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THE INDEPENDENT ART WORLD NEWS NEWS SOURCE

ART WORLD NEWS MAY 2004 SPONSORS ‘BIG APPLE QUOTE OF THE MONTH FEST’ PROMOTING A “The way we approach the HEALTHY NEW YORK AND public is that everyone is a REVITALIZING TOURISM potential client. It’s important to us that if someone has an NEW YORK—Artists and interest in collecting art, we try businesses are rallying to to make it as accessible to them promote the revitalized image as possible.” of with the Kelly Kuhn, page 24 Big Apple Fest, in which 300

KANSAS CITY: MIDWEST’S SOPHISTICATED BUYER A modern community mixed with Midwest sensibilities, Kansas City features the Crossroads arts district consisting of 40 galleries and giant painted apples, measur- studios where many working ing four feet tall and weighing artists, such as Markus in at 50 pounds, will be Pierson and Joseph Lorusso, displayed throughout the city call home. from August to October. Page 24 With the endorsement of the WAM: SCOUTING TALENT Bloomberg administration and IN EASTERN EUROPE the City of New York, Big Through its contacts in Blue Gallery, Kansas City, a 3,300-square-foot space, in business four years. Kansas City profile, page 24. Apple Fest is capitalizing on Russia, Georgia, the Ukraine, the Big Apple moniker to Belorus, and other former stimulate tourism through Soviet countries, Weinstein DEFINING PRODUCT MIX: BALANCING artistic creativity. The Art Management serves as Republican National a conduit for artists working PUBLISHED AND ORIGINAL ART Convention in September at in Eastern Europe to Madison Square Garden will gain exposure in the U.S. Selling program art means never having to say: “I’m sorry. I don’t have any good bio- further heighten worldwide Page 28 graphical material on this artist. I can’t offer you multiple pieces. I don’t know when—or awareness. In October the even if—new work will be available.” Selling decorative art by unknown local and regional apples will be auctioned at IT’S ON THE MONEY: ART artists means never having to say: “I’m sorry. I can’t discount my price because you saw this Sotheby’s to benefit New York RAISES SLAVERY ISSUE same limited edition piece marked down on the Internet.” City-based non-profits. A travelling exhibit, “The Color of Money,” and So what’s a dealer to do? Hedge one’s marketing these folks? Focus on artists with Artists painting apples include accompanying print program bets by selling a 50-50 mix of program art a track record and publishers with a sound Romero Britto, Marco, and of images of slaves depicted and work by unknowns? Focus on unique marketing plan? It’s a puzzlement—and one Charles Fazzino—more are on early American paper artists and spend quality time and money continued on page 26 encouraged to participate. currencies, tells a provocative Businesses sponsoring story that galleries may want apples at $8,500 each include to relate to their communities. FRANCHISE CONCEPTS INC. GREGORY EDITIONS’ TURN- Verizon, NBC, MTV, “21” Page 34 ACQUIRED BY INVESTMENT KEY SHOW WITH READYMADE Club, New York Mercantile Exchange, Shorenstein Co., THE TEN WORST THINGS COMPANIES & FRANCHISEE MARKETING FOR GALLERIES and Saatchi & Saatchi. FOUND ON A WEBSITE! To maximize the opportunity Franchise Concepts Inc., parent company Gregory Editions/Washington Green USA The show is modeled after of interesting visitors in of Deck the Walls, The Great Frame Up, is making available to qualified art galleries a CowParade 2000, when 500 buying art, all websites selling and Framing & Art Centre, with 300 stores Nel Whatmore exhibition that comes with fiberglass cows showed up in art products should have a in North America, has been purchased by marketing materials, a 24-page catalogue, the five boroughs, with an basic tenet of functions, such franchisee Mark Ebling and investment com- plus 12-month 0% interest financing for economic impact on the city’s as easy navigation, promin- panies Bush O’Donnell and C3 Capitol approved dealers. The idea is to help tourism industry estimated at ently displayed artwork, and Partners. Jim O’Donnell, co-founder of Bush galleries grow their business by assisting with $200 million. At auction they price lists, coupled with an O’Donnell, the largest stockholder, is named the marketing needed for a successful show, generated $1.35 million for appealing design. FCI Chairman of the Board. Turn to page 30. says Mark Eaker. Image & details, page 38. charity. For details, go to: Page 48 www.bigapplefest.org.

Wow your customers with your ability to take art that Correlating clashes with the colors of their room and create a bridge that unifies it. Through creative custom fram- Art and ing design, you can work wonders with a piece of art that is totally the wrong size or style for their space– Home Decor yet art they felt compelled to purchase for art’s sake– and make it fit beautifully into the setting. Page 42. p.24 KC page 1 04/16/2004 4:06 PM Page 1

KANSAS CITY: ECONOMIC INDICATORS KANSAS CITY: THE MIDWEST’S SOPHISTICATED BUYER

Kansas City is located in the by Koleen Kaffan bringing in customers from The city itself recognizes years he has worked in geographic center of the Kansas City is the picture of the suburbs to the galleries. the art community as a vi- Kansas City. “Art collecting continental , a modern community and able attraction for tourists was only done by a very 1,900 miles from both the its art scene is an example of Kelly Kuhn, director and and designates 1% of tax small portion of the public east and west coasts. the city’s many facets. With co-owner of Blue Gallery money to supporting the that were financially quali- its Midwest sensibilities with her husband David, has arts. “By setting aside funds fied,” he says. “Today, the av- In 1821, Kansas City got its mixed with the outside in- been working with others in specifically for the arts, the erage collector has changed. start as a trading post fluences of visitors and new the arts community to build city has helped foster a pub- This is still a relatively afflu- established by a Frenchman residents, the art communi- awareness of what Cross- lic knowledge and a vision ent area, but it’s a combina- from St. Louis named ty features something for roads has to offer both local of what it can become in the tion of the collector’s demo- Francois Chouteau on the everyone. residents and tourists alike. future,” says Mr. Swearen- graphics changing and the waterway three miles below “The district is still not na- gin. “The First Friday art idea of art buying going the great bend in the Missouri Veterans of Kansas City's tionally known, but we’re walks have been a good so- through a dramatic change. River. Named after the Kansa art scene, such as Bob working on that,” she says. cial event, as well as an op- We have seen our sales near- Indians, who originally Swearengin, owner of “With the help of a grant portunity to get a lot of ex- ly quadruple since we inhabited the area, the city Hilliard Gallery has seen the from the city, we have been citing artwork in front of opened.” was incorporated by the state community evolve over the able to create a map and different people every of Missouri in 1889. past 30 years. He, like oth- guide of galleries and local month.” The 3,200-square- Leopold Gallery is 1,000 ers, has watched old aban- hot spots that participate in foot Hilliard Gallery offers square feet and offers origi- In 1840 there were 500 doned ware- nals and sculpture in prices residents, today that number houses turn The Dolphin ranging from $800 to is nearly 2 million. Ranked into the vast, Gallery, left, $10,000. Major installations 13th in housing affordability fast-paced owned by John are $10,000 to $500,000. out of 191 metropolitan areas Crossroads O’Brien, offers surveyed by the National contemporary art gallery fine art and is Art collectors in Kansas Association of Home Builders, district located in the City are now people of vary- the average single family which has Crossroads arts ing salary ranges and ages, home with four bedrooms is brought in district. and the galleries have priced between $184,000 and internation- worked to accommodate $223,000. The same house in ally-known customers at many different would sell for artists, and price points. $710,000 to $971,000. collectors from Leopold Gallery, “The way we approach The median income for around the below, is doubling the public is that everyone is Kansas City residents is world. its space to a potential client,” says Ms. accommodate its $64,000, and retail sales for art consultation Kuhn. “It’s important to us the year 2003 reached “We are business. that if someone has an in- $28 billion. Local attractions selling to a terest in collecting art, we include the Kemper Museum very educat- try to make it as accessible of Contemporary Art (with ed group of to them as possible.” The permanent collections by consumers change in the customer base Jasper Johns, Frank Stella, in this city,” continues to be effected by Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert says Mr. company’s such as Sprint Mapplethorpe, and more), the Swearengin. having moved their head- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art “The art quarters into the area and (featuring artwork spanning scene is very long-time resident Hallmark over 5,000 years, and progressive Cards Inc. These businesses including a 17-acre sculpture with all dif- bring thousands of people park), the Kansas City Zoo, ferent gen- from around the world to and sports teams such as the res of art of- the Greater Kansas City Kansas City Royals and the fered, which area. Kansas City Chiefs. isn’t always represented Denyse Johnson, presi- With a rich jazz and blues in the Mid- dent of Source Fine Arts, scene even today, musicians west.” has faced a metamorphism such as Charlie Parker and in her own business as the Count Basie once resided in The Crossroads arts dis- First Friday events. We made originals, limited editions, changing city art market- Kansas City. Other celebrity trict consists of 40 galleries an effort to place them in all sculpture, and framing with place has. Opening a gallery locals have included Joan and artist studios. Dolphin the area hotels.” prices ranging from $200 to that worked strictly with Crawford, Walt Disney, Ernest Gallery has resided there for $15,000. corporate art 23 years ago, Hemingway, and Harry 17 years, after being located Recently the gallery then changing it into a retail Truman. elsewhere in the city for sev- counted the amount of Many working artists call gallery open to the public, en years. “We were one of visitors that walked through Kansas City their home, she has recently gone After the Civil War, Kansas the first galleries to move their doors on a First Friday namely Markus Pierson and back into corporate art. City was known as one of the into the area and we did all and the number hit 5,000. Joseph Lorusso. “Artists are “We’ve been in business a world’s major cattle markets, that we could to encourage “The event really gives every- still able to afford to live and long time and in the art today corporations make up a others to make the move as one an opportunity work in the neighborhood, market one needs to learn large part of its economy. well,” says Emily Eddins, to view all the shows going which is a big plus for the that when the economy Several Fortune 1,000 gallery manager. This en- on at one time, and it’s area,” says Ms. Eddins. “Hav- changes, you have to be able companies are headquartered couragement paid off. organized in such a manner ing them live in the commu- to adjust to the new condi- in the area, including AMC that people are very com- nity adds to it.” tions and sometimes that Entertainment, Aquila, DST Today the district is also fortable and do not means changing your mar- Systems, Great Plains home to a more diversified feel intimidated.” The 3,300- Locals account for a large ket focus,” she says. Energy, H&R Block, Interstate area of retail shops and square-foot Blue Gallery part of art sales, as tourism Bakeries, Payless restaurants that has been features originals, a few begins to grow. Paul Dorrell, When Source Fine Art ShoeSource, Seaboard, successful in keeping foot limited editions, and president of Leopold first opened its doors, the Sprint, Westar Energy, and traffic flowing. First Fridays sculpture retailing up to Gallery, has seen the art col- Yellow Roadway Corp. have proven to be a big hit $15,000. lector evolve over the 10 continued on page 32 PAGE 24 ART WORLD NEWS p.32 KC page 2 04/16/2004 4:12 PM Page 1

EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF WHO IS MARKETING OF BODNER’S MESSAGES OF HOPE CONSIDERED AFFLUENT The message of love, hope, Nan Miller of life. Symbols in his paint- STEVENS, PA—In a report and peace that Franz Bod- Gallery has ings depict freedom and love issued by Unity Marketing, ner conveys through his art- now repre- (the bird), protection, aware- “Who Buys Luxury, What work is something that the sented for ness and sincerity, communi- They Buy, Why They Buy,” world needs, especially now, 12 years, in cation and openness, and the definition of who is says Nan Miller, of her newly that they strength and tranquility (the considered affluent has taken signed artist. are both cat). His philosophy is, “To on a broader range, indicating Pop artists inspire an open, loving feel- that galleries, in their search Nan Miller Gallery, projecting ing that transcends to people for new clients, may want to Rochester, NY, is in the a like mes- throughout the world.” widen their reach. process of building a world- sage. “Both wide dealer network for the have the Bodner’s first four print The report breaks down Austrian-born artist who same feel- releases from Nan Miller luxury buyers into three now lives in the Nether- ings for Gallery are serigraphs on pa- categories: lands, and has already estab- their work per in small editions. “Quali- Near Affluents with a lished accounts in Germany in bringing “Quality Time” by Franz Bodner, 28 by 24 inches, is ty time,” shown, is an edition household income of $75,000 and , as well as a positive published as a serigraph by Nan Miller Gallery. of 175 with a 28- by 24-inch to $99,999 (12.2 million in the U.S. point of image that sells for $800. For households); view,” she observes. Within ters, there is a social under- further information, call Affluents, household income, There is some similarity his cheerful work, peopled tone toward the simple act of (585) 292-1430, or go to: $100,000 to $149,999 with Britto’s work, which by somewhat naive charac- thinking about the essence www.nanmillergallery.com. (10.1 million households); Super-Affluents, household income, $150,000 and above, KANSAS CITY sculpture, ceramics, and selves have had a positive ef- tinues, “and many are sur- (5.6 million households). continued from page 24 framing from $150 to fect on the art community, prised that Kansas City has $6,000, with commissions up directly and indirectly. “They such a good selection with- High-end retailers look at area was full of healthcare to $8,000. have brought in employees out that level of intimida- each group differently. Cartier businesses which would who have turned into valu- tion one might experience targets the super-affluent tier; come to her for art. After Corporate work is plenti- able collectors and their when they walk into the Bailey Banks & Biddle, with managed care took over, ful on both the art buying buildings feature art heavi- larger art districts in other 110 locations nationwide, those establishments all but side and the framing side ly—Hallmark itself has an ex- cities. We also have a very defines the luxury market as disappeared. with most galleries in the tensive collection, especially talented group of young mall shoppers of more moder- area benefiting from the photography—but it also artists that come out of the ate incomes. A single woman, Today, with the larger cor- vast corporate collections, supports local museums, Kansas City Art Institute.” making $75,000 is a prospect porations moving in, Ms. particularly those of Hall- events, and even the Imax for a right-hand diamond ring Johnson is now serving the mark and Sprint. The Dol- theatre. Once a corporation Mr. Dorrell, whose gallery at Bailey Banks & Biddle, but corporate market again. phin Gallery which offers begins to show its support for is located outside of the is not likely to shop at Cartier. the arts, it trickles down into Crossroads arts district, and the community.” in an area surrounded by It is the Near Affluents who high-end shops and restau- “Wheels of Life” by Markus are seen as an important Pierson is a hand-pulled The idea of art from the rants, sees advantages to be- factor for the future of the lux- serigraph on panel in an Midwest conjures up images ing a destination for art col- ury marketplace because they edition of 195. The image size of traditional landscapes, lectors. are likely to see their income is 24 1/2 by 32 1/4 inches and and while that is represent- rise in the coming years. the retail price is $2,195. ed, Kansas City offers a vari- While First Fridays and Phone The Chase Group, ety of creative pieces that ri- exhibition openings bring Northbrook, IL, at (847) val SoHo—mixed with a laid people in, traffic during ART DE VIGNETTES 564-2000 or go to: back atmosphere. “Today, the rest of the month is not CHOSEN TO SELECT ART www.chaseart.com. we see a very educated set of always as steady. “We reap FOR HOME SHOW buyers that have very pro- the benefit of foot traffic gressive tastes and that has generated by the retailers —Art de helped change the art mar- around us that always have Vignettes, a fine art gallery in ket,” says Mr. Swearengin. a draw and bring our ideal the Fashion Show mall owned customers right past our by Barbara Lee Woollen, “People are surprised at gallery.” has been chosen to select the the quality “A Relaxing Read” by Joseph artwork for a 9,000-square- Lorusso measures 22 by 22 of work they foot home featured in the inches and is available as a can see Southern Nevada fourth giclée on canvas in an here,” says annual “Street of Dreams edition of 150 ($1,200) and Ms. Eddins. Luxury Housing Tour” at as a giclée on paper in an With a vari- McDonald Highland, a gated edition of 50 ($800). Call ety of local, community in Henderson, Kennebeck Editions, national, May 15 to June 20. Louisville, CO, at (888) 786- and interna- 5549, (303) 665-5549 or go tional artists Partnered with custom home to: www.kennebeck.com. represented, builder Christopher Homes, galleries Ms. Woollen is providing work to cre- more than 60 pieces of art “This is no longer a one in- originals, limited editions, ate a com- including oil and acrylic paint- dustry town,” she says. sculpture ($500 to $10,000), fortable at- ings, limited edition prints, “Kansas City has such a and framing in its 6,000- mosphere glass art and sculpture by broad-based economy and square-foot space, credits that allows Yuroz, Jim Stallings, Sylvia that is one of its strengths.” 70% of its business to fram- people to Chait, Michelle Pellus, Ms. Johnson’s 1,500-square- ing. A large portion of that enjoy the James Tyler, Valentine, foot gallery is by appoint- is corporate. art. People Ruby Mazur, and Vital. Call ment only, and features will travel to the gallery at (702) 734-3202 originals, some limited edi- Mr. Dorrell has noticed see art,” Ms. or: www.artdevignettes.com. tions, hand-blown glass, that the corporations them- Eddins con- An example of artwork offered at Source Fine Arts. PAGE 32 ART WORLD NEWS