Interview Featured in Alibi’s Annual Report
ArtHaus66 Contemporary Gallery
Type of business:
Fine Art Gallery
Owners:
Craig H. Alinder
Ages:
32
Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois
Business Address:
6320 Linn NE Suite C (E. side of San Pedro just N. of Central) Albuquerque, NM 87108
Business Phone:
(505) 255-0872 / (505) 830-9653
Business Fax:
(505) 830-9653
Business Email:
craig@arthaus66.com
Business Website:
www.arthaus66.com
Number of Employees:
2
How did you get started in this business?
You may say that I married into it … my wife had experience with the gallery world on both sides of the spectrum: as an artist seeking venues and as a curator organizing exhibitions.
What is your business philosophy?
Our main goal is to show that everyone can be an art collector. We strive to make quality contemporary art very affordable for everyone. We feel strongly about putting contemporary art in every home, in every office …
What is your educational background?
My own background is in Religious Studies and Advertising … sounds like a crazy mix. My wife’s is in Fine Arts and Art Education.
What is your or your company’s greatest asset?
Talented artists. Unwavering dedication.
What are your strongest business traits?
I just work incessantly. It’s like a treasure hunt for that special piece … I know I can match it to someone out there who’s just right for it …
What motivates you to succeed besides the desire to make money?
If the work does not find a home it becomes stagnant, invisible … and a society without art is dead …
How is operating your own business different than you expected?
It’s more emotional. I am a pragmatist, but I am dealing with people who often wear their hearts on their sleeves … that’s the nature of art and artists …
What significant changes have you implemented recently?
We have opened up to other sources such as Korea and New Zealand. We are organizing shows overseas.
What successes in the past year are you most proud of accomplishing?
Staying solvent … Albuquerque’s been playing the “last art gallery standing” game. We’re still standing.
What do you offer that the competition doesn’t?
Nobody can beat our prices. We are also the one source for contemporary art from Spain … Spain is a treasure trove for amazing contemporary artists that are very collectable.
How do you maintain your competitive edge?
We will find the work customers want. Our website is updated daily. We ship from overseas. We also deliver to your door in Albuquerque and offer consultations regarding the placement of art in your home or business.
What contributions to the community (charitable or otherwise) are you most proud of?
Privately we donate to the Animal Humane Association, ARCA, Heifer … but never for publicity to benefit our business. How would that be charity?
In what area of your business do you invest the most energy?
Maintaining an excellent artist/gallery relationship. Without artists, we’re dead in the water.
If you had to choose another career or start another business, what would it be?
Tightrope walker. It’s so similar to what I do now … and so much less dangerous.
