24 May VOYAGEMIA Interviews Catherine
Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Ehrenberger.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Art has always been an important part of my life. I purchased my first piece of original art the summer after I graduated from college. My college degree is in chemistry, which is probably surprising to most that know me only as a contemporary art gallery owner, but that education enabled a career that allowed me to travel to many parts of the world. Which broadened my perspective and understanding of the world we live in.
My corporate career involved partnering with global leaders in the health and beauty business where fashion, art, and marketing all play a significant role. Although my career dealt with scientific matters I was always looking at, buying, and collecting art. Art feeds my soul and I have always had it in my living environments whether that be in my home, office, or boat. After I retired from the corporate world my husband and I became snowbirds for a couple of years, splitting our time between Northern Michigan and Naples Florida.
After a life of living in many states and several countries, we wanted to put down some roots and decided SW Florida is where we wanted to do that. We purchased a building on Bayshore Drive in the Bayshore Art District and converted it into a contemporary art gallery. I am surrounded every day with beautiful, strong, joyful, artwork.
Things I Like by Catherine, a Contemporary Art Gallery represents extremely talented artists from both the local and national stage. Original, one-of-a-kind art that includes paintings, sculptures, glass, and jewelry fills the brightly lit open floor plan gallery.
We were a fairly early investor in this section of Naples and it is great fun to see all the new fine dining, wine bars, and boutique businesses joining us in the Bayshore Art District. It kinda feels like it could become the “Soho” of Naples.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Converting a residential property to a commercial one had some unexpected hurdles and challenges but the Collier County staff worked with us and we were able to find solutions. Covid hit when we were almost finished with the construction part of the project so we were lucky in that we did not have the supply chain issues that ensued from that time. Then of course this year there was the catastrophic storm Ian.
The gallery was not damaged but others were not as fortunate so we spent time helping where we could. We are a new gallery and are still struggling for people to know about us. 90% of the people that come in say “I have driven by this place so many times ” going to pickleball, the Naples Botanical Garden, home to the Isles, Windstar, The Arboretum ” and finally stopped in” They are always surprised and delighted with what they see when they walk in.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am one of the artists represented in the gallery but to be honest I get more satisfaction and joy in selling other artists’ work! I absolutely love when a customer is excited about getting a new piece of art for their home. I know that the original piece of work will bring energy and joy to their space.
They will feel good every time they see it. Our gallery is known for strong, joyful, colorful art. I am proud that I have created a welcoming warm environment where people can see and purchase great art.
How do you define success?
Hanging a great piece of art on a customer’s wall.
To see the full article please goto: http://voyagemia.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-catherine-ehrenberger/
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