These are a few images (new and old) of the many travels of ArtHaus66 artist and friend Javier Albar

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Acceleration has now become a primary factor in the changing landscape of the art world. It has brought about a kind of sudden, unanticipated death that has not only stopped growth, but also triggered the disappearance of art from so many of its usual settings. In a glimpse of an eye, Art’s natural habitat has been compacted, downgraded, damaged beyond recognition.

The apparently firm, unyielding bedrock on which our feet rested has crumbled, disintegrated in a matter of months. Artists, galleries, even larger institutions are trying to claw their way up from the edge of the precipice and the success of their efforts has been mixed at best. We are no longer contending with the natural ebb and flow of a fragile ecosystem in which all players (artists, collectors, gallery owners, critics) are bound to each other to achieve balance, renewal and continuity. Instead, this is the scorched aftermath of the economic meteorite impact. A free for all, big fish eats small fish scenario.

Adaptation is now the new black. Artists lower their prices in an attempt to move their work. Galleries recalibrate their exhibition schedules and the type and amount of work that they can circulate. Strategic adjustments such as lower commission rates, payment plans, reduced hours of operation have sprouted from the burnt soil, but it is still very early to judge whether they will ensure survival or

The most infrequent species of all, the collector, has now practically vanished from the landscape. There are sightings every so often, but the great majority of people that now visit galleries belong to a very distinct variety of reticent consumer, the kind that scurries, no questions asked, and leaves as indistinctly as it arrived.

Many factors will determine the return of a thriving environment in the art business. Some of them, such as the economic recovery of the country at large, are out of our immediate control. However, there are areas that we can bolster from the ground up by engaging everyone involved (buyers, gallery owners, artists, framers) in a more cohesive, flexible and united effort to restore the art scene in Albuquerque. The strategies are simple, yet sometimes counterintuitive: lower your prices, advertise wisely, moderate your commissions, encourage collaboration with the artists, direct prospective buyers to other galleries and art venues, insist on quality of product, diversify your offering and improve affordability through payment plans. These are not magic wands, but rather the seeds to a more fertile market in the near future.

We have had two exhibits since the last time I had anything to post. We are now half way through the second of these shows. Times of Transformationis the title chosen for a group show that had as its main featured artist the work of Joie Villeneuve. She has shown with us before and this show marks her temporary return to the States from Australia. Beautiful work…very much in line with what we had seen before, although very influenced by her surroundings down under…

The preview evening was a nice event…Apparently, those who did not make it and were supposed to be there for the First Friday never made an appearance…Quite a disappointment for us as well as for the artist…although they get another chance this coming Friday, July 3rd…We hope to see them all there…I would not want then to miss the opportunity to see the work.

As I understand it, these paintings will remain in the States after the show is over. Do not hesitate to give us a call if you are later on interested in any of them.

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.