We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bobbi Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bobbi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
After receiving my MBA I began a 12 year career in tech sales.
While I enjoyed interfacing with the clients and traveling nationally to visit my accounts,
I knew there had to be a way to carve a career out of something I was more passionate about, ART.
So on my weekly business trips I booked hotels in the arts districts of the major cities I was frequenting.
and was able to carve out an afternoon to visit art galleries.
For the next 3 years, I was dialing in a business plan for my own art gallery.
What types of art were most compelling to me, what were the average price points in different markets,
who would be the ideal client, how would I market to them. I worked closely with a financial planner who helped me
pull together the financial requirements, and between commissions and stock options, I finally had enough of a startup budget to pull the trigger, and quit my day job. I opened the business as an art consulting firm so that I could began assembling my roster of artists, doing pop up exhibitions in conjunction with real estate developers, and amassing a mailing list. The next big step was to take on the expense of tenant finish of a brick and morter retail space, and committing to a lease. 25 years later Im still here!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Walker Fine Art is a contemporary art gallery exhibiting and representing mid career artists in multiple mediums ; photography, paintings, sculpture, printmaking, and installation. We present work that is aesthetically interesting, technically well executed,
and spiritually or emotionally compelling. We provide inspiration and healing to our clients through the voice of our artists.
We provide a means of income to artists so that can do what they were put on the planet to do, CREATE. We have been focused on raising awareness in our community for the arts by participating in all facets of the cultural fabric of our city.
We believe that the river rises if all boats rise, and believe that Denver is an exciting and vibrant city in large part because of the arts.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Participation. Being on neighborhood boards to help shape the backdrop for our gallery. Being on museum committees to help create a marketing plan that draws a wider and more inclusive demographic. Being involved in city and civic organizations where I could keep abreast of the development and growth of the city, again meeting inspiring and dynamic city leaders.
When serving on the Denver Commission of Cultural affairs I was able to assist in creating a cross disciplinary strategy for increasing the awareness of the arts in our city. There I was able to meet the many dedicated and talented people who are committed to a common goal or pushing the arts forward in our city.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Being an entrepreneur and a small business owner is all about developing the art of the pivot.
The sooner you understand that the economy is a turbulent sea that must be surfed rather than fought,
the better you can react to its ever changing tides. I pivot weekly.
Image Credits
Kara Pearson Photography