Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Posner.
Wendy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, I grew up as an art brat. My mother had an internationally renowned contemporary fine art gallery in Milwaukee, WI. At the height of her business, she had 14,000 sq. ft. gallery located in a warehouse district she pioneered. As such, I was exposed to art from an early age but additionally learned about sales and client relations.
When asked if I was going to follow my mother into the art business, I always said no. Little did I know at that time, that it would become my calling. I attended Boston University where I began in their Fine Art program, painting, drawing and sculpting. After one year, I transferred into the College of Communications where I studied advertising and pr.
Upon graduating, I moved to Los Angeles where I was determined to land a job in a pr agency. At that time, a friend of my mom had a gallery on Melrose Avenue. They offered me a part-time job in the gallery while I was looking for a full-time pr position. As I grew up surrounded by the art world, the gallery position came very naturally to me. Subsequently, I went on the work for several fine art consultants and as a Director of a gallery.
At the end of the 1980’s, my mother decided to relocate from Milwaukee and we opened a gallery in Santa Monica. By this time, I had become established in my own right in the art world even if I was the daughter of a prominent fine art dealer. In 1993, we closed the gallery to focus on art consulting to both private and corporate clients.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working in the fine arts arena has not always been a smooth road. When the economy is strong and there is construction/renovations/new development, our business is excellent as we deal with both private and corporate clientele. The specific period of time when our business struggled the most was during the real estate crash in the early 90’s. As art is a luxury and not a necessity our clients put purchasing art on hold. It took several years before the business stabilized.
Currently, some of the new challenges that we are faced with is the ever-changing landscape with technology. As a fine art consultant, you need to stay relevant and knowledgeable about different technology platforms including but not limited to Instagram, Snapchat, e-newsletters, blogging and art related sites. The way people are viewing and purchasing art is beyond the walls of a white box gallery, therefore you need to utilize the technology to showcase your artists and services differently.
Please tell us about Posner Fine Art.
Posner Fine Art is a full-service fine arts company founded by my mother more than 50 years ago. After working for Posner Fine Art for 20 years, I acquired the firm as principle in 2014. With a worldwide roster of artists, publishers and galleries, we work directly with interior and landscape designers, architects, corporations, the hospitality industry and private collectors to fill art needs.
Our fine arts services include acquisition, commissions, curation and installation on any scale, from a sculpture garden for a large corporate campus to the reframing of a single beloved family heirloom. We work with all styles and mediums, from contemporary to traditional, with both established art stars and undiscovered new talent.
As the principal of the firm, I am most proud of the relationships I have established with my clients and my artists. Superior service and client relations is what sets our firm apart from others. Additionally, I am always exploring new opportunities and networking to continue to grow our business.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I were to start over, I would have gotten my MBA. Not to say that I still can’t get my MBA. However, there are areas of business that I wish I had more knowledge of including accounting and economics. I have learned about business through hard work, hands on experience and from having great mentors.
Contact Info:
- Website: posnerfineart.com
- Phone: 323-933-3664
- Email: info@posnerfineart.com
- Instagram: posnerfineart
- Facebook: @posnerfineart
- Twitter: @posnerfineart
Art installed by Posner Fine Art
Art installed by Posner Fine Art
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