BEHIND JJ

Meet OHN NASSAR

ohn Nassar never intended to be in the art business. Born and raised in New York, John studied finance and found early success as the Area Director VP

for Citibank in New York City. Everything was business as usual until a five car auto accident changed the direction of his life. “I was badly injured, but I believe it was fate,” says John.

After his accident, John’s doctors advised that he move to a warmer, more arid climate to aid in his recovery, resulting in him packing his bags and moving to Las Vegas for what was supposed to be a temporary 6 month stay. After arriving in his new home, John began making connections. One of which was an acquaintance that worked for the art gallery Galleria Di Sorrento in Las Vegas. John took a part time job at Galleria Di Sorrento, and during his time there, met Ruth-Ann Thorn. “At that time, Ruth-Ann had several artists she was introducing to the gallery, one of which was Michael Flohr. So I met her through my connection through Galleria Di Sorrento and she’s been an inspiration ever since.” After 5 years with Galleria Di Sorrento, John struck out on his own and opened “Blu Fine Art” galleries in California. “I had 15,000 square feet [at my main location]

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES

in Silicon Valley,” says John. “I copied Ruth-Ann’s model, everything I saw her do in her own business. I thought, ‘that’s the way you run a business’. Everything she touches turns to gold.” John ran his own gallery for 5 years, when a change in ownership of the mall where his gallery was located and

the ailing health of his father brought him back home to Vegas. “I was home in Vegas visiting with some old friends and was convinced to take a temp position at the photo gallery Peter Lik,” says John. That temporary position turned into a 5 year stint of becoming the Gallery Director and managing Peter Lik with great success. Having accomplished such great results in the gallery business, John began to become a sort of consultant. “People would contact me wanting help with setting up their galleries. With my background in finance, I was able to help people get their books dialed in and develop processes to set their galleries up for success.”

Then John got a phone call from an old

friend. “Ruth-Ann calls me and says, ‘so is it my turn?’” In November of 2014, John

became the Gallery Director for Exclusive Collections Gallery in Las Vegas. “Working for Exclusive Collections allows me to be me, and to be everything that I am,” John says. “Ruth-Ann is always bringing out the best, there is no ego there. She is a wide- open person who is always asking, ‘What do you have to offer? What can you bring to the table?’ Ruth-Ann has been my guide throughout my entire career because everything she does is from a place of deep integrity and care for the arts and artists.” John believes

Exclusive Collections is

unique in its warm and inclusive approach. “To sell Art to people for no other reason than it’s beautiful and it fulfills something in their heart and soul in turn fulfills me. And that’s what Ruth-Ann does with Exclusive Collections—she gives people permission to buy something that makes them happy.”

21

THE CUR T AIN