In the early 2000s, the team that had been managing ArtWalk was looking for someone to take over management of what was then a 20-year-old festival. I had been looking for my next big project and jumped at the opportunity. I always loved this event and I had always had the desire to manage a large public event — a new and inviting challenge after all the years of corporate planning.
As Managing Director of ArtWalk San Diego, I oversee a small team that produces large events. Our April festival attracts more than 100,000 attendees to San Diego’s Little Italy each year. Our August festival has also become a premier showcase for artists from all over the United States and Mexico. Our staff works closely with artists, event suppliers, the city and our PR team who help market the events. These events take enormous planning. This year, we deployed 250 people for the April event alone.
Why do you think that art is an essential part of our lives? Why is it important to you personally?
Art is what makes us human. It elevates our existence to something more meaningful. It’s self-expression, it’s an emotional connection with the artist and subject matter.
I fall in love with pieces of art every day…and I’ve collected some pieces that I treasure. One of the most wonderful aspects of owning original artwork is learning about the artist and what inspired them to create the piece, and having that personal connection each time I look at the piece.
Making art has been important to me since childhood. My sister, Judy Berman Silbert, and I co-founded an art education program, ArtReach, that brings visual art education to schools with limited resources. The process of creative exploration in childhood is so important and so frequently left out of the elementary curriculum.
What is the most important thing that an art venue needs to be prosperous for its artists?
The ability to attract an audience that connects with the type of art being showcased. Marketing to specific demographics is something we focus on.
In what ways does the art industry differ from other industries? How does this change your approach to your career? Our festivals address more than just the visual arts. We provide a showcase for dance groups, theatre troupes and art education organizations. The goal is to produce a celebration of art of all kinds and to bring the community together under one umbrella. It’s a very unique way to make a living and a very rewarding one.
How has the art industry evolved during the years you have been involved? More people seem to understand the value of owning original artwork, as opposed to buying a poster print at the mall. The proliferation of live art events such as ArtWalk surely has helped facilitate this change in attitude.
What advice do you have for professionals in the art industry who want to achieve a bountiful career such as yours?
Listen to the artists. Listen to the collectors. Continually strive to improve and recreate your business.
Where do you see the future of the art business in the next decade? There seems to be a proliferation of art fairs worldwide. I think we’ll see even more of this.
What would be your advice to art enthusiasts who are looking to collect new works at this time?
Collect art you love. When a piece of artwork calls to you long after you’ve seen it, heed the call so you don’t regret letting that special piece go home with someone else.
EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES 31
“Art is what makes us human. It elevates our existence to something more meaningful. It’s self-expression, it’s an emotional connection with the artist and subject matter.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36