The Berkshires were well represented by a nationally known glass specialists Holsten Galleries of Stockbridge. Holsten Gallery co-director, Mary Childs reports “We had a successful show, selling several substantial pieces and meeting new collectors and potential clients from Texas, California, and the Northwest. (Interestingly, many of the Texans had come to Berkshire summer camps as children!) This show provided us an opportunity for us to reach out make connections to this region’s collectors, broaden our client base, and introduce new clients to our gallery and the Berkshires.”
Leslie Ferrin explained the mission of the trip as “Sienna and I went to explore the possibility of participation in this inaugural show as well as the idea that there are comparisons to be made and learned from the art economy in Santa Fe, widely known as “the 3rd largest art market in the US”. The seasonal nature of their business cycle and the regional dependence on cultural tourism is important to learn from as the creative economy in the Berkshires continues to grow. While the summers may be the time of year when the Berkshires put on the most well attended gallery shows, major exhibitions and theater productions, just like Santa Fe, these art businesses and the jobs they provide, operate year round. “
Sienna Patti noted, “It was great to meet up with existing clients at the show and hear them speak about their visits to the Berkshires and our growing reputation as a destination for contemporary art tourism. With the Sol Lewitt exhibit at MASS MoCA newly opened, we are actively working with several collector groups to bring them into the Berkshires to experience our lively mix of art and cultural offerings while seeking out the contemporary visual arts in studios, galleries and museums.
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