We were lucky to catch up with Michael Manes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

While I didn’t personally name the gallery, the story of the name’s origin is pretty interesting.

In 1990, the founder of the gallery hosted a naming party during a rare blue moon phase, where a diverse group of perspectives converged. During this gathering, a numerologist present suggested the incorporation of a number into the gallery’s name. The spiral emerged as a symbol imbued with meanings of progress, growth, and an ongoing journey of exploration and creativity. Hence, Blue Spiral 1 was born.

Notions of growth and exploration will forever remain a fixture in the ethos of the gallery.The number one continues to confuse people to this day, prompting questions like “Will there be a 2?”. We will have to keep everyone guessing for now.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Michael Manes, Director and Co-owner of Blue Spiral 1. I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and I’ve called Asheville, NC home since 2010. My journey into the world of art began with a focus on painting at the Columbus College of Art and Design. My professional path unfolded at the Columbus Museum of Art, where I served as a preparator, honing my skills in handling and presenting artworks.

A pivotal experience came through my tenure at Don Drumm Studios, a craft gallery, where I had the opportunity to be introduced to John Cram, the visionary founder of Blue Spiral 1. This encounter led to my position at the gallery. He mentored me and fostered my skills in handling both the behind-the-scenes operations and the outward-facing business aspects of the art world.

What distinguishes me in my role as gallery director is my background in studying various mediums during my time at art school. This comprehensive understanding allows me to effectively bridge the gap between artist and representative. I take pride in my ability to navigate the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial success, offering invaluable support to the artists we represent.

I’m most proud of our gallery’s role in championing emerging and mid career talent and facilitating collaborations that push artistic boundaries. For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that at Blue Spiral 1, they’ll find not just a gallery, but a supportive environment dedicated to nurturing artistic excellence and inspiring those who interact with our space and artists.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The foundation of our reputation in the market rests on two key pillars: our commitment to exceptional curation and craftsmanship, and our dedication to fostering community engagement.

At our gallery, we adhere to a strict standard when curating exhibitions, ensuring that each showcase reflects the highest caliber of artistic talent and craftsmanship. This unwavering commitment to quality has earned us the trust and respect of both our clientele and the wider community.

Additionally, we actively collaborate with other businesses and non-profit organizations to enrich our programming. Whether through hosting events, fundraisers, or networking with community partners, these partnerships allow us to extend our reach and deepen our impact. By nurturing these connections and actively contributing to the cultural fabric of our community, we’ve cultivated a reputation as a trusted and valued institution in our field.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

In managing our team, my strategy revolves around open communication and equitable distribution of responsibilities. We engage in regular discussions to identify each team member’s strengths and areas where they may need support, ensuring that tasks are delegated in alignment with individual capabilities.

As a small but tight-knit team, maintaining a sense of balance and fairness in workload distribution is paramount. I strive to foster an environment where everyone feels empowered and confident in their roles, contributing to a positive work atmosphere and high morale.

Recognizing that we are a team of artists, I also prioritize supporting team members in pursuing their artistic endeavors. Whether it’s granting leave for studio practice or accommodating artist residencies, we view these opportunities not only as a benefit but also as a morale booster. By nurturing our team’s creative pursuits alongside their professional responsibilities, we foster a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that translates into a motivated and cohesive team.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bluespiral1.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/bluespiral1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueSpiral1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bluespiral1357