Views of the Times: Responses From Local Dealers

of emerging and mid career artists. FLXST primarily focuses on diasporic, im/migrant artists, LGBTQ identified artists and artists of color based in Chicago.

Why: When working in academia, Jan taught and wrote about persons of color and LGBTQ artists. After, she independently curated shows for the same demographic. This experience demonstrated a need to open a commercial gallery space specifically for these historically underrepresented artists. They deserve a legitimate, real place in the art market and FLXST expands this often ignored space within the Chicago community.

Background Planning: Jan admits that there are many challenges when opening a gallery. She had to successfully manage the business, fiscal, and curatorial sides simultaneously. Galleries are not just fun art spaces, but legitimate businesses that need municipal and state permits and licenses to run. To receive help with some of these business matters, Jan consulted with a small business mentor at the LGBT Chamber of Commerce. She also made sure to create a solid exhibition program and move forward the help of a trusted gallery assistant.

Besides business logistics, Jan has also built solid partnerships based on trust with new contemporary artists.

Challenges: Staying fiscally afloat and covering expenses like operational costs are challenges that FLXST has had to overcome. Unfortunately, money does dictate how most art institutions must approach programming and that is no different for FLXST. That being said, Jan says that being patient with sales and being frugal without compromising quality is helping FLXST grow. They may not be able to enter large art fairs or hire an extensive staffing team yet, but they are creative with what they have.

Successes: Though simply keeping the gallery open is a success in itself, a few moments really stand out in Jan’s memory. Last fall, Harvard University acquired four Robert Jamore prints from the FLXST’s collection and it understandably caused a jolt of affirmation. FLXST has also had the opportunity to work with many talented, emerging artists like Laura Kina, Jason Dunda, Yasmin Spiro, Jeffrey Augustine Songco, and Oli Rodriguez amongst others.

Tipping Point: FLXST is working towards becoming established. It could be right around the corner, but Jan would rather focus on the “now” rather than the “what ifs” of the future.

Advice: “Every potential gallery owner should understand what they’re getting into and to have the confidence and creativity in navigating any of the challenges that will come their way.” Jan advises anyone who is thinking about opening a gallery to truly consider all the expenses involved. You must be prepared to cover start up costs and other financial issues that will most likely arise. Unless you are independently wealthy, this could be very difficult. Consider consulting a business advisor and always diligently follow the art market as a whole! During this time of COVID-19 social distancing, we figured this would be as good of a time as any to reach out to local gallerists and ask them to share their thoughts on the current times, best business practices, and career history. You can access the full series of interviews online at chicagogallerynews.com Below are some recent highlights.

“Our artists are still hard at work. This is their full time job - this is our full time job - the show must go on. We are all feverishly trying to support the businesses we know and love.” – Sara Dulkin, Chicago Truborn SARA DULKIN

“When I turned 50 my wife, Janis Kanter, said: ‘Get a gallery or don’t get a gallery, but stop talking about it!’” – Tom McCormick, McCormick Gallery TOM MCCORMICK

“As an artist and as a gallery owner, I want to connect art to people’s daily lives. When they least expect it, depressed by a long winter, I want people to look up and see a painting that cuts through the noise and busy sameness of the day.” – Emily Rapport, Eat Paint Studio

EMILY RAPPORT

“I have a very grassroots organization and exhibition schedule. Community continues to still be key. Support your artists and they will support your gallery. – Kimberly Oliva, Oliva Gallery KIMBERLY OLIVA