The Giddens Gallery of Fine Art in Grapevine recently celebrated two years in business after debuting at Grapefest in September 2012, and hosting its grand opening gala that October. The gallery was also voted second in Dallas A List's Best Art Gallery 2014 out of 48 of the top fine art galleries in the area.
Artist and gallery owner Cherie Giddens took some time to answer a few questions about the gallery in light of its accomplishments and celebrations.
Southlake Style: Tell us a little about the gallery and its history - when didbryou open, why is this a passion for you, is there a main attraction about yourbrgallery or draw that people reference?brbr
Cherie Giddens: Giddens Gallery of Fine Art was opened at Grapefest 2012, with thebrsole purpose of representing a wide variety of art styles and media. Our goal is to bring original fine art to thebrlocal community and surrounding Metroplex, acquainting the artists and theirbrwork to collectors, fine art lovers and anyone looking for that “one of a kind”brpiece. The gallery represents 30brartists, some internationally acclaimed as well as artists emerging into thebrprofessional arena.
SS: What types of events/specials (if any) do you do for yourbrcustomers and/or the community?
Giddens: The gallery hosts monthly “Artist Receptions” with complementarybrfood and beverages; often with live music, games and door prizes. The gallery artists are available at thesebrevents to meet people and chat about their work.
The gallery is a co-founder of the Grapevine Art Dealers Associationbrin Historic Downtown Grapevine. GADAbrhosts two “Gallery Nights” a year with art demonstrations, complementary food,brbeverages and live music.
We host an “Artist of the Month” in the gallery from the elementarybrart department of Faith Christian School in Grapevine.
Our website offers photos of each artist's work and opportunity tobrpurchase directly from website as well as postings of events, awards, exhibitsbrand accomplishments of the artists.
The gallery offers art consultations, deliveries within the Metroplex,bronline purchasing of art work and shipping. Various art organizations choose the gallery to host their events. [The] gallery is a proud member of Grapevine Chamber of Commerce.
SS: You said you feature 30 artists. Tell us aboutbrsome of the most popular artists. What are some similarities and differencesbrbetween your featured artists?
Giddens: We strive to have artists that are unique in their art workbrpresentation, style and subject matter. Asbreach of us are, “One of a Kind” original human beings, so are the artists andbrtheir work. We represent severalbrtransparent watercolorists, pastel artists, oil painters, acrylic and mixedbrmedia artists and sculptures in steel, wood, glass, clay and found objectbrassemblages.
SS: What is your personal favorite aspect of the gallery?
Giddens: We love being able to offer the wide variety of media, style andbrprice options to our clients.
SS: What's the funniest, strangest, most unusual thing people have asked youbrwhile you've been in business and serving the community?
Giddens: A question that is asked a lot of the artists is, “How long did itbrtake you to create this piece of work.” Ofbrcourse, what is generally expected is a number of hours. The truth is that it has taken the artistbryears to develop the technique to be able to create that particular piece. So the real answer is years rather than hoursbrto master the talent to create each individual piece.
SS: Are there any recent or upcoming changes that people should knowbrabout - resources, funding, upcoming exhibits/features, new construction, newbrweb presence?
Giddens: Giddens Gallery of Fine Art is continuously interview artists andbrviewing their portfolios. We do this tobrmake sure we have the best talented artists. One would be hard pressed to visit our gallery and not find a work ofbrwhich they connect with and have a desire to own.
SS: Anything else we should know about you (the owner), the gallery,bryour team, how people can get involved, etc.?
Giddens: Giddens Gallery strives to cater to the every person that visits ourbrGallery. Whether it is an art lover, art collector, decorator, one looking forbra decorator piece for their home or office, or one that just enjoys viewingbrFine Art, all will be delighted when they visit Giddens Gallery of Fine Art. Our gifted and talented artists turn "Imagesbrinto Legacies," giving the owner of the work a "Keepsakes for Generationsbrto Come."
The gallery is located at 624 S. Main St. in Grapevine and can be reached at 817-488-8600, or online at giddensgallery.com.
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