Martha Schaub EXPER T S

MEET THE R

odeo Drive is infamous for its high-end, luxury goods. The two-mile long road attracts visitors year-round and while known for its shopping appeal, it is also where one art professional got her start. Martha Schaub, a Fine Art Business Consultant with an emphasis on training and organization, took her first steps into the art world in 1987 in the world-renowned Beverly Hills district.

Schaub was amongst the first team hired for the well- known gallery and stayed until the gallery closed its doors seven years later. In the 28 years since, Schaub has worked in and with three other galleries, proving her expertise and knowledge as she goes.

The art world is competitive but Schaub learned in her early years that many were willing to help her along while she gained experience. Those around her were generous with their time, and because of that generosity, she has returned that same helpfulness to others, often providing trainings to help others obtain success. Schaub’s first interaction with Exclusive Collections Gallery was in 2000 and in the fifteen years since has maintained her relationship with CEO Ruth-Ann Thorn. “A lot of what works for EC is that Ruth-Ann has nurtured,

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES

chosen, and guided the artists to help them grow,” she said. “And she has chosen well. You can have a fabulous location and a great interior, but without the right art, it doesn’t work.”

One of the aspects of being in the art industry that pleases Schaub most is working with collectors and establishing relationships with them.

Meeting someone for the first time and helping him or her decide what artwork they want to acquire is like a puzzle to Schaub. While it may seem that there are many ways to solve said puzzle, one option always ends up being the perfect fit. “It’s a sort of dance you do with your collectors,” she

said. “You want to be in sync with them but they need to know the value of your information and knowledge and experience to guide them in the right way.” Helping collectors put together a home that they would be proud to show off is very rewarding and the collaboration between Schaub and her clients is not only interesting for her, but also fun. “What you’re doing, be it a landscape artist or a teacher, has to be enjoyable for you,” she said. “You have to be enthusiastic about it or you will not be able to convey that to your collectors.”

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