’ capabilities.” New international distributors of POD Exchange images include Chamton Pty Ltd., to cover all of Australia, and Art Concept International to cover the U.K., Germany, Czech Republic, and the Benelux. “These new distributors will offer sales and support of the POD Exchange system and products,” Mr. Moseley says. “Users in those areas will have access to support within their own time zones to resolve any issues they may have in a more timely manner.” Call (888) 406-2858 or go to: www.podexchange.com. ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 7/19/13 12:38 PM Page 1 SEPT13-Arnot page_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:53 AM Page 1 TRU VUE GIVES FRAMERS A CHOICE WITH FALL PROMOTION MCCOOK, IL—Tru Vue is tapping into custom framers’ opinions with its Museum Glass promotion, “The Difference Is Easy to See Sweepstakes.” Launched on Facebook on September 17, the promotion invites framers to view four possible designs for new Glass Choices displays and vote for their favorite. Votes count as entries into the sweepstakes, one per Facebook account. Tru Vue also hopes to get feedback on several designs for a new display structure. From September 18–30, there will be daily winners, and a grand prize winner will be announced on October 1, who will receive a gift certificate towards $999 on any Tru Vue Conservation Grade glazing. “We see this as a fun way to get input from custom framers, because they are the experts when it comes to what works in their shops,” says Jen Gramm, marketing manager at Tru Vue, manufacturer of high performance glazing for the custom framing and museum markets. “We have research that indicates consumers are interested in the benefits Museum Glass provides, and we want to offer the tools that will help custom framers share information with their customers.” Consumer surveys show, 58% of custom framing customers choose Museum Glass when shown a display that compares glass choices. When adding cost, 41% would be willing to pay $150 more to upgrade to Museum Glass, and half would pay an additional $100 for Conservation Clear. Yet, Museum Glass is offered to consumers only about 3.5% of the time. Visit: www.tru-vue.com. PAGE 24 CYCLICAL NATURE OF THE ART MARKET When Peter and Vicki both from Malaga; Jorge Arnot, owners of Arnot Nunez Segura from Galleries, New York, Barcelona, and Riccardo visited Europe this Arenys (1914-1977), also summer, as they usufrom Barcelona, whose ally do, their working painting entitled “Two trip was not devoted Stallions on Red” is feaentirely to the living tured below. artists they represent, but to the work of deAnd as the Arnots ceased artists that is travelled through France now in high demand in on their recent trip, they their home countries. sold the work of André “It’s as if everything Beronneau (1896-1973) old is new again, as to collectors and galthe work you have cy- Malva’s “Field of Dancing Poppies,” an leries in Bordeaux, where cles through the art oil on canvas, 40 by 40 inches. the artist was born. “It is market,” notes Mrs. not always a question of Arnot. “You buy the work to the Arnots. “His father buying; it is selling, as well,” of artists during their life- was so important that the Mrs. Arnot observes. “And time, when galleries want Czech government gave him what is interesting is that ‘the new.’ For example work a Corvette and even built these artists became estabby the wonderful artists a stretch of road specially lished in their lifetimes. They of the Catalan region of were not at that stage Spain, France, Italy, when we bought from Czechoslovakia...” When them. Part of the job of a Czechoslovakia was under gallery owner is to find a communist regime, Arnot artists they believe in, Galleries was exclusive and promote them. You representative for the don’t have a crystal ball, art made available by its but in choosing to repregovernment in the U.S. sent that artist, you rec“After years go by, the ognize that there is artists whose careers something in their work you have promoted in the that makes them exU.S. pass away. Then, tremely special.” after more time elapses, you have Fortune 500 art When the Arnots collectors who want to began working with purchase the work of Edouard Leon Cortès these deceased artists. (1882-1969) early on the For example, we don’t “Two Stallions on Red” by Riccardo artist was successful. have any paintings left Arenys,” oil painting, 24 by 30 inches. But more recently his now by Joseph Procprices have soared. If hazka; a certain gentleman for him to drive it on,” Mrs. Mrs. Arnot is asked who was taken by the work, and Arnot recalls. she thinks will be the future the entire collection has Cortès of our generation, all gone back to CzechosloLikewise, galleries in she says she believes it vakia. It is interesting how Barcelona have been show- will be Malva. But other it goes around.” Arnot ing an interest in the paint- artists to watch, she says, Gallery does, however, ings of deceased Catalan are Luigi Rocca, Guy Desshave his son Jan Proc- artists that Arnot Galleries apt, Willi Bauer, and Claudio hazka’s work. In fact, when represents. “So we went to Simonetti. his father passed away, he visit the galleries.” The work painted a view of the ceme- they showed was by such To reach Arnot Gallery, tery where Joseph Proc- artists as Felix Revello de visit: www.arnotgallery.com hazka is buried and gave it Toro and Francisco Ribera, or call (212) 245-8287. ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 8/1/12 11:38 AM Page 1 SEPT13-Tru Vue pages/REV page 1_Layout 1 9/19/13 2:59 PM Page 1 FRAMERICA EXPANDS ITS ‘NEXT GENERATION’ MOULDINGS YAPHANK, NY—Framerica has expanded its Textured Collection to include Montauk and Oyster in profiles from 5/8 to 3 inches wide. The collection consists of wood tones ranging from white-washed woods to weather beaten darks. They are designed to have a 3-D effect, a development that Framerica says hints at future design capabilities. Visit: www.framerica.com or call (800) 372-6422. DECOR MOULDING & SOUTHERN MOULDING INTRODUCE CARRERA HAUPPAUGE, NY—Decor Moulding and Southern Moulding debut Carrera, with reverse burgundy blacks and contrasting lips in worn gold and silver. Designed as an elegant look without a big price tag, it is in six styles in 2 1/4-, 2 3/4-, and 4-inch widths, and rabbet heights of 1/2, 5/8, and 11/16 inches, with three matching fillets. Go to: www.decormoulding.com. PAGE 26 SURVEY: BRIGHT SPOTS FOR FRAMERS The art and framing market is purchase from Unity Marketbeginning to make a come- ing, the Stevens, PA, conback from the effects of the sulting firm owned by Pam Great Recession, according Danziger, specialist in conto research conducted by sumer insights for marketers Unity Marketing. In a survey targeting the affluent conof more than 2,600 Ameri- sumer segment. (Contact: can consumers, 50% indi- webmaster@unitymarketing cated that they had made an online.com.) art and/or framing purchase during 2012. Though still not According to the research, at pre-recession levels—the art buyers represent the best figure was 58% in 2006— target for independent custhe latest figure is three per- tom frameshops. They are centage points above 2010, the largest category of cuswhen it was 47%. The tom framing consumers, and growth of the overall cate- are more active than they gory shows bright spots for have been in the past six custom framing, despite the years. Consumers in both industry’s struggles. Custom categories (art buyers and framing purchases were custom framing purchasers) down three percentage share very similar demopoints since 2010 (from 24% to 21%), The top three factors that but strong gains in the art influence where a consumer market and chooses to custom frame the perceived are: Trust, confidence and value of cuschoice of materials. tom framing by consumers point to opportunities, according to Tru graphics, and art buyers are Vue, one of several compa- more interested in original nies that provided financial art, with strong growth in that support to conduct the re- market. Original art also was search. ranked highest by survey respondents as the item most The Art, Wall Decor, Pic- recently custom framed. The ture Frame and Custom research indicates significant Framing Report is designed parallels between what motito help art and framing man- vates consumers to purufacturers, marketers, and chase art and to have pieces retailers better understand custom framed. Over 60% the consumer market for agree with the statement, their goods. Tru Vue, manu- “When choosing a piece of facturer of high performance art for my home, the way the glazing products for the cus- piece makes me feel is the tom framing and museum most important.” Fifty-five markets with locations in percent of custom framing McCook, IL, and Faribault, consumers cited preservaMN, is planning to share in- tion and protection as the sights into the survey results most important reason to through its website over the custom frame. Having a next several months. The full “special item that needed results are also available for framing” was the top reason to choose custom framing. “Custom framing consumers are personally and emotionally attached to what they put on their walls,” says Jane Boyce, president of Tru Vue. “It’s no surprise that conserving those pieces is vital to them.” The research also indicates that the expertise custom framing professionals provide fills a key need for consumers. The top three factors that influence where a consumer chooses to custom frame are: Trust, confidence and choice of materials. The primary reason consumers ultimately chose custom framing over readymade was they “wanted an expert to frame this item.” Possibilities for tapping into business from satisfied customers are strong. According to the research, 45% of consumers who have purchased in the collective category in the past year have items waiting to be framed. Many have two or more pieces they intend to frame. Understanding the demographics of the typical consumer can help custom framers attract new customers. The custom framing consumer of the past was older, but the most recent report shows that 56% are age 44 or younger. It is also the category with the highest income level ($121,000) of those surveyed, and a small majority of custom framing consumers are men (59%). “Though custom framing hasn’t returned to where it was before, the growth of the overall market provides a number of opportunities for continued on page 30 ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 8/2/13 3:36 PM Page 1 *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 9/19/13 2:07 PM Page 1 *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 9/19/13 2:08 PM Page 1 SEPT13-Tru Vue pages/REV page 2_Layout 1 9/19/13 3:02 PM Page 1 MAX MOULDING DEBUTS MAX ESSENTIALS LOS ANGELES—Max Moulding introduces Max Essentials—the Everyday Collection—combining Max’s insight into the profiles and finishes of mouldings widely used by framers. The collection of 22 functional profiles, with widths from 3/4 to 3 inches, has modern classic finishes in silver and gold foil, espresso, textured walnut, matt black with silver and with gold, and satin espresso with silver lip. Visit: www.max moulding.com for information. LARSON-JUHL PRESENTS THE KLAVIER COLLECTION NORCROSS, GA—LarsonJuhl’s new Klavier collection features rich, lustrous finishes and traditional profiles designed to offer a look of elegant sophistication. Inspired by European framing styles, Klavier is available in three woodtone furniture finishes: ebony, walnut, and gray on three profiles in width from 1 to 4 inches. For details, go to: www.larsonjuhl.com. PAGE 30 SURVEY continued from page 26 on paper, such as lithographs and posters; and reproductions on canvas, such as canvas transfers, gallery wraps, stretched canvas, mounted canvas, giclées and photographs. • Already-framed art repro- independent custom frame shops,” says Ms. Boyce. “Research shows that interest in art and wall decor is on the rise, and that consumers value what custom frameshops The key to success is provide. The responding to the market key to success is rewhere it is today, not how it sponding to was before the recession. the market where it is today, not how it was before the recession.” ductions, including readyto-hang art reproductions The products included in on paper and canvas, giUnity Marketing’s survey inclées and photography. cluded any art or pictures to • Print-on-demand art display on walls, specifically: • Original artwork: oils, acrylics, pastels, watercol• Unframed reproductions ors, drawings, etc. • • • • • • Tabletop picture frames Wall-hanging frames Poster frames Shadow box frames Digital display frames Any decorative items to hang on the wall, specifically: Sconces, wall shelves, mirrors, plaques, tapestries, wall hangings, decorative clocks, hanging cabinets, brackets or hooks, wall murals, including stickable wall graphics; family tree, signs, metal art, printed glass, and other decorative accents. • Any custom framing such as art, pictures, memorabilia, certificates, etc. by a professional framer. To reach Unity Marketing, go to: www.unitymarketing online.com. For Tru Vue, visit: www.tru-vue.com. TRU VUE NOW OFFERS BUSINESS TOOLS ON ITS WEBSITE Custom framing professionals have a new resource to help them grow their businesses and stay in touch with current and new customers. Tru Vue has created a Retail Business Tools Section on its website, www.tru-vue.com, providing easy access to a comprehensive set of turnkey marketing tools specifically designed for the needs of retail custom frameshops. The new resource includes a log-in feature that enables custom framers to save their store information for a fully customized experience and quick access to a wide range of co-branded collateral. At the site, custom framers will be able to: • Download product logos, technical images, royaltyfree sharable framed images, and others that showcase the value of Tru Vue Conservation Grade products, which can be in- • • • • • • corporated into the store’s collateral materials. Save time with online marketing by utilizing turnkey e-blast, templates to share store news, promotions and special events, and drive traffic. Update their websites by embedding Tru Vue content with the simple-to-use iframe template. Order merchandise such as gloves, glass choice displays and other collateral by using the new shopping cart. Watch videos and share them with customers via social media. Learn how to better optimize their websites for stronger search results with SEO tips and keyword search list. Download consumer brochures on conservation, UV protection and other product information to print it out. • Tap into the latest industry news and information with insights on how to leverage trends at the retail store level. • Help their staff answer questions about products and demonstrate product benefits via videos and other training materials. • Explore fresh ideas and creative solutions they can use in their stores through articles, videos, and other materials from fellow custom framers. “Our goal with the Retail Business Tools Section is to provide value to busy custom framers, who often find themselves pulled in many different directions,” says Jen Gramm, Tru Vue marketing manager. “We spent a lot of time considering what custom framers need most and designed it like an in-house marketing department for independent frameshops.” ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 8/29/13 3:14 PM Page 1 SEPT13-Frame Design_Layout 1 9/19/13 2:55 PM Page 1 DETAILS OF A FRAME DESIGN FRAMING SMALL WORKS OF ART by Greg Perkins Most people purchase art because they love it. If their choice happens to be small in size, it doesn’t lessen their emotional connection with it. Some people will buy art they believe will be a good investment. Even if they don’t have that same personal connection as the person who loves the art, they are proud to own it and will likely want people to see it, just as they would if it were larger. and a 3-inch mat border and a 2-inch wide moulding for a 16- by 20-piece, a 5- by 7-inch piece is going to be downright tiny. A tiny frame design is not the way to go to help your clients feel great about their purchase, and to take pride in it when they are showing it to others. There are two important considerations when choosing how to frame a small piece of art. First, be sure your selections enhance the Art on paper is typically matted. A generously proportioned mat border certainly will help to add a sense of importance to a smaller piece. The middle of the three layers of matting is black. This creates a strong line around the art to pull the viewer’s attention to the art from the frame and surrounding room. The photograph of the horses is by Martin Henson, from: www.ArtThatFits.com. The frame is Larson-Juhl’s Devon #388630. Many people choose mat border widths and frame moulding widths based on the overall size of the art to be framed. If they would choose a 4-inch mat border and 3-inch wide moulding for a 24- by 36-inch piece of art, PAGE 32 art. The challenge arises when you factor in that small pieces easily get lost among everything else in a fully decorated room. That leads to the second consideration. You should create frame designs with enough strength A small piece of art can easily go unnoticed among everything else in a fully decorated room. Several techniques were used here to help this painting stand out, wherever it may be displayed. Firstly, the large scale of the moulding adds to the scale of the art so the overall size becomes more noticeable. Secondly, the dark color of the frame is strong, yet not overpowering, giving the art a more powerful presence. Thirdly, the contrasting gold fillet near the painting draws the viewer’s attention to the art. The painting is by Yasharel Manzy, available at: www.yasharel manzy.com. The frame is Larson-Juhl’s Klavier #755155. to help the art stand out wherever it’s displayed, while being subdued enough for the art to remain the focal point within that design. It’s a shame when framed art appears insignificant simply because it is small. When art is displayed in a gallery setting, it tends to be displayed using whatever methods are needed to help it stand out. It may be great lighting, hanging on a wall by itself, or it may be placed on a background color that helps call attention to it. After all, the goal of showing the art in a gallery is to sell it, making it vital for the art to look its best. When a consumer purchases the piece and takes it home to display, it is rare they will have an equally ideal spot for it. So, the question is, can or should small artwork be framed using different guidelines than those used for larger pieces? I say, “Yes!” When small art is framed using the same proportional ratios used for large pieces, the results are generally extremely unimpressive. By consciously choosing wider mat borders and larger scale frames, you will help the art look as important as it is. Greg Perkins is Customer Programs Manager for Larson-Juhl. He may be reached via e-mail at: Greg_ Perkins@LarsonJuhl.com. ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 9/6/13 3:25 PM Page 1 SEPT13-Consignment Part 1 page 1_Layout 1 9/19/13 12:57 PM Page 1 ART & BUSINESS GETTING HONEST ABOUT CONSIGNED ART by Cristi Smith While our industry has resolved many challenging issues over the past several years, it has not found a resolution to the recurring issue of art on consignment. If galleries, artists, and publishers are to flourish, we must take an unflinching look at the problems that surround consigned art. It’s the proverbial elephant in the room and it’s time that we addressed it. The topic of consignment is controversial, and the subject of many opinions and stories. Consignment presents multi-faceted problems, and integrity and trust lie at its heart. But there are other issues, too. For example: • How much art should be consigned vs. purchased? • Should limited editions ever get consigned? • What are the standards for fledgling artists vs. established ones? • What if you have a buyer for a painting that has been consigned to another gallery? • Are there consequences when agreements aren’t honored? These questions are just a few of the many. The adverse repercussions of ignoring the issues of consignment affect our entire industry. Let’s begin with the violation of trust. PAGE 34 Typically, artists or publishers are the ones who get burned when things go south (meaning they wind Cristi Smith. up chasing money, art, or both). But when art providers become pessimistic as a result, the gallery industry suffers, too. After a negative experience with a gallery, some artists become completely gun-shy and decide to go it alone with art fairs, pop-up shows, or they may open their own gallery or Web presence and sell directly. When an artist fears consigning their work and they pursue these other sales options, it takes business away from galleries. The stellar ones (i.e. prompt paying galleries) are affected, too, and miss opportunities. In an ideal art world, consigned merchandise wouldn’t even be an option. The gallery owner would have sufficient sales to purchase meticulously selected art that followed or inspired a precise vision. The artist would be paid their wholesale price when the art leaves their possession. You know… the way it works in almost every other retail business on the planet. shine a spotlight on the problem, but I cleared my calendar and set to work after we recently experienced our own situation. It went something like this: Following a successful show some time ago, we were looking forward to a healthy compensation check from the hosting gallery. But The notion of a proprietor after waiting politely (far past having relatively no invest- the promised due date), then ment in his or her merchan- asking nicely, sending redise is hard to imagine peated requests, reminders, for most retailers who are and eventually numerous not in the fine art business phone calls which resulted (and certainly their suppli- in broken promises—months ers). From their viewpoint, I later it was time to be direct with the gallery: us the Typically, artists or publishers Show money. We are the ones who get burned finally got the truth: when things go south. “We don’t But when art providers have the m o n e y .” become pessimistic “What do as a result, the you mean gallery industry suffers too. you don’t have the money? You suppose consignment sounds had the money. Your client like a great gig if you can get paid you for the art.” it. But from the art industry’s Gallery owner is apoloperspective, consignment is not a choice, but a neces- getic. “We’ve been having a few bad months. We just sary reality. don’t have it to give you. We’re very sorry. We’ll send The Truth Hurts you what we can when we I had been thinking about can.” “But… that was never writing a consignment article your money to spend!” for months, urged by other continued on page 36 artists and publishers to help ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 9/19/13 9:33 AM Page 1 SEPT13-Consignment Part 1 page 2_Layout 1 9/19/13 2:48 PM Page 1 ART & BUSINESS CONSIGNED ART continued from page 34 “Well, we’re sorry. It’s been very difficult for us this year. I hope you understand. We’ll pay you. Eventually.” “But we’re not a bank! We can’t finance your business. We have our own bills to pay. You can’t do this.” “Yes, well, we’re very, very sorry. It’s just not there. We promise you’ll get paid. Just not for awhile.” Repeats the gallery owner. “When?” “I don’t know. We’ll do the best we can.” And so this archetypal and unpleasant exchange continues, with righteous indignation on one end and contrition on the other, until the conversation loop begins to wear both parties down (or the offending gallery owner becomes annoyed or defensive and ends the conversation abruptly). These things rarely end well, and this particular experience was no exception. When someone keeps money that belongs to you, I think it’s human nature to have a problem with that. Most artists or publishers have their own bills to pay and aren’t in a position to finance any other business but their own. Nearly every artist has a horror story about not being paid for consigned art and subsequently forced into a position where they have to cajole, beg, or threaten a gallery to pay him or her according to their agreement (usually in that order). They will tell you that the worst part of their job is chasing money. PAGE 36 The Nature of Consignment Why is getting paid (on time or without a hassle) such a universal problem for artists and publishers? Consignment is a simple concept. When art is sold, the gallery collects money that belongs to the art provider. The gallery then turns around and pays the art provider their share. Yet I hear from both emerging and well-established art providers that this is not always the case. There is a lopsided balance state lines)? That involves financial gymnastics that are unrealistic for most artists or publishers to pursue. Sometimes word gets out that a gallery is a slow or no payer, and that begins to impact the quality of art that becomes available to the gallery, and rightfully so. They might pay the artist last because they know that most artists aren’t usually educated or trained to be shrewd business people. I’m making generalities here, but we all might agree that confrontation is not a quin- What we really need to do is seek ways to ameliorate conflicts between artists, publishers and galleries—and avoid having them in the first place. of financial power that places artists in a vulnerable position, sometimes having to beg for what actually belongs to them in the first place. Even with a signed consignment contract, created to manage expectations, everything can still go awry—as if the agreement didn’t exist at all. If we’re being brutally honest about it (and this article attempts to be exactly that) many galleries who ignore their contract with the artist do so because they know that they can. What is the artist going to do? Sue them (often across tessential artist characteristic. What we really need to do is seek ways to ameliorate conflicts between artists, publishers and galleries—and avoid having them in the first place. Now, before another word is read, we should commend, applaud, and send out heartfelt appreciation to those gallery owners whose standard practice is honoring their agreements to their artists and publishers. You know who you are. Bless you. You deserve every success you’re enjoying, and every exceptional artist or publisher should know who you are. I’d like to propose a way in which they would. Brainstorming Solutions The fact remains that talented artists prosper from gallery exposure. In spite of e-commerce, physical galleries still provide the best opportunity to personally connect the public with fine art. Conversely, most galleries would be well-lit, empty rooms without art supplied to them on consignment. Since everybody needs each other, it makes sense to brainstorm ideas that make consignment a simpler and easier-to-manage transaction. What if there was a consortium of artists and art professionals (akin to a consumer advocacy group) that existed to identify galleries as trustworthy? Even televisions and washing machines have “seal of approval” from trustworthy resources that guide the consumer to make an informed decision. In our industry, what if an artist could review a potential gallery for representation, and if a gallery was certified as a “Gold Dot” gallery (possible name for this entity?). Art providers would be comfortable sending that gallery the very best of their work, knowing that the gallery has a solid continued on page 38 ART WORLD NEWS ToddGoldmanAd-1pg-REVISED-AUG12_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:19 PM Page 1 David & Goliath (203)854-8566 todd@davidandgoliathtees.com www.toddisstupid.com SEPT13-Consignment Part 1 page 3_Layout 1 9/19/13 2:52 PM Page 1 ART & BUSINESS CONSIGNED ART continued from page 36 reputation for fairness and honesty. It hardly bears mentioning that the most noteworthy artists and publishers will line up to send these “certified” galleries their work. Knowing they would be rewarded by access to the best art, reputable galleries would clamor to be a member of this exclusive group of galleries. As a member in good standing, “Gold Dot” galleries would have the confidence that they are receiving the best of what artists have to offer. What a great thing to be able to tell their clients! Following this article, I’ll be exploring this idea in greater depth and welcome input toward forming some sort of alliance that might accomplish this. Having been a gallery owner, artist and publisher, we’ve been there. Being an artist and publisher, we’re still here. We recognize how important it is to nurture healthy relationships with our retail gallery partners. Other Conversations Aside from the obvious issues of consignment compensation, there are other situations that can cause stress in the relationship between an art provider and gallery. At the top of the list for galleries is when an artist or publisher sells directly to PAGE 38 a customer from their market—or worse, one of their own clients. That’s a huge breach of trust that is not easily regained. It could be a deal-breaker for the gallery representing that artist and understandably so. If an art provider earns a reputation for this transgression, finding new and reputable galleries will become difficult. Word travels. No matter how good the art may be, when a gallery assumes the financial burden of real estate exposure and staff (to name just back to the rightful source. Once again, it’s about honoring your commitments and agreements. Sometimes a gallery will choose to purchase original paintings upfront instead of consigning them, and for that, they may receive a better deal than what would have been their consigned price—which is fair to expect. What is not fair is when they return the art that they purchased and use it as a credit toward other art that they sold on consignment (yes, this actu- What if an artist could review a potential gallery for representation, and if a gallery was certified as a ‘Gold Dot’ gallery, art providers would be comfortable sending that gallery the very best of their work. two), it feels a lot like betrayal when they are “used” in this manner. ally happens). It sounds confusing—and it’s meant to be —because it is not ethical. The Internet makes it easy for a customer to be introduced to an artist, pitched by the gallery, then come home and contact the artist directly, hoping for a better deal. Most customers who do this don’t think they are doing anything particularly wrong; they feel they are just being savvy art collectors. Those of us in the industry know how damaging and unfair this practice truly is. It’s up to all of us to adamantly ensure that they are steered What happens if an artist or publisher has original art on consignment with one gallery and a buyer for it at another? Clearly, they’d like to sell the art, but they must recognize that the hosting gallery may have invested in advertising that specific painting, have a show or home viewing coming up, or perhaps they have several interested clients who haven’t made the leap yet. There are no hard and fast rules here, but I’ve heard from several sources on this matter. The first consideration is how long the gallery has had the art. In many artist consignment contracts, the artist has the right to receive the art back within 30 days of the request. This way, if the gallery has prospects or marketing investments, they have the opportunity to maximize them. The worst that can happen is that the artist has to wait a month to sell the painting. But I have found that if you have a healthy relationship with the gallery, you can simply ask for the art to be returned. If they have no immediate buyer on the horizon, or they’ve had the art for a reasonable period of time, they’re usually happy to oblige. Someday they may be on the other end of that equation and they’d want the same opportunity for themselves. Not to mention that most galleries enjoy seeing artists succeed. This helps drive demand for the artist. Part 2 of this article continues in a future issue. Cristi Smith is co-owner and president of Ford Smith Fine Art, and is agent and publisher for her husband, artist Ford Smith. Her expertise spans two decades in the retail advertising and marketing arenas with executive leadership in Fortune 100 retailers in addition to startup companies in the highend home decor industry. Call her at (770) 552-5942, www.fordsmithfineart.com. ART WORLD NEWS HalfPageStacked_Layout 1 9/19/13 10:37 AM Page 1 ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 39 SEP13-noe-pg1_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:43 AM Page 1 WHAT’S HOT IN OPEN EDITIONS Blue Botanical I Aimee Wilsons’ “Blue Botanical I” is available in two sizes: 24 by 24 inches ($35) and 12 by 12 inches ($12). Telephone PI Creative Art, Toronto, Canada, at (800) 363-2787 for details, or go to: www.picreativeart.com. Here are the best selling prints from the month of August Espirit World of Coffee “World of Coffee” by Clara Wells measures 20 by 27 inches and retails for $38. Telephone Rosenstiel’s, London, in the U.S. at (480) 305-0714 for further information, or go to the website located at: www.felixr.com. Sally Bennett Baxley’s “Espirit” measures 36 by 24 inches and retails for $34. Telephone Poems Art Publishing, Salt Lake City, Utah, at (888) 447-6367 or go to the website located at: www.poemsart.com. Exotic Regions I “Exotic Regions I” by Mauro Cardozo measures 12 by 24 inches and retails for $22. Phone Haddad’s Fine Arts, Anaheim, CA, at (800) 9423323, or go to: www.haddadsfinearts.com. Color Block “Color Block” by Wani Pasion measures 27 1/2 by 27 1/2 inches and retails for $38. Phone Winn Devon, Richmond, British Columbia, at (800) 663-1166 or visit the website located at: www.winndevon.com. PAGE 40 Majestic Beauty II “Majestic Beauty II” by Daphne Brissonnet measures 12 by 36 inches and retails for $21. For more information, phone Wild Apple, Woodstock, VT, at (800) 756-8359, or visit the website at: www.wildapple.com. ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 8/15/13 12:47 PM Page 1 SEP13-noe-pg2_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:47 AM Page 1 WHAT’S HOT IN OPEN EDITIONS Modele II “Modele II” by Elizabeth Medley measures 24 by 24 inches and retails for $25. For further information, phone Sundance Graphics, Orlando, FL, at (800) 617-5532 or visit the website located at www.sundancegraphics.com. Here are the best selling prints from the month of August Feather 2 Love Books I “Love Books I” by Katie Guinn measures 11 by 14 inches, retailing for $10. Call Gango Editions, Portland, OR, at (800) 852-3662 for more information, or go to: www.gangoeditions.com. “Feather 2” by David Bromstad is an open edition giclée print, measuring 30 by 60 inches and retailing for $120. For more details, telephone Penny Lane Publishing, New Carlisle, Ohio, at (800) 273-5263, or: www.pennylane publishing.com. Ocean Dream II “Ocean Dream II” by Pam Ilosky is an open edition giclée measuring 18 by 24 inches ($50). Call World Art Group, Richmond, VA, at (804) 213-0600 or visit the website: www.theworldartgroup.com. Instance I Whispering “Whispering” by Rita Vindedzis measures 24 by 36 inches and retails for $42. For more details, telephone Canadian Art Prints, Richmond, British Columbia, at (800) 6631166, or go to: www.canadianartprints.com. PAGE 42 “Instance I” by David Bailey measures 24 by 24 inches and retails for $35. For further information, telephone Editions Limited, Emeryville, CA, at (800) 228-0928 or go to www.editionslimited.com. ART WORLD NEWS SEP13-OE_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:48 AM Page 1 OPEN EDITION PRINTS Image Conscious SunDance Graphics “Sweet Surprise” by Christie "Blue Floral and Bird I" by Tiffany Hakimipour Image Size: 20” x 8” E-MAIL: sarah@sundancegraphics.com 9580 Delegates Dr., Orlando, FL 32837 407.240.1091 www.sdgraphics.com www.sundancegraphics.com Image Size: 24" x 36" 800.532.2333 www.imageconscious.com Editions Limited “No Place to Fall” by William Vanscoy Image size: 18” x 18” Retail price: $20 800.228.0928 www.editionslimited.com E-MAIL: customerservice@editionslimited.com 4090 Halleck Street, Emeryville, CA 94608 Gango Editions www.gangoeditions.com Image Size: 48” x 24” E-MAIL: info@gangoeditions.com 2187 NW Reed St., Portland, OR 97210-2104 ART WORLD NEWS “Sense Memory” by Hollingsworth Image Size: 36” x 24” 800.532.2333 www.imageconscious.com Haddad’s Fine Arts Inc. “Casa Blanc II” by Jeni Lee 800.852.3662 Image Conscious “Repose” by E. Jarvis Image Size: 26” x 26” Also available as a custom size giclée. 800.942.3323 Fax: 714.996.4153 www.haddadsfinearts.com E-MAIL: cfskeen@haddadsfinearts.com 3855 E. Mira Loma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806 PAGE 43 SEPT13-Calendar - horiz_Layout 1 9/19/13 10:42 AM Page 1 CALENDAR September 19–22: Expo Chicago, Navy Pier, Chicago. Produced by Art Expositions LLC. For details, visit: www.expochicago.com or call (312) 867-9220. September 19–22: Houston Fine Art Fair, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston. Hamptons Expo Group. Visit: www.houstonfineartfair.com or call (631) 283-5505. October 3–6: Spectrum New York, Javits Center North, New York City. Produced by Redwood Media Group. Contact Eric Smith, e-mail: eric@spectrum-new york.com, (216) 225-0962, PAGE 44 or Rick Barnett at: rick@ spectrum-newyork.com, (831) 747-0112 or: www. spectrum-newyork.com. October 3–6: Affordable Art Fair NYC, The Tunnel at 28th St. and 11th Ave., New York. Produced by Ramsay Fairs. Visit: www. affordableartfair.com or telephone (212) 255-2003. October 19–24: International Home Furnishings Market, High Point, NC. Call (800) 874-6492 or visit: www.highpointmarket.org. October 25–27: Contemporary Art Fair NYC, including Art Off the Main, and the American Fine Craft Show NYC, Javits Center North, New York City. Produced by American Art Marketing. Visit the website: www. americanartmarketing.com or call (845) 355-2400. October 25–28: Toronto International Art Fair, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto. Produced by Informa Canada Inc. For information, visit the website located at: www.arttoronto. ca or call (604) 730-2065. October 25–31: International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show, The Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue at 67th St., New York. Pro- duced by Haughton International Fairs, London. Visit: www.haughton.com or call (011-44) (0) 20 7389 6555. November 6–10: IFPDA Print Fair, The Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue at 67th St., New York. Produced by the International Fine Print Dealers Association. For details, visit: www.ifpda.org. November 21–24: The 17th annual Boston International Fine Art Show at the Cyclorama, Boston. Produced by Fusco & Four/ Ventures LLC. For further information, visit: www.fine artboston.com or telephone (617) 363-0405. ART WORLD NEWS HalfPageStacked_Layout 1 9/19/13 3:19 PM Page 1 ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 45 SEPT13-Amazon page 3_Layout 1 9/19/13 12:38 PM Page 1 MARKETPLACE AMAZON ART continued from page 16 lower priced items that sell at Amazon Art, in the hundreds, not thousands, and more dollar range. “That is where I feel it will end up.” He could well be right. Regina Held, owner of New Grounds Print Workshop and Gallery in Albuquerque, NM, has had several sales of original prints she has placed on Amazon Art, all of which at the time of this interview were between $150 and $350. For sales in this price range, Amazon takes about 20% and Ms. Held gives the artist 60%. “I get about 20% of the sale, but I am comfortable with that because I was going for quantity—and I don’t want my artists to get any less money.” She asked permission from the artists she represents before placing their work online—about 1,000 handmade prints, including etchings, as well as some photography and monotypes, with the eventual aim of showing 2,000 to 3,000 pieces. “They were excited,” she says. Her reason for joining Amazon Art was to make her artists’ work “visible on a global scale. It seemed a fabulous opportunity. Amazon is one of the biggest retailers in the world. There are a lot of places out there trying to do what Amazon is doing, but they don’t have the algoPAGE 46 rithms to present art to a client who is looking for something.” One of the aspects of Amazon Art that she likes is that when a client is searching for art, it will show them other pieces they may also like. sults for us, it’s important to have a strong Internet presence in business today. Amazon’s reach is global and it is my hope that by participating in their fine art program, we will extend the reach of New River Fine Art’s brand.” The former Animazing Gallery in New York, specialist in animation and illustration art, has had an Amazon webstore for two years, as well as a presence on eBay. Work that Animazing Gallery represented, before the gallery evolved into AFA, is offered. Jacqueline Simon, art conNorman Rockwell’s “Willie Gillis: Packsultant at AFA, age from Home,” an oil painting priced at $4,850,000 on Amazon Art. says you might get someone onAmazon, too, was helpful line who sees a less expenin working with Ms. Held to sive item, but is interested put her art online. They sent in seeing the original. “They a representative to her may see the work on the gallery to help with set up, sites, and then e-mail us at free of charge. “And I have the gallery or call us to get a ‘live’ person I can talk to more information—or they or e-mail if we have prob- come in. It all works hand in lems. It was a huge amount hand. But I don’t think there of data entry, and we had to is ever going to be a time figure things out, and they when galleries close behelped us.” cause the Web has taken away sales. You can’t apLisa Burgess, owner of preciate art until you have it New River Fine Art, Las in your face—right in front Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, of you so you see the brushFL, agrees. “While the pro- strokes and pen marks.” gram has yet to produce re- Ms. Simon does, however, say that they have, for instance, big Peanuts collectors who have a few pieces of Charles Schulz’s work, that may buy from a photo sent to them by AFA. “But they are familiar with the work, and the quality of what we sell at AFA—because you could buy it somewhere else, and it might not have the same quality. Even if it is by Schulz, it has to be of a certain caliber to sell in our gallery.” Amazon Art encourages galleries and dealers who are posting work on its site to include information about the art; each piece can also be seen online in a room setting, and can be magnified for a close look at the work. In an interview with Art World News, Amazon Art spokesperson Erik Fairleigh said, “The approach we are taking is we work with reputable galleries and dealers, and they put in the background information on the artwork on the site. So what the customer sees is coming from the gallery or dealer. We never see the art unless we are going to do the fulfillment.” Most of the work is fulfilled by the galleries and dealers selling the work; some smaller photographs and prints are fulfilled by Amazon. “We have a service of fulfillment by Amazon, and we offer it to two million sellers, worldwide—from TVs to shoes.” continued on page 47 ART WORLD NEWS SEPT13-Amazon page 4_Layout 1 9/19/13 12:42 PM Page 1 AMAZON ART continued from page 46 As regards Amazon Art’s commission, it ranges from about 5% to 20% in a tiered scale based on the price of the artwork sold—in a descending percentage as the price goes higher. Galleries and dealers, as the sellers, have pricing control. “Our services are very flexible, so a gallery can put up art and take it down at their discretion as many times as they want. They may put up work by one artist one day and another the next. And they could change the price as frequently as they want to.” The work could be consigned to the gallery/dealer or owned by them. It is up to the gallery what art they list. Amazon Art does not get into how they are sourcing it. When asked how sales are going, Mr. Fairleigh said Amazon doesn’t release sales figures by category. “But we are pleased with sales.” He did also say that Amazon Art wants to add more galleries to its community of sellers. “Since the launch, more than 200 galleries and dealers have contacted us, looking for an opportunity to be a part of it.” There is a pre-approval process in order to be a gallery on Amazon Art. There needs to be a good fit.“We want galleries that offer something unique and original.” Continuing his comments on Amazon Art, Greg Bloch ART WORLD NEWS says, “I don’t know what the future of it is. I am an old time art dealer. Certainly they are not the only ones doing this, but the critical mass of Amazon lends credibility to it. If a galley is representing my art and they put it up there, it doesn’t hurt me, as long as they don’t discount.” As he says, Amazon, and all my books and Kindles, as well as art books from its rare books department. It is fabulous when I know what I want. But as for fine art, I don’t know. I am old school—I want to touch and feel it. I don’t know how you represent that online.” Someone, he reasons, might want to shop online for a Miró because they saw one in a gallery and wanted a different one. They know what they are looking for, “Zihuatanejo” by Graham Lott, archival pighave seen ment photograph, priced $950 on Amazon Art. the equivalent in “real “Most people shopping on- life,” and can therefore be line are looking for a better comfortable in these circumprice.” stances shopping online for fine art. “Many poohpoohed Mr. Bloch is an ardent Amazon when they came believer in brick-and-mortar into being in the ’90s, and galleries. “I want to look at they have been pretty good. the art and see the texture. I try to be the devil’s advoBut for millennials, it may be cate, and when I went to the the only way they want to Amazon Art site I couldn’t buy. My daughter is on the find anything wrong with it. Internet all the time. That is They are not stocking art— how she shops. So I don’t individual galleries are supknow the long-term effect. plying the art. We have heard for 15 years that the Internet would put “Brick-and-mortar shopus out of business. It is a ping is done for the experihuge assumption that peo- ence; it’s retail therapy. I ple would go to Amazon to just don’t know the future of shop for fine art. art sales online. Open editions, yes. But the kind of “Amazon wants to be the things we sell (as dealers superstore of the world. I and galleries), I don’t know.” have bought shorts from Yet at other times in recent art history, artists have taken unconventional roads to success. LeRoy Neiman was disdained in his lifetime as an artist, Mr. Bloch points out, because he did work for Burger King. Today, Neiman is a household name, his work is in many museums, and he is considered a great artist. “So what is wrong with exposure?” The same with Norman Rockwell. As Mr. Bloch notes, he was an illustrator to start with. “Exposure can translate into legitimacy in the rarified art world. I have resisted licensing and product placement with my artists because I don’t want to denigrate the fine arts—but maybe I am an idiot. My jury is out.” When one of the galleries that represents Mr. Bloch’s work called him to ask if they could put Royo’s prints on Amazon, he gave them the go-ahead. At the time of this interview he said, “Has there been a sale? Not one.” As Mr. Bloch observes, every 20 years there is a new generation of art buyers in the 35 to 55 age range. “I have done a couple of generations, and I don’t know the motivation of new buyers. I want to go with the flow. But nothing ever replaces the gallery. I may be naive, but I like walking into a store. I enjoy the retail experience.” Sarah Seamark is Editor in Chief of Art World News. PAGE 47 OCT12-Pamela Sukhum page 1_Layout 1 9/19/13 10:52 AM Page 1 ART & HEALING PAMELA SUKHUM: THE BEAUTIFUL PROJECT by Sarah Seamark As an artist, Pamela Sukhum looks beyond what her paintings can convey to the viewer. She focuses on the possibilities of what the creative process can contribute to healing children traumatized by war and sickness, as well as helping children and adults with special challenges. The Minneapolis-based artist, whose work is represented by her own company, Infinite Vision Art, is embarking on the second phase of her Beautiful Project. In this phase, she is partnering with art galleries. When a gallery holds an exhibition of her artwork, she will go into the community to work with those who can find benefit in the creative process. For instance, when Vinings Gallery in Smyrna, GA, held a show of Pamela’s paintings and prints, she spent time at Gigi’s Playhouse in Atlanta, a Down syndrome educational center, where she worked creatively with the children. She has also been working with veterans from the V.A. Medical Center in Minnesota suffering from PTSD. Now she is reaching out to galleries nationwide to partner with her on these satellite projects by hosting an exhibition while she works in the community, helping those with special needs through art. In addition to that, she has just rolled out PAGE 48 ArtVENTURES, her 30-foot mobile studio that takes the Beautiful Project on the road across the U.S. plains. The UN High Commissioner made it possible for Sukhum to enter the region with a small group she Pamela Sukhum brought artwork into the lives of refugees at the Gaga camp along the border of Chad and Sudan under the auspices of The Beautiful Project. The Beautiful Project had assembled, including a began several years ago photographer and a rewhen Pamela Sukhum, under searcher from the University the auspices of the United of Minnesota who wanted Nations High Commissioner educational data on the projfor Refugees, worked with ect. “Once we got to Africa, displaced children from the Darfur conflict in western Sudan. “I got the idea to do the project in Darfur and contacted organizations involved in Pamela Sukhum takes her Beautiful Project the area be- around the U.S. in conjunction with gallery cause, with- shows of her work. Here she is at Gigi’s Playout support, house, Atlanta, a Down syndrome awareness you can’t get and educational center. At the same time, in,” she ex- Vinings Gallery hosted her show. we went into the area on UN planes and were escorted to certain places.” The entire project was about a month long. The following year she and her party went to the southern border of Chad and the Central Africa Republic, where she also worked with children. “Our purpose was to meet the basic human need for beauty, meaning, and self-expression.” She believes that the opportunity for people to transform their lives through self-empowerment can be achieved through the vehicle of art. Some of the children had been in camps for as long as 10 years. They came from a wide area, and thus at least two interpretors were often required. She says, “These kids were amazing. I just gave them a pencil and paper to draw whatever they wanted. For three hours they would draw—totally engaged. And we realized that these kids were hungry for something that they could create just for themselves. “I wanted the project to be so easy to administer that I could train UNICEF and UN aid workers to go into classrooms and work with the refugees when we left.” In this way, the Beautiful Project would be ongoing. After the first overseas continued on page 49 ART WORLD NEWS OCT12-Pamela Sukhum page 2_Layout 1 9/19/13 10:56 AM Page 1 THE BEAUTIFUL PROJECT continued from page 48 mission, the project was evaluated for its potential for lasting impact. “And we realized we wanted it to go far beyond what we could do, so it was important that it be teachable. Even older children could administer it to younger children.” Each day there are different exercises, and they are progressive. It is intended to be of benefit both to people who have done art before and those who have not. “It is not about the techniques of drawing—it is to encourage them to be creatively expressive and to share their feelings through art.” Much of it is an exercise in trust building. “I encouraged them to use their imagination through exercises, such as drawing with their eyes closed to develop an inner vision. What we observed over time was that they built trust in the room to feel safe enough to close their eyes. Other days we would ask the children (when they were more comfortable) to draw something that had made them sad and something that would make them happy. They began to draw pictures of the war. They might not have talked about it, but were able to make drawings. They were encouraged to talk about their pictures, making it easier for them to tell their stories. And so it became an act of empowerment. We would also ask them draw someART WORLD NEWS thing they would like to see in their life, and they might draw flowers and animals. The children could express the future they wanted for themselves. So it was really an exercise in encouraging the children to create a different future for themselves, and new possibilities.” Next, Pamela planned to go to Rakai in Uganda. This would be a different situation from her two other missions. Beautiful Project, and sharing its potential with others, is that she herself found her true purpose in life through art. Her parents, both from Bangkok, Thailand, emigrated to the U.S. in the ’60s, and made a home for Pamela and her brother Patrick in Minneapolis. As her father was a cardiologist, Pamela went to college to study cellular and molecular biology. In graduate school she worked as a research scientist whilst also becoming the first employee in a start-up medical company specializing in cardiology and electro physiology. But she knew she was hungering for something more creative. Her artwork is about her own experiences in life, as well as universal experiences. What she hopes is that her art will stir a response in the viewer. Some of her work is inspired by nature, being out in the woods and on the water. “I feel very comfortable in the outdoors,” she says. “I try to convey what it is like being out in the water in the waves—and how riding the waves becomes a metaphor for life.” “One summer I decided to try something new as a hobby—something that I might be scared of. It could have been sky diving, but I chose art. It was intimidating to me that people could cre- Pamela Sukhum’s mixed media paintings retail from $950 to $18,000 and her prints, in very small editions, from $750 to $2,400. Telephone (612) 207-8148 or: www.infinitevisionart.com. “Bamboo Among Oaks” by Pamela Sukhum is an original diptych with each panel measuring 24 by 30 inches, retailing for $5,800. The diptych is also available in an edition of 25, retailing for $1,600. Visit: www.infinitevisionart.com. The region has been devastated not by war but by the HIV virus. Many households are child-run because a generation has been decimated, from ages 25 to 45. When she goes to Rakai, possibly in late 2014, it will also be to encourage earning power and sustainability. As she says, “Everyone needs both beauty and bread.” The reason that Pamela feels so strongly about the ate an image with feeling, and emotion, and a message.” She began to paint 10 to 14 hours a day. Even when she went back to work, she continued painting whenever she could. At about that time, 10 years ago, a very close friend of Pamela’s died in the night. “It was the first time I experienced a loss so close to me. It was devastating, and I asked myself what I was doing with my days and my life. I gave myself a year to leave the medical field and become a full time artist.” During that year she learned all she could about making a living as an artist. Today her work is represented in galleries across the country through her company, Infinite Vision Art. PAGE 49 SEP13-NewArt-pg1_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:24 AM Page 1 NEW ART Purple Tree and Mountain Eyvind Earle Publishing LLC, located in Monterey, CA, introduces “Purple Tree and Mountain,” a serigraph in an edition of 200 and measuring 27 by 36 inches. The retail price is $1,500. For more information call (831) 372-4023 or go to the website at: www. eyvindearle .com. Destination Napa Eric Christensen Fine Art & Editions, San Jose, CA, presents “Destination Napa,” a giclée on canvas available in three sizes: a 48- by 36-inch in an edition of 80 ($2,040), a 40- by 30-inch in an edition of 150 ($1,580), and a 32- by 24-inch in an edition of 150 ($1,420). Call (408) 445-1314 for more details, or visit: www.ericchristensenart.com. PAGE 50 Marina Bridge, Sydney, Australia Arnot Gallery, New York, presents “Marina Bridge, Sydney, Australia” by Guy Dessapt as an oil on canvas measuring 24 by 20 inches. Price available upon request. For further information, telephone (212) 245-8287 or go to the company’s website located at: www.arnotgallery.com. All In Jack Terry Art, Selma, TX, debuts Jack Terry’s “All In,” an open edition giclée on canvas measuring 14 by 11 inches. The retail price is $75. For more information, call (866) 519-7267 or go to the website at: www.jackterryart.com. ART WORLD NEWS SEP13-NewArt-pg2_Layout 1 9/19/13 11:26 AM Page 1 Shore Break Addison Art Group, Delray Beach, FL, introduces Vadim Klevenskiy’s “Shore Break,” an embellished giclée on canvas in an edition of 95, measuring 60 by 35 inches. The retail price is $2,400. For more details, telephone (561) 278-5700 or visit: www.addisonartgroup.com. Toast With Me TMix Studios, located in Columbia, SC, presents Tariq Mix’s “Toast With Me,” an acrylic on canvas measuring 36 by 48 inches. The retail price is $5,500. Phone (803) 351-2723 or go to: www. tmixstudios.com. Up Hill Victory 9/9/99 #3, CA Scott Jacobs Studio, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, presents “Up Hill Victory” by Scott Jacobs as a giclée on canvas in three sizes: 38 by 48 inches in an edition of 15 ($5,200), 29 by 36 inches in an edition of 50 ($1,550), and 19 by 24 inches in an edition of 100 ($595). Phone (858) 756-6725 for further information, or go to the website located at: www.scottjacobsstudio.com. Bob Kolbrener Photography, Carmel, CA, debuts “9/9/99 #3, CA,” a photograph measuring 20 by 16 inches, retailing for $5,000. For more details, call (631) 447-3997 or visit the website at: www.bobkolbrenerphotography.com. ART WORLD NEWS PAGE 51 SEP13-GalleryLights_Layout 1 9/19/13 3:34 PM Page 1 GALLERY LIGHTS Artist Ferjo, second from left, is pictured at Wentworth Gallery South, located in Charlotte, NC, with, from left, collector Danielle Clark, associate gallery director Adela Jurca, and consultants Ingrid Schornstadt and Josh Peters. At Redbud Gallery, a fine art gallery located in Houston’s Historic Heights, are collectors Amr Gamal Eldin and Ayoo Rashid pictured during the opening reception for “The Tigering!,” an exhibit of the watercolor and gouache drawings of Manik Nakra. Gallery owner Alan Avery, center, celebrates at a reception for a show of work by artist Robert Kipniss, right, along with friend and American Society Portrait Painter Everett Raymond Kinstler, left, at Alan Avery Art Company, located in Atlanta. The Downtown Art Gallery owner and artist Heidi Thamert, right, is shown with collectors, from left, Christina Donohue and Christi Beasley during the Titusville Sea Turtle Summer Soiree, held each year at the Titusville, FL-based gallery. During the Grand Opening celebration of Catalyst Gallery in Toronto, Canada, are, from left, owner Brian Liss, his daughter Marlee Liss, a performance model that entertained attendees during the event, and family friend Andrew Kosc. At Gallery 300 in Santa Rosa, CA, during the juried art exhibition “Untitled” are, from left, artists Michael Risch and Chris Beards who, along with 22 other artists presented their work that ranges from encaustic paintings to sculpture to photography. PAGE 52 ART WORLD NEWS SEP13-Classifieds_Layout 1 9/19/13 3:23 PM Page 1 CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES BIGResults Small Ad Classified Advertising Works To learn more about affordable advertising rates in Art World News call John Haffey at 203.854.8566 or e-mail: jwhaffey@aol.com PROFIT WITH BOOKS Sales of custom published art books nurture relationships with new clients, or given as a gift, deepen collectors’ passion for your artists. Art Books Sell Art! CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING WORKS! Phone 203.854.8566 or send an e-mail to: jwhaffey@aol.com to learn more about Art World News’ custom book publishing programs. Advertising in ART WORLD NEWS is a constant reminder of who you are, what you do and how you can be reached. Phone (203) 854-8566 ART WORLD NEWS Visit: www.artworldnews.com current issue archived issues contact information advertising information PAGE 53 SEP13-index_Layout 1 9/19/13 3:04 PM Page 1 ADVERTISERS COMPANY LISTING PHONE PAGE Arnot Galleries ..................................................................56 COMPANY LISTING PHONE PAGE Pease Pedestals ................................................................45 www.arnotgallery.com www.peasepedestals.com 212.245.8287 847.901.4440 Bentley Global Arts Group ..................................................39 Penny Lane Fine Art & Licensing ..........................................39 www.bentleyglobalarts.com www.pennylanepublishing.com 888.456.2254 800.273.5263 CJR Fine Arts ..............................................................11, 17 Quality Art Auctions ..........................................................19 www.cjrfinearts.com www.qart.com 561.333.9472 310.405.6183 Digital Technology Group ..................................................23 Radiant Art Studios ..............................................................9 www.dtgweb.com www.radiantartstudios.com 800.681.0024 978.571.2121 Editions Limited..................................................................43 Redwood Media Group ......................................................35 www.editionslimited.com www.redwoodmg.com 800.228.0928 216.225.0962 Ford Smith Fine Art ............................................................15 Robert Bane Fine Art ....................................................28, 29 www.fordsmithfineart.com www.fabianperez.com 770.552.5942 310.205.0555 Framerica ....................................................................1, 31 Sun Dance Graphics ..........................................................43 www.framerica.com www.sundancegraphics.com 800.372.6422 407.240.1091 Gango Editions..................................................................43 The Art of Todd Goldman....................................................37 www.gangoeditions.com www.toddisstupid.com 800.852.3662 203.854.8566 GE Capital........................................................................45 The Thomas Kinkade Company............................................21 www.gogecapital.com/luxury www.thomaskinkadecompany.com 866.209.4457 800.366.3733 Haddad’s Fine Arts Inc. ......................................................43 Top Dogs by Chris Collins ..................................................13 www.haddadsfinearts.com www.lyricalfineart.com 800.942.3323 631.787.8585 Image Conscious ..............................................................43 Universal Arquati Moulding ................................................33 www.imageconscious.com www.universalframing.com 800.532.2333 800.668.3627 Larson-Juhl ......................................................................2, 3 Wellspring Communications ................................................25 www.larsonjuhl.com e-mail: jwhaffey@aol.com 800.438.5031 203.854.8566 Lyrical Fine Art.....................................................................6 Westlake Village Gallery LLC ..............................................44 www.lyricalfineart.com www.wlvart.com 631.787.8585 805.496.7100 The Moss Portfolio............................................................4, 5 West Coast Art & Frame Expo ............................................27 www.pbuckleymoss.com www.wcafshow.com 800.430.1320 800.969.7176 Park West Gallery ..............................................................21 Wild Apple ......................................................................41 www.parkwestgallery.com www.wildapple.com 800.521.9654 802.457.3003 Parrot Digigraphic Ltd. ..................................................8, 53 World Art Group ..............................................................55 www.parrotcolor.com www.theworldartgroup.com 877.727.7682 804.213.0600 Art World News, (ISSN 1525 1772) Volume XVIII, Number 8, is published 10 times a year by Wellspring Communications, Inc., 143 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, CT 06853. (Phone 203.854.8566) (Fax 203.854.8569). Single copy price $10. Send address changes to: Art World News, P.O. Box 129, Rowayton, CT 06853. PAGE 54 ART WORLD NEWS *Ad Template-revised_Layout 1 7/22/13 10:16 AM Page 1 Arnot-SEP13_Layout 1 8/28/13 10:55 AM Page 1 Guy Dessapt, Autumn In New York Guy Dessapt ‘Central Park in New York, in Autumn’ 24x30” Exclusive Representatives for Guy Dessapt in the USA Dealers of Fine Original Oil Paintings for Five Generations ARNOT GALLERIES, SINCE 1863 HERBERT ARNOT, INC. 250 West 57th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10107 Phone: 212-245-8287 • 'After Hours' phone number: 917-570-7910 E-mail inquiries: arnotart@aol.com www.arnotgallery.com