Lexington, KY - Contributing writer Margaret Buranen asked four Lexington art gallery proprietors to share the techniques they have used to lessen the effects of a lackluster economy on their business.
Letha Drury, co-owner, South Hill Gallery, 1401 Versailles Road:
"It's something that we have given a lot of thought to.
We moved right at the beginning of the downturn, and we were very frightened that it could have a negative impact. We hung onto the custom picture framing, our 'bread and butter.' That was a strength we had to rely on.
We didn't stop advertising or being present with the clientele we supply. We did try to maintain our market. We tried to turn our attention to social media and different forms of advertising. There's no cost involved, and it's a great way to promote the business. We put projects, people and their art, and events on our Facebook page. I do all the blogging and maintain our web page. (Businesses) have got to have a web page that's kept up-to-date. Number one for us is our website, then our social networks, then advertising in various media.
We're a member of Local First Lexington, and that's been good for us. It's become high profile. We network with other business owners. We're set to have our best year in business."
Heike Pickett, owner, Heike Pickett Gallery, 110 Morgan Street, Versailles, and 400 East Vine Street, Lexington
"I just continue as I have before, pressing on. In my business, you have to reinvest yourself every day. You always make sure your clients are the most important asset of your business and that you continue to provide the best service and the best quality of art to them at all times.
I don't gear my product toward a particular demographic or respond with the current economic (situation). I try to have the best of who's available, as I have always done."
Megan Craig, director, Gallery B, 145 West Main Street
"We just have to be creative and flexible. For example, we have done a series of mini shows to get younger collectors and downtown crowds to come into the gallery. We've extended our hours. We try to keep people interested, keep people coming in.
We're open later in this downtown location. It's ideal for foot traffic and gallery hops. We have a larger gallery space. It's really helped with building the character of what we want the gallery to be."
Ron Lyvers, co-owner, Fayette Gallery, 2644 Richmond Road
"We laid off employees, and I do not take a salary. We renegotiated our prices with our vendors, with some success, because they're struggling, too. We've started doing sales with prints and decorator-type pieces of art to invite customers into the store to see something different. We renegotiated our lease with the landlord and spruced up the inside of the store.
I have had another business for 35 years [Suburban Painting] and have had a lot of consulting from business management consultants on what to do in a downturn. We started cutting back in 2007.
We're not getting wealthy in the art business, but it's a fun thing to do, pleasing customers and being around art."