http://thegrawn.com/2013/08/26/the-hive-gallery-and-art-studios/
The Hive Gallery and Art Studios
August 26, 2013 · by cathykisakye · in ART WALK GALLERY GUIDE, Latest News. ·
Worker Bees at the Hive Gallery and Art Studios
By Cathy Kisakye
The Hive Gallery and Art Studios in Downtown Los Angeles is a hybrid of sorts: a gallery and store, workspace, and performance studio all wrapped into one. Founded in 2005, it is the longest standing gallery on the Downtown Art Walk. Physically the Hive is a vast, multi-layered space, each area serving a particular purpose. The front room is dedicated to two “Featured Artists”, while the next space is reserved for a themed show, currently a tribute to Lisa Frank. Then there is a Salon Wall that showcases rising artists. Upstairs, you’ll find spaces for artists to work. Lastly, the Hive also has individual exhibition studios for the gallery’s “Resident Artists”.
Curator Nathan Cartwright has created a distinctive space, but he also operates on a unique business model that differs from most other galleries. Cartwright partners with artists not only to exhibit their work, but to also help them build a business. “First and foremost, I’m an artist, and I know what my artists are looking for,” Cartwright explains. “I am teaching them how to be more business minded.”
One way in which Cartwright supports the artists’ businesses is by charging small commission fees, so that artists can sell quality work for low costs. He also offers incentives: if an artist attends some opening events, he charges them a lower fee. According to Cartwright, this model works because it allows artists to run a business and have interpersonal connections with their clients. “My exhibition studio artists are running smaller businesses out of my larger space,” Cartwright notes. “They also get the benefit of meeting their patrons and press at openings.”
On a broad level, Cartwright operates by taking in artists and nurturing them. One of his biggest hurdles, therefore, is that he has to evaluate a wide range of work, from novice artists to the prolific. “I have to deal with all levels of experience, and learn to be flexible in dealing with a wide variety of people,” he explains. “But all in all it’s a positive experience.” And while turning down some artists is expected, Cartwright emphasizes that it never signals the end of a career. “I’ve learned to say no, but generally when a no is coming from me, the person gets several yes’s as well,” says Cartwright. “If an artist comes in and it doesn’t work for my gallery, it doesn’t mean his or her art is bad or good. It just means it may not work for my gallery.”
True to form, Cartwright also makes it a point to educate artists whenever he can. “When an artist comes to me, they will get invaluable information on what they can do to work for my gallery, or where their work may fit in at other galleries,” he explains. “I want all artists to do well. But most importantly, I need to stand strong on illustrating the importance of an artist to be continually fine-tuning their trade. There is always a better artist, so work hard, get better and be open for critique.”
Resident Artists are vital to the Hive, and Cartwright has a list of criteria when making his selection. “I’m looking for working artists with dedication to their trade, and quality work,” he says. “I like to see that the artists have a certain level of skill in figurative representation.” Cartwright is open to any format for the gallery, from photography and painting, to digital works. But he admits he is especially interested in illustration. “I’m looking for interesting styles in this realm,” he states. “This often moves towards the zone of surrealism, and more specific to the Southern California style of Pop-Surrealism.”
Although Cartwright does not search for specific themes when selecting exhibitions, he notes that there are certain thematic elements that prevail. For instance, many of the artists tend to convey what he calls an “urban edge” in their work. “We are deep in the heart of Downtown LA. An artist’s environment helps to mold what he or she creates,” says Cartwright. “Artists are inspired by familiar characters and icons, but they create them in new and exciting ways which can often be comical, controversial, dreamy or political.”
Like most other galleries in the area, the monthly Downtown Art Walk is an important aspect of the Hive’s business. Cartwright appreciates the community aspect of the Art Walk, and the diverse clientele the event attracts to his gallery and to Downtown Los Angeles. “The Art Walk is extremely important in bringing the community of LA together,” he says. “It’s invaluable to my resident artists as well because they have regular customers who come and buy their work. Money helps feed the creative machine.” What is particularly important to Cartwright is getting Art Walk visitors to take in and appreciate the work. “All types of people come through the gallery and learn how exciting art really can be,” he says. “I want to spread visual goodness to the masses, and give my attendees a monthly, authentic experience.”
