We recently connected with Bryan Walsh and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryan, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In February, I opened Fifteen Windows Gallery on Cherokee Street. I guess it is a risk from a financial standpoint. Primary sources of income will be sales of artwork shown in exhibitions, and revenue from event rentals. In the past few years, I had curated or co-curated exhibitions at alternative venues, etc. Now, I no longer have to search for a location to present exhibit ideas. Way back around 2011, I was Co-Owner of Aisle 1 Gallery, also on Cherokee Street, which is still fondly remembered by many of my fellow creatives. Since then, in ebbs and flows, I had thought about the idea of having my own gallery again, and now here we are.

Bryan, 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 an abstract painter based here in St. Louis. I’ve maintained a studio practice – and have aimed to continually develop my work – for almost 20 years. I work out of the Screwed Arts Collective (of which I am a Co-Founder) studio on Cherokee Street, which I share with other Collective members and guest artists.

In February, I opened Fifteen Windows Gallery at 3155 Cherokee Street. I believe the gallery will serve a critical role in showcasing the work of emerging and established artists based here in St. Louis and across the United States. The gallery has already hosted a few exciting group exhibits, and will finish the year with a few more great shows. In addition, I have begun to act as a public art curator and consultant, with the goal of increasing the amount of public art in neighborhoods around Cherokee Street.

Also, as a member of the Planning Committee, I am the Artist Coordinator for Paint Louis, the annual, world-renowned graffiti festival which takes place on the flood wall south of The Arch every Labor Day weekend. The festival attracts 400+ artists from all over the U.S., and countries around the world.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy more art!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I haven’t done any, but a couple of friends made a lot of money from them when they were hot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fifteenwindowsgallery.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: @fifteenwindowsgallery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryanwalshstl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-walsh-art
• Other: Instagram:
  @bryanwalshart
  @scewedarts
  @paintlouisofficial

Image Credits

All photos credit Bryan Walsh, except photo of the Paint Louis wall, credit Post-Dispatch photographer Zachary Linhares