Homan has met people involved in the original Star Wars movie and some have even become clients.
“We know that the objects people leave with will forever be tethered to the experience they had while they were in the gallery, so shaping that into something lighthearted and positive is very important,” said Van Gogh’s Ear co-owner Cody Carter.
The art gallery opened on historic Whiskey Row in April 2003 and remains “home” to more than 70 artists, many from the Prescott area. Visitors say they feel good at the gallery because it is inspiring, colorful and uplifting. Carter says this is partially because of the large skylight above the main gallery floor that floods the space with warm light.
“We curate our collection closely, always striving to uphold our reputation of representing high quality artwork, but at accessible prices. With a pastiche of mediums and styles to choose from, virtually anyone can come in and identify with an item that they love in the gallery,” she said.
Carter takes pride in working with local artists. Artists who are interested in displaying their work in the gallery can apply to a jury committee. If approved, Van Gogh’s establishes a consignment agreement with the goal of establishing a long-term relationship.
Van Gogh’s will have its 19th anniversary in April and some of the artists have been with the gallery since the start. “We always keep our ‘Ear’ to the ground for new talent,” she said.
Carter said Van Gogh’s is excited to welcome back sculptor Adam Homan in February. She said some artists were chiefly showing at art festivals when COVID hit, so they returned to Van Gogh’s.
“Many people will remember Adam’s work for his use of fluorescent fiber optics, paired with a lot of repurposed objects like motorcycle gears, chains, auto transmissions, parts out of old tools, old typewriters, old cash registers and more,” she said.
Homan, who has had work exhibited at Van Gogh’s for about 10 years, has nothing but praise for Van Gogh’s. He says the gallery uses a nice mix of artists from “a lot of genres in classy ways and the staff is nice, easygoing and pleasant, while being excited about the artwork. That’s a big plus for me,” he said.
Homan has been creating art from steel for about 25 years. He focuses on fantasy and science fiction art with more than 7,000 sculptures. He said his work began in 1977 after seeing Star Wars. “It was the biggest influence on me. Star Wars sparked a generation of creative and imaginative work.”
Homan has met people involved in the original Star Wars movie and some have even become clients.
Paul Landis, another long-time art exhibitor at Van Gogh’s, said the gallery is a lively, color-filled space that excites the senses and inspires the artistic spirit. “The gallery represents dozens of artists of all forms of expression. There’s always something new and always something familiar inviting you to see it in a new light. My wife goes in there once a week just to feel happy,” he said.
Landis said the owners get it right because they are artists, curators, arrangers and matchmakers. He said they find new artists and support long-term relationships with established favorites as well as help clients find the pieces that will adorn their bodies, homes and gardens with beauty, personality and fun.
Landis builds lightweight mobiles that hang from the ceiling and stabiles that stand on their own. “Paintings and sculpture imply motion, but mobiles actually dance,” he said. “You don’t need to understand the principles that drive a mobile to feel the balance and harmony that allow them to move. Mobiles kind of go their own way, bringing life and personality into a room.”
Carter believes it’s important that artists represented in the gallery are always growing, evolving and changing, too. “Keeping a collection fresh is very important, especially when you’re so well supported by local clientele,” said Carter. “We get new work in as pieces sell, and thankfully, that has meant a lot of new work lately.”
Prescott has become known for its art scene as more people are traveling here to shop for artwork, and Carter says the more galleries, the better. She also believes in supporting the community. “Giving back is an integral part of who we are. Van Gogh’s Ear contributes to Prescott’s identity in the sense that we rival Scottsdale or Sedona when it comes to the quality of what we sell. We do it in an approachable, classy and memorable way. It’s about honest, open and respectful relationships – whether between owner and artist, manager and employee or business and community – that remains the key to success or failure.”
In 2003, Van Gogh’s Ear had more artist gallery owners than it has today. Some of Prescott’s leaders came together with a unique vision and began interior renovation on a portion of the historical Sam Hill Hardware Store. Today, the gallery is owned and operated by Cody Carter, John Lutes, Joanne Frerking and Christine Wallace.
“We have one superstar regular employee – Peggy Staples. The gallery continues to shine, and is getting better all the time. I think over the years it has become more whimsical in nature, as it’s been proven that our clientele really responds to color and things that make them smile. We are definitely in the feel-good business, whether it’s looking into the mirror with a fabulous new pair of earrings, or enjoying the whimsy of a new kinetic mobile hanging from your ceiling,” she said.
During the pandemic shutdown, Van Gogh’s used the time to freshen up the gallery space with new paint, new carpet and freshly imagined displays. “When else would we have the opportunity to move everything?” said Carter.
When the gallery reopened, the community responded like never before, she said. “It has been a phenomenal rebound, and we are so grateful for those who’ve supported us with their dollars, positivity and repeat business. Obviously, we have our artists to thank for making so many exquisite things that our patrons wish to purchase. We have deep gratitude for what has been a very successful year.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
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