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Contributed by Dena Rigby
Where is “The Backroom”? The Backroom is a private space that sits hidden in art galleries, artist studios and international art fairs. It is hidden in what is sometimes dubbed, “the white cube.” The elusive backroom is where private art deals are made, multiple unique works of art mingle among the racks and shelves of art catalogues and coffee table books line the walls. They exist for almost every dealer and for all of us in the business. Here you will find more art than one will ever personally own and are privy to conversations and private deals that are never meant to leave the gallery walls. A common phrase uttered by an art collector is, “what’s in the backroom?” Translation: “What is not out for the public to see, but that I NEED to see?”
First, I am not unbiased as I have many relationships with incredible dealers, amazing museums, art organizations and brilliant artists. I’m LUCKY to have these incredible relationships and to know these people as I do. These hard working and creative minds are blessed with unparalleled talent and resilience. Now that this is on the table, I will make every effort to provide an insider’s view of what is happening in Seattle’s art community that you should know about, should attend, or should HAVE attended. Welcome to The Backroom!
Seattle is lucky to have procured a museum director with a great reputation in the arts now taking the helm as the newchief executive officer and director of the Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, Christina Orr-Cahall. Christina has been on my radar for a number of years as the well-respected Director of Norton Museum in Palm Beach. I spent a few years trekking between Seattle and Palm Beach and always hoped our paths would cross. Now that Christina is in Seattle, I suggest YOU rediscover EMP and hopefully have the privilege of meeting such a respected woman. EMP hosted a fantastic private event three floors above the Bumperschmooze concert, Sick Puppy. Included were Seattle notables like JJ McKay, Peter Wilson and Colleen Kerr.
Time for my shameless plug. The “Garden of Delights” exhibition opens atthe Winston Wachter Fine Art gallery (Seattle) on September 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. This show, which touches on the tension between man and nature, I happened to curate. It includes local contemporary glass favorites Erich Woll and Katherine Gray- now also in Los Angeles- Portland fiber artist Rachel Denny, and Los Angeles painter, Mark Licari. Please come and enjoy an evening with the artists and a great mix of Seattle’s art scene. For more information visit the gallery website at: www. winstonwachter.com.
Another “must see” exhibition, don’t miss Mark Calderon’s new show at Greg Kucera Gallery. Mark Calderon is a renowned Seattle contemporary artist who works in sculpture. Mark will give an artist talk at the Greg Kucera Gallery on Saturday, September 5, at noon. Make sure to RSVP for this event. Contact the gallery through: www.gregkucera.com.
Finally, we are entering the gala season and a number of big named and important art organizations would love and need your support and attendance. The
Pilchuck Glass School Gala takes place Friday, October 23 at the Westin Hotel Ballroom. A
preview party will take place on Thursday, October 22 and is open to the public. This is always a highly attended auction as it includes over 300 pieces of fine art created mostly in glass, with many of the artists and top art collectors in the city attending. Thus, a GREAT opportunity. Visit
www.pilchuck.com to purchase your tickets.
In future installments we’ll hit on collecting tips, VIP art events around town, and a bit more of a “who’s who” of Seattle’s art scene. So that’s your first visit to The Backroom. Please come back for more insider hints on the happenings in Seattle’s art community.
Rachel Denny “Domestic Trophy,” polyurethane foam and knitted fiber
*Feature Image: Erich Woll “It Takes Ten Squirrels to Make a Squirrel Pie,” glass and shotgun shells.
