ArtTalk: Closing Up Shop? The Uncertain Future of Seattle’s Art Galleries

Are today’s art galleries going the way of video rental stores? A series of gallery closings in recent times has not been met by new galleries moving in to take their place, and many people feel that this reflects more profound changes in the nature of the art business itself. Does the art community take a hit if galleries and openings are replaced by alternative spaces, DIY art projects, and everyone’s favorite disrupter, the internet? Why do galleries struggle as much as they do in a community with as much wealth and education as Seattle? Four key members of the Seattle art community take up the issue in what is sure to be a lively and provocative panel discussion, moderated by art critic and Gage Academy of Art Artistic Director, Gary Faigin. Join Gage as we look at the uncertain future of commercial galleries in Seattle. Everyone agrees that the scene has been shrinking, but there are any number of theories as to why: the Internet, the lack of interest of the tech community in Fine Art, the rise of Alternative Spaces. It’s certainly NOT due to a lack of good artists, and there’s the rub: where will the work of the future be shown, shared, and sold? What’s lost as major public venues shut down and are not replaced? This is sure to be a lively and provocative discussion, with an expert team. THE PARTICIPANTS: Greg Kucera – Owner, Greg Kucera Gallery; Jen Graves – Art Critic, The Stranger; Mary Ann Peters – Artist, winner of Stranger Genius Award; Mariane Ibrahim, Owner, Marian Ibrahim Gallery Interior photo – Greg Kucera Gallery, Inc.