The synchronicity of artist and gallery are more than the suggested coincidence in time. Bobbi Walker, owner of Walker Fine Art candidly shares her thoughts on the current exhibition and the synergy that artist and gallery share as well as the cohesiveness of all.

As explained by Walker, the pertinence of the gallery has evolved over the years. “The industry used to be very exclusive, rather than inclusive. The newer generation of dealers are more accessible, passionate about discussing the work they are exhibiting” Walker pauses for a moment and continues, “This is why I have my desk up front. I want art to be interesting, meaningful and fun to learn about. Art should be available for everyone, which is why the museums are offering free days and exposing art for everyone. This new generation of gallerist is about sharing their passion and about sharing the artist story, and no one should ever be intimidated to go into a gallery in 2017. We’re all in this business because we love it and we want to share the passion.”

Walker began her art gallery/artist representation business back in 1999 after working many years in the technology industry which allowed her to have the funding to “take a swan dive off the corporate ladder”. “If the goal of this life was to be a good capitalist, I guess I did that, but it wasn’t rewarding, it wasn’t feeding my soul,” states Walker. Walker first began her business by working with real estate companies to showcase artists work in lofts for sale as she wasn’t quite ready to take on the “brick and mortar” rent responsibilities. In July of 2002 Walker locked into her current location, celebrating 15 years this year. While she wasn’t sure she wanted to keep the entire space as is, due to her affinity toward large format sculpture, she wisely kept the space in the open format you see today.

Walker was introduced to the arts by her mother who was an art and Spanish teacher. “She taught us to love art at an early age. My parents weren’t collectors, they didn’t have expensive artwork, but they were appreciators. They appreciated visual art and performance art. They had us in theater and going to museums from an early age. My mother instilled in us a desire to make art a part of our lives”

“Art is healing to the viewer and artists need a way to get their voices out. They are the harbingers of our time, they are our storytellers and providing them an avenue is important to me. It is completely rewarding to see a collector see something which causes their heart lift. I know these collectors are working so hard in their daily lives and moving so fast, that to find something that they can put in their home, and every single time they turn the corner their heart can lift,” Walker pauses “You know, thats why I do what I do.”

Current exhibition, Experimental Surroundings, features the work of Heather Patterson, Melissa Borrell, Chris DeKnikker, Deidre Adams, Kim Ferrer and David Mazza. The exhibition itself it a unique combination of 2D wall mounted art and 3D sculptural art, each offering multiple dimensions.

Some of the artists represented at this exhibition have been in Walker’s repertoire since her business began and she only selects a handful of new artists every year.

Each exhibition is a combination of a well thought out plan, dynamic creative energy, artist statements for a theme and art that works well aesthetically together. When planning the next exhibition, the Walker team will send out an email to the list of artists and ask them to send a draft of their concept. The artists will then send back images of what they are working on. Due to the size of Walker Fine Arts artists list, they are hosting more group shows, which is why they reach out to their artists in this manner. “Aesthetically if I have five artists that go together, but narratively they don’t, then they go into a different month. We keep working with the statements and the aesthetics until the rubrics cube clicks,” Walker states.

Art created by the artist is as important as the gallery who showcases the art. The synergy that is created when the two are joined is spectacular. Such is the case with Experimental Surroundings.

In the Denver area or planning a trip to Colorado? I suggest that you place Walker Fine Art on your calendar as a destination. Current exhibition is on view through November 4, 2017 with a First Friday Closing Reception on November 3 from 5pm-8pm.

Walker Fine Art is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle Arts District, 300 W 11th Avenue, Suite #A, Denver, Colorado 80204