Teaching the Teacher

The last few months have been the greatest educational experience of my life. I've learned that all the passion, love and support cannot keep a business alive without having enough money to withstand the lean times. I've learned that whatever I might have thoughtfully planned out, means nothing when fate has other plans for you. I've also had my faith restored in humankind, as I've been the recipient of the warmest and caring outpouring of support for a dying Art Gallery and Wine business that clearly touched people and provided a greatly needed service....FUN.

Perhaps most suprising though, is what I've learned about Art in the last few months. While I've always considered it my job to educate others, I have placed furthering my own education on the backburner, as time just didn't allow me to proactively get out and see what other galleries and other artists were up to. This haitus (between closing a business and preparing for a baby) has offered me a great opportunity to do just that - GET OUT and see what's UP !

So let's start with the epiphany. Yes, I had one. Quietly, without much fanfare, I became enlightened to the one of the greatest joys of becomong a new parent.... decorating the nursery. I awoke to the realization that besides food, shelter and love, the next greatest gift to my son is a kick ass art collection. So I decided that his nursery would be my blank canvas with which to build a legacy that he may build upon as well one day - that by exposing him to original works of art, I would instill in him a seemingly lost value, a value that he could share and encourage in others. Besides, I would get to buy great art.

The most perfect opportunity was at my doorstep... Folk Fest. This annual Folk Art/Outsider Art show is 16 years running in Atlanta and is known as the largest show of Folk Art held in the United States. The show is the brainchild of Steve Slotin, who also hosts two other smaller auctions in Buford, GA each year. Having attended the spring Auction, and consequently became obsessed with Outsider Art, I was extremely excited to attend Folk Fest and become a student of unlearned art. Joining me at the show was my husband and my friends Rebecca and Dave...Ah, Dave - the Expert ! And God love him, for patiently walking with us, navigating through the menutia and providing educational commentary on everything we saw. It was a fantastic show - most of the artists were in attendance, partnering with their representing galleries and the quality of the work far surpassed what I expected. The business of Folk Art was clearly strong and people were buying. Including me. While I'm sure I didn't make a solid "investment" on every purchase, I am quite certain that came home with works that inspired me, made me laugh, made me think and will be awesome heirlooms for my son.

The Teacher also learned.... that Artists still need and want to be represented. There has always been an "at odds" relationship between artist and gallery - probably because money is involved. But when you've had nothing but great success working together, you don't want it to end ! The artists I have had the pleasure to represent, all very much supported (yet were sad about) my decision to close the gallery ... and the best news is that between Artist and Gallery - there is a strong desire to keep moving forward - however that may take form. So expect to continue to hear from us - shows will be forthcoming !

Learning to let go.... One of my favorite post gallery moments, has to be last night (Thursday) when I got to support one of my own, in her own, first and monumentus One Man Show. Claire Dunaway (Pet Portraits and Americana acrylic paintings) is the Artist of the Month at The Strand Theatre in Marietta Square. A reception for her month long one man show was held for her last night - and WOW was I proud ! Her name was lit up on the marquis as if she were a movie star and she held her own beautifully while over 75 people perused her new show called 5,941 Miles - a visual journey of her trips between Atlanta and Sante Fe this past summer. There were gas pumps - really cool vertical paintings of out of service gas pumps with letter perfect detail and prices of .37 gallon on some. There were broken down cars, silos, fields and cows. It was as if you were taking the journey as a passenger in her car....well, along with Dakota, her rescued shepherd mix. Kudos Claire - I'm so proud of you ! ps. It was nice to eat someone elses cheese and crackers.... and I did eat my share.

Lastly - some thoughts on the Arts. There is alot of community fluff going on about supporting the Arts, Living the Arts and making Community awareness of the Arts. I say fluff, because it's starting to look like small towns are calling together people to create "arts" organizations for the sake of saying they have one. Having served on the Public Art Committe for the City of Suwanee, I can personally attest to the fact that the mission of the committee is clearly spelled out in an actual ordinance and it the City's intention to prioritize the Arts (visual predominently) in future development that takes place in the city. Art is NOT fluff. It is NOT one or two galleries and it is not an excuse to get people to walk around from shop to shop with the hopes it will drive business. Britannica Online defines Art as "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others."
I'm highly suspect of the "Arts Organizations" that are popping up all over the place, that are spearheaded by individuals who do not possess the skill, imagination or passion to truly represent the "arts" - YOU be wary too !!! On the other hand, there are some quality efforts that show promise and I encourage you to check out their Art Walks, and events:

Marietta Art in the Park (and their Monthly Art Walk)
Roswell Alive After Five Art Walk
City of Suwanee, PAC Volunteer Committee (call City Hall to Inquire)
Decatur Arts Festival

Please send me a post if you have seen other Art Awareness efforts you believe should be noticed. I will share !

Until next time, Live Art. Keep Loving Wine. And share !

Cheers,

Vanessa

The Art Market and You

Here is some hot off the press news for you... The Art Market is changing. Yes, the economy is affecting Art. While I doubt you've given this much thought, I also suspect you don't find this to be a huge surprise. There are, however, some changes of interest that accompany the obvious effects of the downturn. For example, high end sales at auction houses continue and collectors continue to collect. Emerging artists are still making strides and getting noticed, and the White House is getting a new art collection.

So what is driving these segments of the Art Market to trend upward ? Opportunity. The opportunity to grab an Old Master work at auction for far less than it was cataloged last year. The Opportunity for an emerging artist to get their work in a gallery less likely to accept them last year, and the Opportunity for a new family, a new political dynasty to make a lasting impression of their impact to America by way of "fresh paint" on the walls.

The point is not that the wealthy are still buying stuff - rather, the collector is still collecting and new collectors are seizing the opportunity. But why ?

Because art in our home, or on our body for that matter, is a statement of who we are. Art is a direct reflection of what inspires us, and what challenges us. Art allows us to make a definitive, or ambiguous statement about ourselves. The craving for individuality is not only immune to economic fluctuations, it's in fact strengthened by economic crisis. We seek opportunity to break away from the pack and seize life.

We are redefining material need. Who doesn't think that celebrity excess is the new "tacky" ? Art isn't about filling a space - it's about creating a mood and a statement and feeling. The need for Art isn't material, it's spiritual.

Want to know the hardest thing about owning an Art Gallery ? (Besides being poor...) Living daily with beautiful creations by amazing people - and wanting each work for myself. I connect to the work, I connect with the artists vision and message and I see how each work relates to my own ideas and personality.

I'm sure you've made some material changes in your family too. "Stuff" is just so silly now. So as you begin to pull out of the fear and into celebrating your life and lifestyle by tiptoeing back into refreshing your home - make sure your feeding your soul, not your wall.

Cheers,

Vanessa

ps....check out our new Exhibit : (e)scape ....starting June 20th !!

The Barrel Room - We Taste. We Talk.

"Adult Environment". This two word announcement on the front door of vboggs galleries, was intended to alert parents of young children that vboggs galleries isn't an extension of the park and playground. Upon it's conception, I never thought the idea would extend to a more subtle meaning..."Adult Conversation".... but that has become a refreshing byproduct of conducting our Saturday tastings. I must say, that most of the tasting rooms I've visited have been at wineries, therefore, I didn't frequent them more than a couple of times a year. Our tasting room, is frequented by clients on a much more regular basis, and has come to resemble an English Pub environment of local people, enjoying conversation and commraderie and sometimes - really funny, silly, naughty and enjoyable talk.

Subjects of conversation run the gamut of movies, politics (yikes!), religion (double yikes!), local people, local events, sports, GOLF (alot of golf), Art, and sometimes even wine. I must say, that I really love this accidental byproduct of the Barrel Room. The idea that there is a gathering place, where people feel comfortable enough to share whatever is on their mind - is the greatest compliment to what we've tried to create. An Art Gallery should be a creative place, and I truly believe that if we were tasting in any place other than an Art Gallery - there wouldn't be as much freedom of expression and openess. I cherish it every Saturday and always look forward to the suprise of some comment or notion that makes us all laugh or shake our heads. It's just fun - and dammit - fun is what we need !

I love the movie chat especially - My Netflix list is slap full of recommendations I hear in the Barrel Room - Our clientele have as astute taste in movies as in wine - and the recommendations are always spot on.

On that note - I thought I would close with a few recommendations of my own (and collected), expecially some "wine" movies, that may deserve a second look:

1. Bottle Shock - If you haven't seen it yet - go get it. This is the true story of how a little known California wine won the 1976 Paris Tasting - beating out some of the most prestigous Burgundy's. There is eye candy for us girls and the boys - and the scenery is just breathtaking. It's darned funny too.
2. Mondovino - A mockumentary about the wine industry - a global look. LONG - but extremely educational and subtly funny. There is really cool history about the feuds and land wars that will open your eyes up to the business of wine and the business of family. Truly Cool.
3. Blood & Wine - oldy but goody. J.Lo, Jack Nicholson and Michael Cane and Judy Davis (LOVE HER). It's not really about wine, but it's got some great wine quotes in it and well, like I indicated, I love Judy Davis.... and my husband loves J. Lo.
4. A Good Year - Honestly, I could watch this once a week. Really well done cinematography and strong acting (Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Albert Finney) give us a beautiful look into the intimacy of french a chateau and how unassuming some of the finest winemakers may be - it's a little feel-goody, but a nice lesson on smelling the roses.

No, I didn't list Sideways - as I am assuming everyone has seen it, and I just don't want to further perpetuate the slighting of Merlot. Thanks to that movie, you can't buy a bottle of Pinot for under $25 and people are turning their noses up to Merlot. Well, not vboggs. I have some awesome Merlots for you - structured, no sweet vanilla and great for grilled steaks.

Though, I did really like the movie. We can talk about it next time you're in.

Cheers,

v

A Thought on Wine and our Economy

I'm absolutely amazed. I'm amazed at the number of emails I receive from online wine retailers and local shops alike that have "great deals" on super high end wines - even somewhat high end wines (let's say in the $40-$100 range). Who is buying this stuff ? Granted, I totally get that there is still 93% employment in Georgia, and many of those still employed, have not been hurt by the economic downturn (at least not their short term outlook - they are still getting nice paychecks) - so I understand that plenty of people are still buying expensive wines....BUT, doesn't it seem a little bit shortsighted ? I mean, unless you are buying low to sell high (think cellar auctions) why spend when you can save ? I guess I'm just frugal, and admittedly, don't have the income to flaunt.
My challenge, every day, is to look at my distributors and say - how much ? I NEVER used to do that. I usually don't want to know - and have said so in earlier blogs. But now, I even feel guilty tasting wine that I have no intention of buying. (Ok, not too guilty.)
When I'm pricing out wines, I ask myself - is this price defendable? Is it fair to ask my clients to pay this price, for this wine? It's become my most pressing thought as I choose wines. I'm painfully aware, that it's so easy for my clients to pick up an under $10 bottle of wine at the grocery, when they pick up dinner. So what compels someone to make the trip to a specialty wine store and select a bottle, that will likely be MORE than $10 ? Hopefully, there will be an appreciation for the thought that goes behind the selections in the store. Specialty wine retailers are more known for our "boutique" selections...ie., expensive - and we all have to get beyond that and focus on bringing true value by hand selecting wines that taste fantastic and have a defendable price.

For example - we are pouring Napa Valley wines this week - can you believe I found 4 Napa wines - good ones - small production, really good fruit - Napa Appellation - all for under $25 ?

For now, vboggs will continue to dig for the values. While I may have to constantly justify what I consider a "value" - I believe firmly that if I put this much thought into the wine, you'll put all your effort into enjoying it. Afterall - no one can argue that it's that glass of wine at the end of the day that is making all the bad news go down a little better.



Cheers,

Vanessa

Art is Fun ?!?!

Who knew ? Art is fun ?!? Believe it or not, that was the number one comment we received from clients who attended our 2nd annual GA SPCA Fundraiser this past Saturday - if you missed it - then all I can say is....you better go ahead and rsvp for next year, because this event is getting some wind under it's wings !

I had no idea what one little comment would mean to me. "We didn't realize Art was this fun!" was the comment and it was uttered by multiple clients attending the event. Mission accomplished ! While the purpose of the event was to raise money and awareness for the GA SPCA, the real reward was seeing people get turned on by art for the first time. After much thought, I came to the realization that so many people who don't consider themselves "appreciators of art" probably just haven't had the right exposure. So often galleries feel intimidating and stuffy, and that can turn almost anyone off. This Saturday, over 100 people attended our Silent Auction and Art Exhibit. As I walked around, closing out the bids, I watched as clients hovered over their selection, securing it so that no one else could bid. Once the red dot went on the sheet, there were high-fives and screams of excitement as people "won" their prize, after heated and competitive bidding. I can promise you - I've never seen people so excited to buy art. Perhaps it had to do with the incredible deals to be had (our very generous artists put some unbelievable work up), or perhaps the crowd, the wine or the combination of it all. All I know is, I couldn't sleep that night for thinking about proud new owners going home with their well deserved art - and hanging it on their wall - as they high five themselves. Kudos to all who attended and supported us !

I recently read a WSJ article about "interesting entrepreneurs", and one very cool lady, Mary Boone, who is an art dealer in NY, had this to say: "Remember {sic}, especially in this economy, Art can be restorative. Art gives our eyes and mind a chance to rest, to muse, to think." I loved this thought, and I love that there are now a few new minds open to the restorative properties of Art.

Cheers,

V

How I Pick My Wines...(Often Asked!)

Probably the #1 question I hear at the gallery is "how do you choose your wines?". While it would be fun to reply that I pick them from a catalog blindfolded, it is my sincere pleasure to report that I take this function extremely seriously and I do in fact, have a criteria for selecting wines for our weekly tastings, as well as, for general availability.
First and foremost, I gotta like it. I believe that in order to be a successful saleperson, you must like what your selling, or it's an uphill battle. Lucky for my clients, I like alot of wines.
So I taste, and as I taste, I remind my purveyors to withhold the pricing until I ask for it. I prefer to assess the wine without clouding my judgement with price considerations. I feel like the adage - "Great Wine for the Money" is soooo overused, and shouldn't it just be a great wine ?!?!
When tasting, I take an inordinant amount of time smelling the wine; probably to an annoying degree, however, it's important to me - because I smell better than I taste. (Everyone's different...) I like to smell the wine with short little sniffs then one long one. The short sniffs give me the aromas, the long sniff tells me the alcohol content and structure. If the wine has interesting and abundant aromas - I like it. If the alcohol is in check (not too hot), I like it. If I notice there are undercurrent aromas that I can't quite pinpoint, then I detect nice structure, and I like it.
Once I taste the wine, I want a little air to mix with the wine in my mouth, so I slurp. Yes, it sounds disgusting, and funny and pretentious but it's fun. Plus, I get a better idea of the mouthfeel and the structure when I slurp. I like it when a wine fills my palate, and when the flavors show themselves without any puckering or burning.
Once "I Like It", I then want to hear the price. Price is relative. A $40 Cab, should be compared to other $40 cabs - not to a $20 Cab. My criteria for price is simple...Don't Shock Me. If you tell me it's a $40 cab, then it darned well better taste like I just spent $40 and I'm thrilled. I believe the wine should taste as good as it cost - and it's a total bonus when it's tastes better, or way better, than it costs. LOVE that. And I try to buy those, whenever I can !
Additional criteria -
1. I'm a sucker for a good story. I love to hear the journey the grape took to the bottle, and about the crazy, inspired people who helped it get there.
2. Food Friendliness is uber important. I want the wine to be a dead ringer for a Chipotle rubbed Pork Tenderloin or Lobster Salad. Makes my job easier.
3. Is it sippable ? As important as food friendliness, is people friendliness. Can you just pop it open, pour it up - share it and love it without too much pontification ? Perfect !

Noticably Missing from my criteria.... RATINGS. ENDORSEMENTS. COOL LABELS.

Cheers,

v

What I learned about wine this week....

#1 - we are still drinking wine, despite the economy. At least my distributors are telling me this as they show up, week after week, with all the optimism of a well seasoned sales rep, who knows that if he believes it, maybe I will too. As far as I can tell, people are in fact, still drinking wine. Now, there are noticable changes in buying behavior, ie., price, quantity, frequency...but by in large, wine consumption is steady. This, I believe, it attributed to the unique power of wine - it's ability to relax us, treat us (at reasonable cost) and to help us maintain hope that good times are just around the corner. Wine reminds us that we are merely participants in a grapes journey that employs thousands of hands and minds along it's way. I say... cheers to that.

#2 - There are alot of damned good Chardonnay's from Central Coast California. I cannot wait for warmer weather, so we can get these in front of our barrel room clients. A couple of weeks ago we tasted the Summerland Chardonnay (Paso Robles) and loved how balanced it is; it shows great pear and kiwi fruit on the palate, and it's barely kissed with oak, creating a creamy finish. The Geode Chard is another.... I love these wines, so they are on my shelves. But I swear - new Labels of CC Chards are coming out of the woodwork, and I wish I could dedicate a whole section to them ! I just don't have the room ! So expect to see more of these wonderfully balanced, food friendly, yet pleasantly oaked wines, hitting our Barrel Room in the months to come.

#3 - People don't believe that I'm working when they come into the gallery and see me drinking wine. I swear - people will try to sell me anything from advertising to massages and tires and yap away at me, as if I'm some store clerk taking a break and knocking back some of the company's profits while I do so. Please ! While it is quite hard for some to grasp - I consider it the most important part of my job to personally taste the wines I plan to present to my clients. I take pride in understanding the nuances of each bottle, and making recommendations to my clients based on their description of their preferences. So to all the sales people who stroll in and assume I'm some lush and therefore a good target for a 6-pack of Braves Tickets.... Yes, I am drinking wine - and Yes, I am working !!