ackground:
The gallery is beginning its second year of business. "I had worked as an educational consultant, and have surrounded myself with art and music throughout my life," reminisces gallery co-owner Ruth Ann Graime. "I recall wishing I could do something completely new and unfamiliar -- like an art gallery! So, over a full year, I imagined this venture in exquisite detail as a living room with touches of Old Russia -- the sewing machine, the shawls draped over the furniture, Mozart and tea. As Living Traditions became an actuality, I realized that none of it was new and unfamiliar, but rather was a convergence of my life's passions -- for learning and for our artistic heritage."
Kinds of crafts sold:
functional and decorative craft of every traditional medium. "Our mission is to show craft that expresses historical or cultural influences, such as Judith Goldstein's Judaic sculpture in pewter," says Graime.
Currently looking for:
needlework, hand-bound books, woodcarving and decorative ironwork
Prime customers:
"Buyers with a distaste for the commercialization of 'The Mall,'" says Graime. "As our gallery is located in the midst of a well-known historic area, visitors arrive with a reverence for exemplary craftsmanship and design."
Signature crafts:
Currently, the gallery includes functional brass sculpture by Scott Nelles, elegant porcelain tableware by Judith Weber and fine art jewelry by Dawn Estrin.
Exhibitions:
Special events and themed exhibitions are held throughout the year, accompanied by relevant workshops or lectures/demonstrations. Future exhibits include a varied collection of traditional craft from Russia and a show of contemporary applications of old needlework techniques.
Artists are found through:
word of mouth and personal contact. "We have a special interest in small studio or emerging artists who have a solid grounding in the origins of their craft," says Graime. "I am watchful for artists with a blend of skill, knowledge and sensitivity, the latter toward art lovers and 'non-artists' alike."
Pricing:
$3.50-$1,500. Both the gallery and the artist set the prices.
Purchase/consignment:
Approximately 80 percent of the work is consigned, with a 60/40 split.
GALLERY
OWNERS: |
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Would you like your gallery to be considered for inclusion in Gallery Profiles?
If you have professional photos and/or slides of your gallery, and you're looking to attract new artists and new work, please send your photos and background information to:
The Crafts Report
attention: Kirsten Coughlin
300 Water St.
Wilmington, DE 19801.
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Best-selling price points:
$50-$150
Gallery size:
1,100 square feet, divided into a gallery in the front and workshop space in the back
Number of artists currently represented:
more than 50
Non-craft items sold:
fine art paintings
Services offered to customers:
"We provide a corporate gift resource and rent our relaxed living room setting as a meeting place for selected groups," reveals Graime. "In addition, we are attentive to special requests, welcoming the opportunity to match the right art piece to an individual."
The gallery also hosts workshops such as hand bookbinding and writing from the soul, and holds performances such as storytelling and song.
Gallery location:
The gallery is located on Federal Hill, near historic mansions, antique shops, the American Clock & Watch Museum and the New England Carousel Museum.
To submit work to the gallery:
"We prefer a personal visit by the artist, by appointment, and are impressed by a professional portfolio, artist statement and suggested pricing," offers Graime.
Why selling crafts:
"It is most gratifying to reach people at a deep level through the arts and to encourage a pleasurable and unhurried viewing of our discerning collection," says Graime. "In addition, we are committed to presenting the arts as a participatory process, which we accomplish through our varied programming that includes artist-led workshops, music and storytelling."
Kirsten Coughlin is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.
