Arielle: Mark Gallery
Arielle Mark is the owner and art advisor of Mark Gallery. Born and raised in Munich, Germany, Arielle developed a passion for art at a very young age. She studied art history at the Sorbonne in Paris. Arielle has traveled extensively around the world for both business and pleasure, developing and nurturing long-lasting relationships with many artists. She and her husband, Andrei have been avid art collectors for over 15 years. Arielle brings to Mark Gallery a wealth of knowledge, a true passion for fine art, and a genuine desire to make fine art accessible to everyone.
What is the focus in your gallery?
Most of the art at our gallery is contemporary, but we are able to procure more traditional pieces for our clients. The work is diverse in both media and subject matters. One can find small works as well as very large ones; abstract works, landscapes and figurative paintings and drawings; oil, acrylic and encaustic (wax- based) paintings, pastel works on paper, drawings, sculptures and photographs.
Share your process of accessing art.
We chose our artists very carefully. Some I have known and collected for a long time; some we found at art fairs and museums or gallery exhibitions; some were recommended by other artists or clients, and some approach us directly. We are also always busy researching to find new and exciting acquisitions.
Is there something specific that you look for?
When choosing pieces of art, I look for the skill and talent of the artist. I like to show works of art that challenge the owners and intrigue them for a lifetime. I also look for inherent beauty in the piece. I consider price, and I look for artists that I feel are established, but underpriced.
Do you deal directly with the artist?
We always deal directly with the artist, and with most we have developed close relationships and friendships. It is very important to us and the artists, that there is a high level of comfort, trust and respect between the artist and the gallery. We also deal directly with owners and dealers. Sometimes a client is looking for a piece by an artist we do not represent directly, or for a certain type or style of work we do not carry at the gallery. In those situations we either contact specific artists or, if they are represented exclusively by other galleries, or are deceased, we work with other dealers and owners.
Are pieces taken on consignment? If so, how long are they displayed?
We take most of our artwork on consignment, but we also purchase some pieces directly from the artists. The consignment period varies, but is at least 6 months and more typically one year. After that, the gallery and the artist decide together which pieces to return to the artist in exchange for other works. We have a new exhibition about every 6-8 weeks. Once the show finishes, we keep most of the unsold work at least until the end of the consignment period. After that time, if a piece has not been sold by another gallery, we can still retrieve it. Clients, often, come back months after a show to buy a piece they saw during an exhibit.
What called you to the profession?
From very early on, even as a young teenager, I was drawn to art and the art world. I started going to museums and art galleries and befriended many artists. I grew up in Munich, Germany and studied art history at the Sorbonne in Paris.
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Kathleen: Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery
Kathleen Palmer is the owner of Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery. Kathleen worked in the corporate world, before opening her gallery in 2005. Kathleen has received the “Excellence in Arts Award” from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission in 2006. The award was given for her exemplary dedication to encouraging arts in the community, volunteerism and philanthropy. She started the BernARTsville Art Walk, which draws 200-600 people to the gallery nine Friday evenings a year.
What is the focus in your gallery?
The paintings in the gallery are mostly traditional, realist and some impressionist work. I have found a market segment in this area that enjoys art and want to connect with the subject matter. They want to buy pieces that they can live with and enjoy every day.
Share your process of accessing art.
I receive 6-8 requests for representation a month. I choose carefully. I know my market, the type of decorating styles they use in their homes, their taste in color and preference in subject matter. I choose paintings of local scenes and things that I think my clientele will feel comfortable living with in their home. I seldom reject any pieces brought to me by the artists that I work with. The gallery has a very good reputation and very good reasonably priced art.
Is there something specific that you look for?
We hang the gallery several times per year. I look for color, composition and subject matter. I don’t carry abstract pieces because that style doesn’t typically appeal to the clients in my area. I work with several realist painters, such as Gary Godbee and Thomas Valenti who are both recognized for their work in NJ. I was introduced to art glass by Jake Pfeiffer, an artist who specializes in glass blowing, whom I met when he was around 16 years old. I now represent 8 glass artists and am a member of the Glass Arts Society.
Do you deal directly with the artist?
I work directly with the artists and currently represent about 25 of them. All but a handful of the artists live in the area, although I get requests from people all over the world. Sometimes I take in second market work, but only pieces done by artists that I represent.
Are pieces taken on consignment? If so, how long are they displayed?
Yes, all of the artwork is taken on consignment, typically for 6 months. As our gallery shows are seasonal, we would not often show beach scenes during the winter or snow scenes in the summer. The intention of the gallery is to give local artists a place to show their artwork, which they never had before. All of the painters that we work with live within 20 miles of the gallery.
What called you to the profession?
Having recently retired from my IT career, I was managing a property for my husband. The property initially housed 7 artists who painted and exhibited privately. After 5 of the artists moved away, 2 artists remained and rather than close up shop, I decided to open the gallery. The name Studio 7 is homage to the original 7 artists who started in the space.
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Scott: Broadfoot & Broadfoot
Scott A. Broadfoot is the owner of Broadfoot & Broadfoot – A Collection of Fine Art. Celebrating over 20 years of quality service and artistic diversity, Mr. Broadfoot has directed the collection’s operation since opening in June, 1992. While the individual work reflects the artist’s persona, the entire collection is a statement about Mr. Broadfoot himself. It is clearly focused on the art aficionado, whether he or she is a serious collector or one who just stops in to appreciate fine art.
What is the focus in your gallery?
Our gallery specializes in contemporary abstract art with a strong focus in sculpture. However, the twenty-seven artists that we currently represent are a cross section of all genres.
Share your process of accessing art.
We make studio tours, which are a great way to see a large body of an artist’s work, but customarily the artists come to us. We often generate over 200 solicitations for representation a week so careful selection is required. Although the majority of artists in the collection are from the tri-state area, a number are from across the United States and Canada.
Is there something specific that you look for?
Selecting the art for Broadfoot & Broadfoot is the most favorite part of my job and allows me to be creative. I am a real stickler on craftsmanship. The art that you will find in either gallery is the same as the art you will find in my homes.
I look at the piece’s color, form, balance and overall energy; work that I find exciting and intellectual. When you walk into either Collection, I hope you will find them to be a true delight. I spend a lot of time designing the layout of each gallery. It is a great compliment to me when someone comes in and spends time just looking.
Do you deal directly with the artist?
We always prefer to deal directly with the artist, however, in many situations that is not possible. Regardless of who we deal with, the gallery adheres to a professional protocol.
Are pieces taken on consignment? If so, how long are they displayed?
Not all work is taken on consignment. Some pieces we purchase directly. The terms of the contract are usually done on an individual basis. The gallery makes a decision based on the best solution for all involved (artist, owner, broker, etc.).
What called you to the profession?
It was actually something that I just stepped into. As my uncles from Scotland say, “my bums landed in the butter”. I do have several degrees in art history but never really thought I would own two successful Collections.
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