We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abigail Henningsen Haley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abigail below.

Abigail, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Having worked alongside two remarkable gallery owners over the span of seven years, I had the privilege of witnessing their relentless dedication and unwavering commitment. Their ceaseless efforts to promote artists and nurture their businesses were truly awe-inspiring. Initially, I never imagined I would be on a similar path, but life has a way of surprising us.

When my business partner, Ally Ondarza and I opened Avant-Art Gallery, we quickly realized that every step taken, every decision made, and every challenge faced becomes a testament to your dedication. What started as an endeavor soon transforms into a way of life. The sense of pride that comes with creating and achieving something so substantial becomes a driving force, an inseparable part of your identity.

As for the thought of what it would be like to have a regular job, that contemplation was fresh in my mind since I had just months ago gone from being an employee to being a business owner. The allure of having structured roles, defined hours, and someone else at the helm will always hold a sense of security.

Despite the allure of predictable routines, and said security, there is a sense of freedom that comes with owning your business. It may demand 24/7 attention, but with every decision made, you’re steering the ship according to your own compass. There’s a certain empowerment that comes from knowing that every success, failure, pivot, and innovation is a result of your choices.

It’s reminiscent of golf – a sport characterized by intense competition against oneself. Much like the golfer’s rivalry with their own past performance, business ownership involves a constant drive to surpass your previous accomplishments. It’s an exhilarating dance between your present actions and your future aspirations.

I’m deeply appreciative of the journey. The lessons learned, the challenges embraced, and the freedoms earned have truly enriched my perspective. Every day is a canvas on which I paint the strokes of my business, creating a vision of my own making. And in this pursuit, I find a unique blend of satisfaction, ambition, and the joy of shaping my own path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

“I’m Abigail Henningsen Haley, and I’m honored to co-own and co-found Avant-Art, a dynamic contemporary art gallery nestled in the heart of Houston, Texas. My passion for creativity and the stories behind artworks ignited my journey into the world of art.

My academic voyage began at Texas Christian University, where my fascination with Art History took root, leading me to discover my true love for the arts. Continuing my education at the renowned Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York was transformative, offering me a deeper understanding of art as a business and its profound role in our world.

Professionally, I delved into the intricate world of fine art and collectibles insurance underwriting at Tokio Marine America, gaining invaluable insights into the art industry’s complexities. My time at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth further enriched my understanding of art’s diverse forms and the curatorial process.

Subsequently, I embraced a pivotal role at Houston’s leading contemporary gallery, Laura Rathe Fine Art. Here, I honed my skills in collection management, curated exhibitions, and promoted artists’ incredible works. This experience paved the way for an exciting opportunity to assist in opening a branch of Christopher Martin Gallery in Houston, a renowned destination for contemporary art.

Today, as a co-founder and owner of Avant-Art Gallery, my mission is to showcase groundbreaking, thought-provoking contemporary art and nurture a vibrant, inclusive artistic community. What sets Avant-Art apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections. We’ve reimagined the gallery experience to prioritize not just art but also the relationships between the gallery, us as gallerists, the artists, and our patrons.

Our gallery exudes warmth from the moment you step inside. Happiness and positivity flow through every piece we showcase. We believe in personalized experiences, from offering a glass of champagne to assisting you in finding the perfect piece. What truly sets us apart is our ‘white glove delivery’ service, bringing artwork directly to your home, allowing you to experience it intimately in your own space.

At Avant-Art, we’re not just about art; we’re about creating a space where art becomes a part of your unique story.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Ally Ondarza and I share a remarkable journey that traces back to our school days. We first crossed paths at St. Francis Episcopal School in Houston, with a few grades between us. Our paths diverged when we went on to Episcopal high school, where our interactions remained pleasant but were still acquaintances.

It wasn’t until our college years, Ally at St. Edward’s in Austin and myself at TCU in Fort Worth, that fate intervened. Ally visited me a few times during college, and during one of those visits, we sat down for lunch. Little did we know that this encounter would spark a significant connection.

After college, our paths converged once more as we both found ourselves working at the same gallery, an unexpected and serendipitous twist of fate. Working together, we quickly realized that our shared passion for art and our complementary strengths created a powerful synergy. Our friendship blossomed into something incredible, and we became inseparable, with hardly a two-week gap between seeing each other (Well, except for my two-week honeymoon, of course, but let’s not hold that against me!).

Ally embarked on a new venture, opening Christopher Martin Gallery in Houston. While she never pressured me to join, my desire for a change after nearly five years in the gallery world was strong. I mustered the courage to ask if I could join her on this exciting journey, and to my delight, she had secretly hoped for it all along.

Opening Christopher Martin Gallery marked a milestone, but it was just the beginning. A little over a year after opening Christopher Martin Gallery, conversations with Christopher, the gallery’s previous owner, led us to a remarkable partnership. Together, we saw the potential to make the gallery our own, with Christopher as a distinguished artist in our stable. This decision felt right for all of us and marked the beginning of a new chapter.

It has been a beautiful journey of fate that has led me to not only opening an art gallery, but working with one of my best friends.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

At Avant-Art, we’ve strived to create a unique space that goes beyond the traditional gallery experience.

Transparency has been a cornerstone of our approach. We believe in bringing our patrons into the inner workings of the gallery, sharing the behind-the-scenes processes, and discussing the nitty-gritty aspects of our day-to-day operations. This openness has fostered trust and authenticity, making our patrons feel like valued partners in our artistic journey.

Community involvement is something that truly matters to us. We’ve actively engaged with fellow gallery owners to revive Houston Gallery Row art walks, creating opportunities for art enthusiasts to explore and connect with local galleries. Being part of our community and contributing positively to the local art scene is a source of pride for us.

Innovation is at the heart of our efforts. We’re always on the lookout for ways to set ourselves apart. Whether it’s through unique exhibition concepts, embracing new technologies, or creating immersive experiences, we’re committed to pushing boundaries and offering fresh perspectives to our patrons.

One of our most cherished practices is curating artwork that resonates with our clientele on a personal level. We’re on the constant lookout for pieces that align with their tastes and preferences. When we come across something that we believe might be a perfect fit, we don’t hesitate to reach out directly. This personalized approach ensures that our patrons feel understood and valued, enhancing their connection to the art we showcase.

Building a reputation isn’t just about transactions; it’s about fostering meaningful relationships, embracing innovation, and contributing positively to the art community. It’s about creating a space where patrons don’t just observe but actively participate in our journey. And it’s this approach that has allowed us to establish a reputation we’re truly proud of in the art market.

Contact Info:

• Website: avant-artgallery.com
• Instagram: avant_artgallery
• Linkedin: Abigail Henningsen Haley

Image Credits
Headshot image and images of client’s: Lila Henningsen
All installation images : taken by Avant-Art