I am formerly an active duty U.S. Marine. I became an artist in the Marine Corps as a way to relax from the stresses of military training. As any artist, I wanted my work to be seen and through this rigorous process, I realized that gallery ownership was in my future. I learned that breaking into the art market as a young artist is virtually impossible. The only opportunities available are ones you pay for. I strongly believe in a business model that does not charge the artist to rent space. As an artist myself, I know how hard and expensive it can be to show in a gallery.
So, while I was still active duty in the Marine Corps and with the generous help of friends and family, I took on the task of opening an art gallery. Since I opened back in April 2014, I have met many wonderful artists and have made great friends. But the truth is, running a gallery is hard. Finding people to buy the art you show is the biggest challenge I face mainly because I do not have adequate funding to market the way I should. And my generous friends and family are becoming less generous. To be completely honest...I need financing if I am to continue to stay open and provide emerging artist a place, free-of-charge, to show their work.
There are 3 major items I need funding for:
- Sustainment of Gallery
- Marketing/Advertising/Branding
- Larger location in a better part of Downtown Los Angeles
The first and most important item on the list, Sustainment of Gallery. This basically means that the Gallery is in a sticky financial situation and funding needs to be secured to continue to keep the doors open until a larger and better location is found.
The second item on the list is vital to the gallery's success. Marketing and branding are key in adding value to the artists that are shown in the gallery. This is important to my goal as a gallery owner. This is also very expensive to pull off, but it gives the space identity and credibility.
Lastly, and closely related to item two is a better location. Location is part of branding. My current location is not ideal for a gallery, but was affordable at the time when I wanted to start my business. I know that not much turnover will happen in this location, so a new space is desired. Fortunately, downtown Los Angeles is in the midst of a renaissance. There are many up and coming neighborhoods to be considered.
But the ultimate reason is the art that is being shown. My focus is on today's avant-garde artists. The ones who are producing art that has never been seen before. One of the most reoccurring themes I keep seeing is, How has social media corrupted our society? How has social media corrupted our identity? The artwork relating to these themes is so powerful, it can be overwhelming. This is art that I think can change the course of society. Art that reflects the other half. I am very grounded in believing in these artists and their message. I think it is vital to our health and understanding of ourselves at this moment in time.
So now you may be thinking, "What will I get in return for my investment?" Well, anybody who donates will receive special thanks and recognition and an exclusive invite to our grand opening at our new location. People who donate $25 will recieve a free Roy Alexander Art Logo T-shirt. At $100 dollars, you will receive a Limited Edition T-Shirt designed by one of our many talented artists as well as free gallery membership for a year. $1000 gets you a lifetime membership to the gallery and a free T-Shirt if you want one. At $10,000, we will have selected art pieces available for give away, as well as unlimited membership to the gallery, and permanent mention of your contribution on various gallery publications such as our website and gallery catalogue, and of course, a free T-Shirt if you want it. Just so you know, gallery membership means free access to all events that happen at the gallery such as jazz nights and lecture series.
So now that you've read all that, I would like to thank you for your interest and I appreciate any offer you can make. I love seeing my artists on opening night. It is always such an amazing experience for me and them. This is something that makes me truly happy and I would love the opportunity to continue to give artists a fighting chance. Please remember to share my campaign. Semper Fi!
