We recently connected with Amy Nelipovich and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My passion for art started when I was young. While growing up my parents exposed us to all kinds of creativity…..drawing, painting, clay, glass blowing, jewelry making, museums, music, camps, classes. The whole house was filled with art, music, and creativity. I am so grateful for this. I remember going to my Aunt and Uncle’s house when I was young, and their walls were filled with art too, not a blank space anywhere. It was so beautiful; I would wander around just soaking it all in. I thought to myself, I want my home to look like this when I grow up.

The first piece of art I bought, I was right out of college and there was an art show on a grassy medium in Beverly Hills, CA. I had very little money, but I found the perfect unique piece that I had to have. That was the beginning and I kept on going, I went to as many art festivals, shows, anywhere I could see some art made locally to decorate my home. I can remember where I got every piece, and the story/experience/fun time, behind it.

2020 was the “year of change”. Once the company I worked for closed, someone asked me, what do I want to do, for the rest of my life, that is different, and that I love?

I was inspired on an annual road trip to visit Grandma in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2014. This was a trip taken many times with friends and family and with over four hours in the car there are always fun and interesting conversations. This particular year the question “what would you do if you won the lottery?” came up. Immediately I said “I want to buy an RV/trailer that I could drive from city to city to find undiscovered artists. I would take the art and set it up in the RV/trailer and drive around to sell it.” This is what I now wanted to do, this is what my new passion is.

I reached out to a dear friend of mine who is an amazing Entrepreneur. I pitched this idea, and he loved it, so he helped coach and teach me along the way as I have never opened my own business.
I researched to see if the idea was one people would like, I called artists to see if they would participate, and I called venues to see if they would allow the gallery at the venue. The feedback I got was all excitement and positivity, something the community felt would be a unique and fun experience. It felt so good, so I said yes, let’s do this!
I believe “If it excites you and terrifies you at the same time, you have to do”

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a native Texan born in Houston, Texas. I grew up with an appreciation for art, music, food and travel.

I graduated from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles with a degree in Visual Communications. I have spent the last 30 years doing just that – Visual Merchandising and all that is included – Window, store, and fixture design, capacity planning, customer experience, teacher and brand ambassador. I have had the pleasure of working for departments stores, specialty stores and big box. This has been a career that I loved, where I was able to travel the world, meet amazing people and share my creativity with others.

After living in various states across the U.S. I have come back to my Texas roots to start the business.

In December of 2021, I launched Blue Sky Art on Wheels LLC- a mobile art gallery dedicated to and showcasing original unique art created by Central Texas artists. We can be found throughout the Hill Country at Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries. One of the Founders/brothers of Jester King Brewery graciously gave me the opportunity to launch at his brewery and it has been an absolute blast ever since. We are bringing art to the people this time.

While enjoying your favorite local beverage, you can shop Blue Sky Art on Wheels gallery filled with local treasures. You will discover items to hang on your walls representing many mediums like wood, metal, acrylic, oils, watercolor, mixed mediums, and photography, prices ranging from $40 – $500. (Plus a few over $500)

I get to share with others unique, fun, and accomplished art that otherwise may never be seen. I believe this is a great connection for both the artists and customer. Art is something that truly speaks to each person in so many different ways.

I am so grateful for this opportunity and the friends and family that have supported me through my life journey. My brother is an artist and I have always wanted to help get his art out to the others to see, now I get to do that.
I am living my dream and supporting local Texas artists, showcasing their original art.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Once the business had a name, plan, logo, and I felt it would work, it was time to get a trailer to make into a gallery.

I had looked in 2020, so I learned what I wanted, how to modify it, timing, cost etc. I had done all my research. Super easy, this was the least of my worries and I knew it would only take 5-6 weeks to get one made, so I had time.

In 2021, I was ready to purchase that dream trailer….. but to my surprise, things had drastically changed in the new/post Covid environment. I was told “no”, or “we can’t make that”, and “we can make that but it will take a year” and even “yes we can totally do that, let me get back to you next week”……but then I would hear nothing. I would come home deflated and think to myself, what am I going to do? This went on for months.

Finally, I found a manufacturer that said “Yes”, we can make that in 60 days. I was so excited. I called a week later to see how it was going, and then I was told no again, they just could not make it work with the design, as they had just lost their design engineer.
It was time to redesign into something that was easier for them to make, but which I still loved. I did not want to give up on the dream, this is what I really wanted to do. So, a couple of tweaks and some new ideas and I had a trailer that was converted into an art gallery in less that 60 days. In all honesty, it’s a much better design in the end, all of these factors, such as weather, wind, rain and sun all play a huge role when I am open, and this design can withstand that much better than the original. Everything happens for a reason; you just have to believe and trust the process. Don’t push up river.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Joining organized pop-ups with other artisans, that is where I meet an array of new people, both clients, potential new venues to show the art and artists.  Also, social media, and relationships with other galleries that do the same think, like Primal Gallery.  We all support each other and the artistes we show.  Networking, word of mouth are quite helpful as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Blueskyartonwheels.com
• Instagram: @Blueskyartonwheels
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amynelipovich