A New Gallery in Town: Gallery V Fine Arts

Photo Credit: Sito Colon

I was so thrilled to hear that my longtime friend Valerie Phillips has opened a new art gallery in Mission Farms West in Overland Park, Kansas located here in the Kansas City area. Mission Farms is a perfect mixed use development with luxury condominiums, apartments, dining and shopping, as well as a great locale at 4020 Indian Creek Parkway. Please call for hours and additional information at 913-341-3483. The website for the gallery is www.GalleryVFineArts.com  

 She is carrying some amazing artists of several genres and continues  to add art to the mix. Enjoy!

Ceramics by William Kidd

1) Did you know from a young age that you wanted to be in the gallery business?

The answer is actually "no." What I did know; however, was that I wanted to be an artist as early as age five, not even knowing quite what that meant...But, I learned early, the thrill of expressing myself and creating something original that came from a unique internal place that was all my own.

As a young adolescent, my parents took me to a gallery show in my hometown. They had read about an artist's endeavor of opening his own personal gallery, converting a run-down very historic building into a restored new place of beauty to showcase his work. My parents introduced me to the artist and staff as their daughter "the artist".  As we exchanged words about his art and gallery, the artist suggested, "Maybe one day you'll have a gallery of your own!" That impression was my first education and visual impression of an art gallery, which has always remained in my memories.

Art Glass by Scott Gamble

Cube Cup Luminaria by Michael Mikula

2) When did you realize that you wanted to open your own art gallery?

About 5 years ago, as I was entering into my eleventh year in the art gallery industry. What started as merely a vision, but an explosive daydream about 20 years ago and not knowing quite what to do with this powerful dream, later turned into an accidental second career for me. Eventually, after managing 3 separate galleries over the years, I found that all the stepping stones of my various professions in art, design and sales, at last, had rounded out the experience I needed to step forward into my own business. Then, the recurrent question from others of, "Is this your gallery?" and "Why haven't you started your own gallery??" revealed what I took as "my sign" that "now" was the time. While I had developed a scrapbook of "someday" ideas and sketches of my own gallery space, it was the encouragement of my family, friends, mentors and clients who nudged me to move forward with what I already had in passion, ideas and ability to make my dream a reality!

Wood Sculptures and Vases by Gary Burditt

Beth Cosner Custom Jewelry Designs

3) Have you had mentors or others that you admire in the art world?

Yes, probably my art teachers more than anything were the earliest and ongoing force who recognized and encouraged the artistic "gifts" in me. I give equal, if not more importance, to my kindergarten teacher as my greatest influencer as my college art professors. Grade school through my adulthood, there were many, many influencers and mentors who shaped me...They were the ones who thought outside the box and encouraged me to stretch - to not only learn, but also to discover. I have tried to see the gifts that each person who crosses my path has brought my way. I believe our wonderful mix of personalities in this world is like a beautiful symphony. One same note cannot compose a song! We were meant to "sing" together!

Valerie with the Baby Grand Piano sitting in the Front Window Photo Credit: Sito Colon

4)  Who are some of your favorite artists?

This is the toughest question, because I consider art to span across many mediums or genres. I have an affection for too many artists and too many art forms! I once heard, "When we love something, we tend to love it too much!" I love the Classical music of Tchaikovsky and Chopin, the ballets danced by Mikhail Baryshnikov to modern dance and Cirque de Soleil; Andrea Bocelli, Dave Matthews, Aretha Franklin to name a very small few. Picasso's woodcuts, abstract expressionism to street art!  Some of my favorite Old Masters are Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh and Rodin.

I would say that modern day artist, Victoria Montesinos paints in a style that connects to my soul. She paints in a surprising similarity of style as I discovered in my own art in early college years!

Painting by Artist Salome

5) Will people be able to make purchases of art and artful accessories online?

While we do not have online payment arrangements available at this time, customers can contact the gallery by phone (913-341-3483) or email us at: info@galleryvfinearts.com to place art orders for pick up or shipments.

Photo Credit: Sito Colon

6) What advice do you have for the budding entrepreneur at any age?

Follow your dreams! Never give up. Listen to your inner passions and detect your innate gifts. In doing so, every day will be rewarding, even through the challenges. Each day is a joy to go to work at the job you love. LIVE in your ELEMENT! 

As I was starting my business from ground up, my famous quote was: "I never had so much fun being so stressed out!"

Metal Kinetic Wall Sculptures by Frank Strunk III

7) Are there any special events or artist features scheduled at Gallery V Fine Arts in the near future?

We will have approximately 4 - 6 scheduled events throughout the year. Right now we are planning an event for Cinco de Mayo and a Mother's Day special with larger scale showcased artist events throughout the year. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and our website for details at galleryvfinearts.com.

Thank you so much Valerie!

 

Art by Salome

I don't know about you; however I am ready to get out and explore this spring. Art galleries like Gallery V Fine Arts are the perfect place to find new works of art for your home or even lovely and very special gifts for others! Please visit the gallery site www.galleryvfinearts.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/galleryvfineart. 

Thank you to my Friends, Family and Followers who Support The Arts.

Please leave a comment and also sign up for email alerts to receive my latest features!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Introducing The HighBoy for Art, Accessories and Antiques

The visionary founders of The HighBoy, Olga Granda-Scott and Douglas Scott

The HighBoy has become The online place to go for the very finest in Period Antiques, Art, and Artful Accessories. You can search the many categories by price, period, or even style. There are curated finds from dozens of art and antiques dealers available. Please enjoy our interview and getting to know more about this incredible business and the fascinating founders.

1) When did you have the “aha” moment, what was the impetus, the inspiration, that you wanted to bring your idea of this business to fruition?

Doug: “it was a combination of seeing an opportunity to address something missing in the marketplace and to share our successes of selling online for over 10 years.  Additionally, it was a desire to take action and do something in this industry that we very much care about.   We care about what happens to this industry.  I don't know if that message has gotten out there enough.

Olga: “it was more gradual than an “aha” moment. 

I grew up in the industry and as all other areas of my life were being improved by technology - my work needed the same innovation and excitement!”

An Important Pair of Qing Dynasty Monumental Vases

2) Did it surprise you that customers/clients would buy expensive art and antiques online, seeing only images?

Doug: No, not at all.  Back in 2001 when we first got started selling online, yes, we were more skeptical, but had little to lose. We had the benefit of growing it more gradually.

Olga: Not when the images are great and the source is a trusted vendor.

3) Where did the name “HighBoy” come from? (A Queen Anne highboy was my first purchase of fine furniture)

           

Doug: The name has been a bit tricky. Some people like it A LOT, and some less so. The HighBoy is a piece of furniture, as you note.  We wanted something that people within the industry would understand, yet have a lively, animated name that people outside the industry could have fun with as well.  We considered many names and this one just stuck.

            

Olga: Clearly, its a conversation starter. I love words that have multiple meanings, so we were intentional with selecting something that would allow us fun with double entendres. Who doesn’t want their business to ride "high"?

Swedish Rococo Period Chest of Drawers

"Olympic Robe" by Jim Dine

4) What are some your own favorite periods in history for arts and antiques?

Doug: I like Louis XVI and then Art Deco the most. Both of them are lighter and less ornamental, which is my taste. I find Art Deco very refined, classic and just cool. It was the perfect lead-up to Modern. In terms of art, I'm a fan of the 20th century all the way.  I think art was unleashed in the 20th century and allowed to roam.  

            

Olga: The 18th century witnessed such an escalation in craftsmanship and style across the globe that makes it so influential, I’d have to choose it as my favorite in the decorative arts. But in art I’d have to go with the Italian Renaissance

Personally, I collect objects that are religious and devotional in nature because there is a spiritual element which I find so profound.

Art Deco Burl Walnut Display Cabinet

5) The “Meet our Dealers” section on HighBoy is fantastic and so personal. Who are some of your favorite dealers, artists or artisans?

Doug: Well, as much as we try to bring out the dealers personalities, there's always a percentage that is only unveiled after food and wine.  Burt Lange from JBL in Miami is a classic storyteller and an absolute riot to hang out with.  I've known him for years. Also we're thrilled to see new, young dealers like Colby and Sarah from Arsenal Designed as well as Julia Santen Gallery and Ara from The Hub Gallery. But, I love them all, frankly.  We've been lucky to find such great partners.

Olga: I always felt that dealers were the unsung tastemakers of the design world, so it was important to me to establish a platform to tell their stories. I could never pick a favorite!

Pair of Neoclassical Mirrored Giltwood Sconces

"Portrait of Laura" by Ben Stahl

6) Where do you see the growth of interest in your business? Are you finding that younger people are making purchases?

Doug: We do see more interest among young collectors, and we'll continue to build relationships with them. Our goal is to move the needle on the industry itself and generate a greater awareness of antiques, vintage, modern - whatever you want to call it.  But furniture, art and objects with soul.  Maybe that should be our new tagline.  Nothing wrong with new items, per se, just not our cup of tea.

            

Olga: Younger professionals don’t want their homes to look exactly like their neighbor’s -- they want to live and create an environment that is personal and meaningful. That requires shopping elsewhere than the big box stores.

Vintage Italian Glass Disks Chandelier

Vintage Maison Jansen Blackened Top Coffee Table

7) Finally, what advice do you have for the budding entrepreneur?

Doug: Whoa.  Where to begin.  I need to write a book. But I think the adage "just do it" would be a great start. Of course you have to identify your niche, and detail the opportunity, but just get out there and find something that excites you. 

Olga: I believe that like most things in life, it’s all about facing your fears head on -- and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it most.

Original Lithograph by CORNEILLE

On a personal note:

1) How do you spend the rare time you have to relax?

Doug: Traveling.  Nothing is better for the soul or the mind.  Even just a weekend in the next town works for me.

            

Olga: With family and friends -- and usually a lot of food and drink!

2)     What are some of your favorite cities for travel?

Doug: New York will never let you down, but I'd really like to get back to Rome, which I have great memories of.  I have more cities I'd like to visit as a first-time, than those I'd like to revisit.  I have yet to visit London and Barcelona.

Domestically, I'd love to spend a week in Northern California on a wine tour somewhere.

Olga: Florence, Italy. Lyon, France.Washington, D.C. Anywhere Doug wants to go!

3)  Five things you cannot live without?

Doug: iPhone, travel, good food, good wine, family

Olga: family, friends, music, memories, and souvenirs!

4) How would you describe your personal aesthetic?

Doug: Classic with a heavy dash of the Rolling Stones.  I like to mix periods and styles, a lot, but to do that really well takes skill and artistry.  I think designers like Darryl Carter are exceptional at this, and have a great sense of balance, at least per my taste.  Plus he's irreverent, and I like how that comes out in his work. I had dinner at his house in Georgetown and was blown away. I just want to buy it from him and move in.  

Olga: Collected. Inspiring-- I like to surround myself with things that bring joy and inspiration to my daily life.
5) How does a dealer contact you and apply to be a member on HighBoy?

They should go to https://www.thehighboy.com/dealers_application

Doug and Olga thank you so much for taking part in this very interesting interview which I know my readers will enjoy!

Please visit The HighBoy at https://www.thehighboy.com/

Dear Readers, If you see anything you love at The HighBoy, I would suggest acquiring it because their special pieces do sell fast.

A Special offer for my readers at The HighBoy:
Register on The HighBoy and use promotional code TABK15 to take $100 off your first purchase*
*Promotional Code is valid on total purchases of $200.00 or more.  Promotional code may not be combined with other offers. 

Much thanks go to Andrew Joseph PR for the introduction.

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who Support The Arts

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena