Behind the Frames
HOW AISLING ART INSTALLATION SHAPES ART’S FINAL DESTINATION
Written By: Jennifer Walton
How a piece of art is placed in a room can change the felling of a space. Whether it is centered, offset, or integrated into the architecture affects how a homeowner or viewer engages with it. When art feels organically connected to its surroundings, it can make the difference between examining it because its reveal is designed intentionally or passing it by. And when a space enhances the work, it elevates the artwork while contributing to an immersive experience. This is part of a dynamic story that a professional art installer contributes to, and it is also why Dave Berry, the owner of Aisling Art Installation in Park City, Utah, is always welcomed into his clients’ homes and regional community.
“Much of what I do is consultative, helping clients understand the importance of proper placement—whether centering art on a wall or ensuring that pieces complement each other. Clients often don’t realize that installation is a business, but they understand the value once they see what
I can do.”–Dave Berry, Owner,
Aisling Art Installation
Berry never set out to build an art installation business. Born and raised in Park City, Berry is a fifth-generation resident whose family roots stretch back to the city’s mining days. His great-great-grand-father ran livery stables, providing essential services to the miners who shaped Park City’s history. But his journey from his family’s rich heritage to becoming one of the mountain region’s top art installers took a few unexpected turns.
Before Berry founded Aisling Art Installation in 2007, his life was entwined with the local community. After an extended stint skiing for the U.S. Ski Team, he helped his mom run a family transportation company while working as a finish carpenter, honing his woodworking and precision craft skills. Then, while at Peak Art and Frame in Kimball Junction, he began to see the connections between his carpentry skills and the intricacies of art framing and installation. An art installation business wasn’t even on his radar. “I hadn’t planned on it,” he reflects. “For years, I worked with my hands without realizing I was creating the foundation for my business.”
After his family sold the transportation company, Berry found himself at a crossroads with no clear strategy, so he leaped and began putting together what would become Aisling. “I created a business name, printed business cards, and started getting my name out there,” he shares. The transition wasn’t immediate. At first, work was slow, and he continued carpentry on the side. But gradually, as his reputation grew, so did his client base, and Aisling became his full time pursuit.
“For years, I worked with my hands without realizing I was creating the foundation for my business.”
–Dave Berry, Owner, Aisling Art Installation
The meaning of Aisling is of Irish origin and means “dream or vision,” and Berry’s dream has everything to do with his vision. His success as an art installer lies in his technical skills and eye for design and placement. “It makes a huge difference,” he says of his approach. “Much of what I do is consultative, helping clients understand the importance of proper placement—whether centering art on a wall or ensuring that pieces complement each other. Clients often don’t realize that installation is a business, but they understand the value once they see what I can do.”
Berry serves many clients, from private collectors and local galleries to high profile corporate installations. “We do anything and everything,” he states. “I’ve installed family photo collages, and I’m the art installer for the Fidelity Art Collection in Salt Lake City. They purchase art to enhance their office spaces, and we handle everything from swapping out pieces to wrapping and shipping their art.”
Working with large scale or delicate pieces requires precision and logistical planning. “When I’m tackling a large or heavy piece or dealing with a tricky location, I always ask the clients for photos of the space ahead of time,” Berry explains. “We carry enough equipment in our vehicles to handle almost anything, but preparation is vital. I want to walk in and complete the job so they can immediately enjoy the art.”
“I’ll recommend height and positioning, but I always listen to what they want. It’s about finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics.”
–Dave Berry, Owner, Aisling Art Installation
One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is seeing the emotional response his work elicits from clients. “There’s something special about putting what I call ‘jewelry’ on people’s walls. They’re always happy to see me!” Berry recalls a memorable installation that has stuck with him. “A client had lost her daughter and wanted to incorporate some special pieces into her home. She cried when she saw how it all came together because the pieces held so much meaning, and I could bring them back into her life. Moments like that remind me why I love this job.”
Collaborating with clients, artists, and curators is essential to Berry’s process. He respects their vision but isn’t afraid to offer suggestions when necessary. “I’ll recommend height and positioning, but I always listen to what they want. It’s about finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics.” Over the years, Berry has developed a unique problem solving mindset when managing unconventional installations. “I’ve hung everything from saddles, skis, and snowshoes to taxidermy and mirrors,” he laughs. “I play MacGyver sometimes. People have incredible art but often no idea how to display it, and that’s where I come in. Whether it’s suspending a painting from the ceiling at a particular angle or dealing with odd shaped pieces, I find a way to make it work.” He travels to provide his services from the West to the East Coast and even to the Hawaiian Islands.
Spatial harmony, juxtaposition, and a gradual or surprising reveal add intrigue, inviting discovery and giving a space a distinct feeling. Aisling Art Installation demonstrates Berry’s skill, adaptability, and decades long connection to the Park City community. “Art, photographs, and meaningful items hung throughout is the difference between a house and a home,” Berry adds.
From humble beginnings in carpentry to becoming a trusted name in art installation, Berry’s adventure in art is a story of craftsmanship, heritage, and the beauty of a well placed piece of art.
I play MacGyver some-times. People have incredible art but often no idea how to display it, and
–Dave Berry, Owner, Aisling Art Installation
that’s where I come in. Whether it’s suspending a painting from the ceiling at a particular angle or dealing with odd-shaped pieces, I find a way to make it work.”
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