By: Sarah Ericson
Developing an art collection is a multifaceted endeavor. It involves research, acquisition, and management, and for gallery owners Jim and Nathalie Peterson, that’s just the beginning. Their thoughtful curation at Mockingbird Gallery and Peterson Contemporary Art is two-fold: provide access to world-class art and enable individuals to build their own personal collections. The Petersons see themselves as a conduit between artists and the people for whom art has real meaning. For them, curation is not simply something they do; it’s a passion they share with others.
MORE THAN A SHOWCASE | PARTNERING WITH ARTISTS
Walking through either gallery, the variety of art on display is undeniable, and that is by design. Jim takes great pride in the assortment of media and styles, and he sees each represented artist as both an individual and part of a collective. “Our curation process is pretty intuitive,” Jim says. “It’s partially about each artist, and partially about how the whole gallery can hold the right mix, appealing to a broad audience.”
Both Mockingbird Gallery and Peterson Contemporary Art represent 45 artists each, and Jim says that represents 45 distinct paths to selection. In other words, there is no predetermined criteria for representation; each artist must maintain balance within the collection as a whole.
“OUR CURATION PROCESS IS PRETTY INTUITIVE. IT’S PARTIALLY ABOUT EACH ARTIST, AND PARTIALLY ABOUT HOW THE WHOLE GALLERY CAN HOLD THE RIGHT MIX, APPEALING TO A BROAD AUDIENCE.”
-Jim Peterson, Mockingbird Gallery & Peterson Contemporary Art
-Crow’s Feet | Mixed media | 14” x 16” x 5” | Geoffrey Gorman
Despite the multitude of ways an artist joins, they all have one thing in common: the respect and commitment Jim feels for each relationship. “We don’t take our responsibility lightly,” he says. “Their talent and their time deserve a high level of representation, and we’re committed to providing that for the duration.” With almost 40 years of experience in the art world, Jim’s methods have been shaped by hard-earned lessons along the way. Early on in his career, he admits to bringing on too many artists and spreading himself too thin. With fewer artists, he can invest the time and energy they deserve.
Before accepting a new submission, Jim poses this question: “What can you add that no one else here is doing yet?” When something unique is identified, it helps maintain equilibrium in the gallery. “We don’t want to present one dimension to the clients or to the artists,” he says. Right from the start, Jim makes it clear that he’s working for them, not the other way around. “When we bring a new artist in, I tell them that we’re applying for the job.” The artist’s work is done, and the curator’s job has just begun.
–Between the Light | Acrylic | 48” x 60” | Valerie Winterholler
CONNECTING ARTISTS WITH COLLECTORS | THE RIGHT EXPOSURE FOR THE RIGHT COLLECTOR
Representing dozens of artists—in two distinct galleries—allows Jim and Nathalie to provide something for everyone. “Visitors often remark about the variety,” Jim says, “and they feel drawn in by so many artists at the same time.” Mockingbird Gallery and Peterson Contemporary Art are just two blocks away from each other, so visitors frequently visit both in the same day. Jim, Nathalie, and their staff are adept at homing in on people’s areas of interest and can direct them accordingly.
In addition to dedicated gallery time, Jim never misses an opportunity to showcase art with on-site viewings. “I take art everywhere,” he says. “Bringing art to a prospective buyer’s home, showing it to them in their space, on their wall, it’s a chance to deliver art where it belongs.”
“WHEN WE BRING A NEW ARTIST IN, I TELL THEM THAT WE’RE APPLYING FOR THE JOB.”
-Jim Peterson, Mockingbird Gallery & Peterson Contemporary Art
-Still Standing Tall | Madrone root | 33” x 20” x 14” | Christian Burchard
Not every on-site viewing results in a sale, but Jim doesn’t mind. “I’m investing in the artist and the client regardless.” Simply offering this service is a way of demonstrating commitment and staying in partnership with all parties. And much like the path to representation, the trajectory from launch to establishing an ongoing stream of sales looks different every time.
PROVIDING QUALITY ART IN A CHANGING WORLD | STAYING RELEVANT & ADAPTABLE
When the Petersons started working in the fine art world almost four decades ago, exposure to art was limited to in-person gallery visits and print media. The world has changed a lot since, and social media is paving new roads to curation. “Brick and mortar galleries and social media channels have a chance to partner in new ways,” Jim says. “It’s been interesting to watch how the art world is changing, how artists are supporting one another, and how the online feedback loop of artists and galleries is developing.”
“IT’S BEEN INTERESTING TO WATCH HOW THE ART WORLD IS CHANGING, HOW ARTISTS ARE SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER, AND HOW THE ONLINE FEEDBACK LOOP OF ARTISTS AND GALLERIES IS DEVELOPING.”
-Jim Peterson, Mockingbird Gallery & Peterson Contemporary Art
-Perfect Timing | Acrylic | 72” x 48” | Charles Cashwell
Visual platforms in particular, he notes, bring fresh energy to building relationships between artists, galleries, and collectors. “We’re excited to be exploring new marketing techniques, reaching larger audiences as well as building more relationships with the design community in Bend,” Jim adds.
Staying flexible and employing new techniques while still embracing classical disciplines is also paramount. Mockingbird Gallery is proud to be hosting the 27th Annual American Impressionist Society’s National Juried Exhibition this year, September 4 through October 3. “We’re thrilled to be involved with AIS at this level,” Jim says. “This event is a new and exciting opportunity for us, and I’ve learned that facing new challenges is how you grow.”
-Quiet Moments | Bronze Ed. 18 | 10” x 6” x 9” | Mick Doellinger
-Raven’s Cache | Bronze Ed. 25 | 12” x 11” x 11” | Liz Wolf
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