The Business of Art and The Art of Business

Gloria Danvers

Lecture by Gloria Danvers

This workshop is mainly geared toward artists and people wanting to sell their product. Gallery owners and associates, however, in addition to small business owners and people in other areas of sales and marketing would benefit from this fascinating lecture by Gloria Danvers as well. Get ready to become extremely motivated through self-awareness and understanding of the market.

Gloria is a hypnotherapist, motivational speaker, business owner, and artist. She has “been there done that” and is driven to pass her extensive knowledge and experience along to others. In her life, she has owned and managed several businesses and sold her art in galleries, museums, and on major art markets along the east coast of the US. As a compassionate hypnotherapist, Gloria makes it her mission to help people free themselves from self-limiting beliefs and empowers them to make fundamental changes to be able to move into a positive, enriching, and successful direction in life.

Gloria has taught this workshop for quite a few years and loves seeing the aha-moment in faces of attendees. Each seminar is slightly different than the previous one, as she adds and revises things according to current trends. Through guidance toward a greater understanding of the Self, she brings advice on how to sell art, which sales venues and markets to approach, how to price work, and how to find the perfect client. She will also impart valuable expertise on how to shape your own image and teach skills in marketing yourself. 

Apart from showing how to reach a greater self-awareness, her most important message is that selling art comes down to the “intimate relationship between the artist and the buyer” … and common sense “business stuff.” Plenty of quality work, market research, and old-fashioned leg-work will eventually create a tipping point and your art business will take off. We highly encourage all to attend this exceptionally inspirational and life-changing workshop! Get ready to create your own world and start writing your own script.

Free Workshop- Sponsored by the St. Johns Cultural Council
Date: Saturday, May 26th, 2018
TIME: 10:30am-12:30
Location: The Gallery Group
Address: 303C Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL, 32080

AGOSA A-Go-Go!

 

The big buzz!

You can feel the energy in the air. The gallery is filled with people, clustered in groups, standing around a few tables of delicious looking food. There is lots of laughter, chatter, and a cacophony of subdued exclamations. The occasional vocal burst of recognition and many nodding heads. What’s the buzz?

The AGOSA A-Go-Go is what‘s buzzing!

Artists and Gallery-Owners at the AGOSA Social

The Art Galleries of Saint Augustine (AGOSA) has a brand new board! Sylvia Gortz, artist and co-owner of The Gallery Group has recently become the new president and is assisted every sparkly new step of the way by Laura O’Neal, Julie Dickover, and Marlena Zullig. The new, old organization has cooked up a social gathering for all galleries and artists of this quaint, little drinking town with a fishing problem (the official description, not the invention of yours truly). Art affiliated businesses and institutions and other assorted interested people have also been invited. By all means, do not mistake this for a business meeting or networking evening! We are here to have fun and to make friends.

Laura O'Neal, Vice President AGOSA, speaking with enthusiasm

A little yawner!

For more than a century, art lovers and artists have gravitated to little Saint Augustine, the first Spanish immigrant settlement and oldest city in our nation. The natural beauty of the environment, the boisterous seascape, the rich Spanish history, and the architectural land-marks seduce the imagination of many a visitor. In the late 19^th century, Henry Flagler, a wealthy railroad developer, invited affluent friends and famous artists to his opulent Ponce de Leon Hotel. He generously provided them with art studios and a steady stream of art-enthusiastic patrons. According to Robert W. Torchia, an art historian with the University of Pennsylvania, this town was a “thriving cultural community that attracted hundreds of American artists” (2002). In 1931, when the Great Depression plagued the United States, a few business-smart resident artists founded the St. Augustine Arts Club which became the Saint Augustine Art Association in 1948. The goal of this organization was to promote the European charm of this small town to tourists through the arts. As a result of this “unusual alliance between culture and commerce,” a vibrant art community emerged. Today, an abundance of galleries are thriving in Saint Augustine. The laid-back atmosphere, art-inspired ambiance, and popular art events and festivals continue to attract artists, musicians, writers and art lovers from all corners of the globe.

St. George Street, Looking South 1949 - Emmett Fritz - Oil on Board

The low-down!

While the Art Association is still operating and concentrating on other branches of the arts, local galleries and artists organized themselves into the AGOSA organization to help and support each other in business and the arts. In 1990, however, there were about ten members left and the organization was run by one person. So, in 2012, Jan Miller (Butterfield Garage Art Gallery), Ginny Bullard (Amiro Gallery), and Elyse Brady (St. Augustine Art Association) decided to take over and start a revival of AGOSA. Gallery membership increased and the new board designed and published a colorful brochure including a map. They created a Facebook page, initiated the First Friday Art Walk event, and added an annual Art Walk booklet including a map. In February of this year, the new board became official. Sylvia, Laura, Julie D., Julie S., and Marlene took over the reins from Jan, Ginny, and Elyse. 

AGOSA board members: Sylvia, Laura, Marlene, Julie S. (Julie D. was absent)

Sylvia Gortz is from New York, and she moved to Florida in 2005.  Her partner, Tom Tilley, is originally from Jacksonville Beach. Two hurricanes tested their patience and limits, but they were finally able to open their new gallery called The Gallery Group.  As acting curator of the gallery, Sylvia was interested in joining AGOSA to be part of the organization and art community. She contacted Ginny Bullard, president of AGOSA at the time, and together they worked on a scholarship program for AGOSA, which was given to the R.J. Murray Middle School Center for the Arts. The hard work put in by the talented art students under this program accumulated in an elaborate and fantastic student art exhibition, hosted by The Gallery Group, in March of this year. Sylvia and Ginny spoke at length. Ginny was in the process of closing Amiro Gallery and was also looking for a successor to the AGOSA presidency. Sylvia turned out to be the right person in the right place at the right time.

Sylvia Gortz, President AGOSA

The energy of the new team is catchy and fascinating. Many new plans and ideas are developing, often causing texts to fly around. The enthusiasm is tangible. Going by the new mission statement, the board members actively seek to befriend every single gallery, artist, supporting business, and other interested people and organizations to build an inclusive art community to support and encourage cooperation, motivation, and inspiration through art and business-related endeavors. Memberships are offered in tiers with enticing public relations perks like a YouTube video, among the regular social media marketing. Monthly gatherings on the last Wednesday of the month, hosted by galleries all around town are being organized. A new and improved, larger size magazine with an expanded map, art events, contests, more exposure for artists, and better direct access to local artists are also items on the agenda being worked on. 

The existing map and list of galleries in St. Augustine

AGOSA is looking for cover art for the new magazine and is getting ready to put out a contest. Be sure to look out for the exciting chance to create and design an image that sums up everything that is typical, good, fun, and arts-related about this beautiful little town. For more information about this and other contests, call AGOSA at the number provided below.

The fun part!

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK. The Art Galleries of Saint Augustine founded and sponsors the award-winning First Friday Art Walk event on the first Friday of every month from 5-9pm. Select art exhibits, live music, and refreshments are offered by the member galleries throughout downtown and on Anastasia Island.

Every first Friday of the month

Immerse yourself in the art culture and explore a diverse world of color and new perspectives offered by the art galleries in St. Augustine. Stroll along the main streets and wander off down the side streets of this beautiful town. Our eclectic collection of galleries has just about everything you might want. Whether you desire classical art, modern art, sculpture, paintings, photography, jewelry, oils, pastels, ceramics, wood, textiles, or metal, there will be a gallery in St. Augustine catering to your taste. Whatever your interest may be, Art Galleries of St. Augustine showcases an amazing variety of artwork created by local and national artists.

Inspired by the boisterous seascape - Vilano Beach by Ryan Flannery - oil on panel

Visitors can start the free, self-guided tour at any of the AGOSA galleries. Most galleries are within close walking distance to each other and some are just a short ride away. Hop aboard the free Art Walk trains and trolleys that run throughout downtown.

So?

Art Galleries of St. Augustine is an association of the many diverse and eclectic art galleries in StAuggie, as the locals call their beloved town, that range from local artist-owned businesses to elegant exhibition halls and museums. These galleries and venues offer outstanding collections of local, regional, national, and international artists. When shopping at any of the affiliated member galleries, the customer can be confident in knowing that he or she is dealing with quality artwork, personalized customer service, and integrity of assisting staff with the support of the art community. 

The evening was a great success! Everybody left inspired and ready to make new friends and start buzzing!

Next AGOSA A-Go-Go Social:

May 30, 2018
5:30-7:30pm
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery

137 W King St # B, St Augustine, FL 32084

AGOSA Board Members:

Sylvia Gortz, President – Mixed Media Artist / The Gallery Group
Laura O'Neal, Vice President – Painter/Designer/Poet / Butterfield Garage Art Gallery
Julie Dickover, Treasurer – Director of the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum
Marlene Zullig, Secretary – Stained Glass Artist / P.A.St.A. Fine Art Gallery

Julie Smith, Creative Liaison - Photographer / Media Specialist

Contact:

(832) 779-2781

www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
staugartgalleries@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/StAugFirstFridayArtWalk
Artwalk Hours: 5:00-9:00 PM

Work Cited:

Art Galleries of St. Augustine. (2018). Art Galleries of St. Augustine Catalogue 2018 (2^nd ed.). St. Augustine, FL: author.

Torchia, R.W. (2002, June).Lost Colony: The Artists of St. Augustine, 1930-1950.            Resource Library Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/3aa/3aa288a.htm

An Evening with Stasia

 

Craig, Ray, and Steve of Stasia

“I was playing my broken guitar with only one string on the corner of a street when I met Steve, who just happened to fly by...,” Craig, the lead guitarist, jokes after I ask the members of the band how they all met. I walked into the garage while the band was practicing “Jumping Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones. Immediately after, seemingly without anybody cueing, a spontaneous and solid version of “Evil Ways” by Santana broke out. With Ray singing, some impressive keyboard, guitar, drum bridges and solos had a party in my ears. I settled on the steps of the garage inner door and sipped a glass of wine while enjoying the songs. The band graciously decided to take a short break and talk to me about their brand new 70s cover group.

Stasia originally started as a garage band. Nothing underground, just guys gathering to jam on their instruments in a garage on warm Florida weekday evenings. Ranging in ages, interests, and backgrounds, they all seem to have found enthusiasm for their common taste in music. Their initial meeting was nothing as romantic or fictitious as meeting on a street corner or anybody flying by – the word “Craigslist” was mumbled and laughed off quickly. “I saw them at Sarbez and decided that they needed a keyboard player,” interjected Rich, who is an optometrist by day. “And I joined them at an improv evening,” laughs John, the drummer. I noticed that they certainly had connected in a new brotherhood.

Stasia from left to right: Rich, Ray, Steve, John, and Craig

In no particular order of importance, Stasia consists of Steve Thompson (guitar, harmonica), Ray Niederriter (bass guitar), Craig Antley (lead guitar), Rich Greene (keyboard), and brand new drummer John Tremel (drums). They all sing too. Together, they generally choose to cover songs from classic rock artists like Santana, Tom Petty, Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, or Rolling Stones. While I am gathering this information, Steve, a pilot during the day, brings out his harmonica. While also playing guitar and singing, “Angel from Montgomery,” originally performed by John Prine, rings through the garage. These guys are brimming with talent and musical energy.

Apart, the members of Stasia have performed in many places. Craig, for example, opened with a previous band for Chris Stapleton. As Revoc, the former name of the band, they have performed locally at Planet Sarbez, O’Laughlins, Colonial Oak, Hurricane Patties, and the Crow Bar. With John as the new drummer, they are currently building up their repertoire and extending their potential venue reach. They aim to perform at festivals, weddings, and many other hot spots around town. They also recently appointed Ashley Berg as their new manager. Ashley is ready to book this exciting band to lighten up your evening and bring dance and laughter to your party. As I finish my wine and say goodbye to my new favorite band, the guys start to jam themselves into another spontaneous song. We will definitely hear more from Stasia.

Contact Ashley Berg at bergalerg@gmail.com

Or send a message through Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/stasiaband/

Oracle of Seasons

costumes … canvases … poetry … leather masks

Laura O’Neal

artist & designer

Laura O’Neal is excited to be a featured artist/designer for the fourth year running at the “Love Your Mother Eco-Fashion Show” at Marsh Landing Country Club in Ponte Vedra, FL on Saturday, March 31. At the culmination of this twelve months project, Laura will be eager to demonstrate her fantastical magical creations at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery on First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine on April 6, 2018. Her models will be informally modeling at the gallery that evening from 5 to 9 pm. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Cultural Council at Ponte Vedra Beach. The exhibit will be ongoing through the month of April.

masks

Her theme is inspired by the seasons and her presentation is called “An Oracle of Seasons.” Laura has not only created the innovative and imaginative costumes for the show, using eco-friendly and recycled materials, but she also painted the creations on canvas and wrote original poetry to accompany the pieces.

Spring

The art project “Oracle of Seasons” has been a year in the making. Laura has been creating exciting costumes with recycled and trashed materials. The pièces de résistance of the four outfits are leather masks representing spring, summer, fall, and winter. A year ago, she picked up a couple of handbags and leather totes that had been thrown curbside on trash morning.  As the plans for the “Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show” began to form, and Laura was invited to participate, she decided to make masks with the leather of the discarded purses. The idea to work and re-work leather has been an item on her bucket list of art projects for a long time.  She wanted the creations to be something she would be proud to show at any gallery or art exhibition. 

Summer

Laura received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design from the University of Akron, Ohio. She is a mixed-media artist, as well as a great designer, poet, and lyricist. Her art is very upbeat, colorful, and at first sight whimsical. Upon closer inspection, however, one can feel her musings and spiritual ponderings behind the visual aspects of her creations. Although she finds inspiration in all things small and large around her, she gets deeply excited about the written word. She often translates her spiritual inspiration into her art.

Fall

Laura has served on the board of artist members of Butterfield Garage Art Gallery for about two years and is still represented by the same. She has recently been voted to fill the position of Vice President for the Associated Galleries of Saint Augustine (AGOSA), which started rekindling ties with the Saint Johns Cultural Council (SJCC). Laura is also in charge of curation with STArt, curators at large, a service agency to bring original local art together with any available wall space.

Winter

The creations of the “Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show” with the recycled clothes and masks inspired visual art, performance, and poetry. The collection of fashion costumes, canvases, poetry, and masks will be on display at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery in St. Augustine for First Friday Art Walk on April 6, 2018.

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery – 137 W King St # B, St. Augustine, FL –  (904) 825-4577

Presented by STArt CuratorsAtLarge  - startcuration@gmail.com