Artist Advocate: Can you share the story of how you got started in the art gallery business?

Artists Haven Gallery: We established the gallery in 2005, seeking to promote Michael’s fine art photography as well as the work of fellow artists. We’ve struck a careful balance among the gallery, the artist, and the collector relationship, and have taken into careful consideration  the understanding and necessities of operating a successful art business.

The process by which a gallery selects artists to represent and exhibit is very subjective and varies to a great extent from person to person and place to place. Our gallery exists to present quality art in a superior environment -- we strive to nurture the credibility and value of each artist we come into contact with. We offer modern and contemporary works by well established, mid-career, and emerging artists, with a wide variety of original paintings, photography, and digital works.

We have more than two decades of experience and a proficient full-time staff, and we’re dedicated to bringing our expertise to representing and acquiring fine art. The Artists Haven Gallery is a resource for collectors, interior designers, corporate art consultants, and project managers. We’re an ASID partner and work closely with leaders in the art industry.

Artist Advocate: What strategies do you employ to keep your business healthy?

Artists Haven Gallery: Regular monthly art exhibitions with opening receptions on the first Saturday of the month keep clients coming back. We host special events and charitable fundraisers with silent art auctions, and that brings in new crowds. We offer a variety of art from around the world, and we market via e-mail newsletters and social media networks.

Artist Advocate: What is the best way to maintain excellent relationships with collectors?

Artists Haven Gallery: Follow up with e-mail and telephone calls. Send them special invitations in regular mail -- personal touches. Send thank you notes.

Artist Advocate: What trends are you seeing in the art business?

Artists Haven Gallery: Local, original art at an affordable price. Photography is selling.

Artist Advocate: Will the art gallery as we know it be the same in five or 10 years?

Artists Haven Gallery: No. The Internet has changed the playing field. The gallery will be a wonderful place to have an exhibit, but sales will be made outside the gallery.

Artist Advocate: Will everything go online?

Artists Haven Gallery: Being able to contact an artist directly via a simple Google search is closing traditional galleries. Sales are made directly with artists. We see so many people already, searching the artist on their iPhones within the gallery.

Artist Advocate: What advice do you have for gallery owners who want to grow?

Artists Haven Gallery: To grow or to stay open? Artists are becoming acclimated to the new gallery business model of paying to exhibit (wall space is the most valuable). They know how to get exposure online, for free in many instances. What the brick-and-mortar gallery can do for an artist is create human contact, interaction, and feedback. To grow, you have to change with the times or be left behind.

Artist Advocate: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in the art business?

Artists Haven Gallery: Honesty is always the best policy. When you think you've worked enough hours for the day, work at least one more.

Artist Advocate: If you were starting to collect today, what would you buy?

Artists Haven Gallery: I buy what I like and not what matches the decor at the moment.

Artist Advocate: Who are your personal favorite artists?

Artists Haven Gallery: Peter Max, Salvador Dali, Alexander Calder, Man Ray.