DAN'S PAPERS, November 28, 2008 Page 42 www.danshamptons.com
Arts & Entertainment Local Art Galleries Get Creative in Tough Economy years, I didn’t want to take the chance, in this economy, with the new owner. Ironically, after I decided to close, the deal with the new owner fell through. But now I’m glad not to be carrying that overhead pressure in this uncertain market.” She is now curating shows on a free-lance basis, and consulting. “My goal is to bring art to the public,” said Nightingale. “I’ll always
have my hand in art.” Some of the newer gallery owners, like Pamela Williams of Amagansett, expressed sadness at the closing of Nightingale and Walk Tall galleries, saying she too was nervous about the economy. “It’s heartbreaking that people have to close down their businesses,” said Williams, who opened her gallery in February of 2005. “People are certainly not as comfortable buying art as they were during the summer. They are taking longer to make up their minds. I’m grateful that they’re still buying.” Williams, who sells works by contemporary and emerging artists, said, “Art is a luxury, but people can’t seem to live without it. It holds its value. I don’t think it’s a bad place to put your money.” To survive in the uncertain economy, some local galleries are trying some new concepts. Gallery Merz in Sag Harbor is combining art with antiques “It’s been slower than in previous years, and to deal with tough times, we are starting to do art of other cultures,” said Manager Christine McFall. “We are currently doing a show of contemporary Asian art and antiques, and we will continue this concept with different themes and cultures,” she explained. “We are promoting art and antiques from around the world.” The year and a half old Keszler Gallery in Southampton is also trying a new approach. “You have to acknowledge that times are changing,” said owner Stephan Keszler. “We’ve added a second gallery in New York City, where most of our customers live, so we stay connected to them. We recently had an opening with over 250 people, which was a good sign.” Keszler said his next move is to do several big art fairs in Miami, including Art Basel, Art Miami and Scope, during the first week of December. “I feel that in this market, you have to be flexible and creative to survive,” he said. “You also have to accept that this is a difficult time, and show flexibility in the price.” Terry Wallace of Wallace Gallery in East Hampton, said he thinks everybody’s nervous, but he’s not complaining. “Last month I did well – I’m not doing as good as I could, but I’m doing okay.” Wallace, who sells 19th and early 20th Century paintings, said his conservative art doesn’t have the big swings compared to contemporary or modernist art. “My paintings don’t go up or down dramatically. They are more predictable and stable,” he said. “In bad times, people don’t buy as much decorative art, which is more risky and not going to sell right now.” He said with traditional paintings, people buy them also as an investment. “People can negotiate a good deal right now, because there are fewer people buying,” he added. At the Tulla Booth Gallery in Sag Harbor, which sells fine photographs from top photographers, Ed Booth said that people are spending their money more wisely. “They are spending more on things of value, not whimsical things,” he said. “We did well until September, and then things got quiet, but we’re still selling photos nicely.” Also in Sag Harbor, The Gallery on Main Street has been operating as usual. “At our gallery there hasn’t been much change,” said owner Rebecca Cooper. “We’re still selling contemporary art and my new emerging artists from the Bronx are really hot. Art is what makes life great. Now there might be a slight downturn, but for the people committed to art there is no
Debbie Tuma
By Debbie Tuma With the recent closing of two local art galleries, Sara Nightingale in Water Mill, and Walk Tall Gallery in East Hampton, other gallery owners and dealers are trying to survive in today’s uncertain economy. After 10 years, Sara Nightingale closed her gallery on Water Mill’s main street last month, due to an impending sale of her building. “I heard that the sale of my building was going to go to a large corporate entity that was rumored to be unsympathetic to the local art community,” said Nightingale. “After my luck of finding a great, supportive landlord for all these
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