An Inspired Team
One of the best aspects of working at an art gallery is being surrounded by beautiful art in your daily work environment. There is no better inspiration or encouragement than viewing another's creativity to nourish our daily tasks at 1515 Lincoln Gallery. Another important aspect of working at a gallery is the people, and we are fortunate to have a fantastic team passionate about art and the artists creating the work. Susan asked the group to share a little about themselves, discuss their favorite artwork at the gallery, and explain why the piece inspires them:
Metra Taleghanifard | Art Inventory Manager
Metra Victoria Taleghanifard is the Art Inventory Manager at 1515 Lincoln Gallery. As the gallery's inventory manager, she oversees many responsibilities, including coordination with consigned artists and processing content for online marketing platforms. Metra thrives in her work at 1515 Lincoln Gallery because she can patiently accomplish her tasks and experience the engaging challenges of organizational duties. "I enjoy the positive atmosphere tremendously, and each day brings a new task to express creativity and forethought," explains Metra. Her love for exhilaration and challenges also drew her to her fishing hobby. Metra enjoys life most on a boat fishing.
Her favorite artwork is Sunny Day by Oleg Ulitskiy. The painting depicts boats in a marina on a sunny day. "It reminds me of many exciting days fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, which I am fortunate to have experienced and still experience," says Metra. Art's ability to foster connection is what she finds so essential about creative spaces. "Human beings require connectivity with each other and especially with nature. You can find a powerful expression of individuality and personality in one's artwork," states Metra. She is proud to be part of an organization that encourages these opportunities for community engagement. Since joining the team a year ago, the gallery's network of artists and how their lives correlate to their output has inspired Metra. "1515 Lincoln Gallery is unique from other galleries because of the interpersonal and compassionate relationships of dozens of artists worldwide sharing their stories. The art draws me closer to reflection on my own life and to be open-minded of others," says Metra.
Patrick Reynolds | Gallery Associate
Patrick Reynolds is the Gallery Associate with the 1515 Lincoln Gallery. Roughly two years ago, Patrick moved back to Oklahoma from Texas and connected with the 1515 Lincoln Gallery to continue his work in the arts. As Gallery Associate, Patrick works on exhibition installation and other types of preparatory work like packaging work for shipping, photography, and coordinating with clients. Patrick likes that the work at 1515 Lincoln Gallery is fast-paced and continually changing. "Each of us has to be able to adapt to different types of tasks, so it keeps things interesting," says Patrick.
Patrick has an ever-evolving list of "favorite artworks," but one of his current ones is When They Smile by Perla Krauze. The artwork portrays a man and a woman in various abstract black, white, and yellow frames. The figures occupy loosely squared-off areas like scattered photos or frames of a film, together in the work but simultaneously isolated within their boxes. "I like the work because of its formal structure and narrative possibilities. We can't be sure if the male and female figures are participating in the same narrative or if they represent various psychological aspects of the same character. I enjoy that type of ambiguity in the painting," explains Patrick. Krauze's When They Smile is one of the gallery's 'Found Works', representing one-of-a-kind pieces from prolific artists. Patrick appreciates how the 1515 Lincoln Gallery's mix of 'represented artists' and 'found works' expand clients' tastes with new perspectives of art in the home. Creativity that shifts viewers' frame of mind is compelling to Patrick. "I think about artworks in terms of 'problem-solving.' The artist creates a response to something driving them and finds the solution in material, color, and form. When the artwork is in the exhibition, the viewer tries to re-assemble those things with their range of experience. It's one of the best dialogues we can engage in," says Patrick.
Elizabeth Haskins | Sales Associate
Elizabeth Haskins is the Sales Associate at 1515 Lincoln Gallery. Alongside helping to organize exciting events for exhibitions and special occasions, Elizabeth manages sales and assists with Instagram Marketing posts. She has worked at the gallery for a year and loves being surrounded by incredible art, a friendly team, and wonderful clientele. The job's creative energy, community, and connection inspire Elizabeth.
She is an avid feline lover, and her favorite artwork at the gallery is aptly titled Cat and Goldfish. True to its name, the piece features a curious striped grey cat peering into a bowl, where unsuspected goldfish swim in their abode. The 1515 Lincoln Gallery stands out to Elizabeth for its unique design. "It is spatial wonderment. The exhibition room is superb, with natural and new track lighting. The space layout lends itself to a feeling of old-world decor so that each item has a chance to shine," says Elizabeth.
Elizabeth describes life without art like a fish without water: "It is as necessary as the air we breathe!"
Scott W. Hale | Art & Wine Appraiser
Scott W. Hale is the owner of Southwest Art Advisory, and serves as the in-house Art & Wine Appraiser at 1515 Lincoln Gallery. As an appraiser, Scott works with the gallery to provide consulting and brokerage for art and wine-based investments. Scott joined the 1515 Lincoln Gallery team when Susan asked him to visit the historic Lincoln Terrace building before she bought it for the gallery. After seeing the iconic space, Scott knew it was a perfect fit for his advisory business. Once Susan closed on the property, she invited Scott to collaborate with 1515 Lincoln Gallery as an art and wine advisor. At the same time, Scott had been looking to open an Oklahoma location for his business, South West Art Advisory. It was an ideal match, and Scott has worked with Susan ever since.
Friendship and teamwork are the foundation of Scott and Susan's collaboration. "Susan has curated a group of individuals that complement each other seamlessly. Every member is an invaluable component of the gallery," says Scott. Scott admires Susan's vision for the gallery as more than a business location. 1515 Lincoln Gallery is a neighborhood hub and cultural tentpole of Oklahoma City. "I left Oklahoma in 2008 because the art market couldn't compare to cities like Santa Fe. Within a decade, Oklahoma became an emerging star on the international cultural stage, so much so that my business needed an OKC location. 1515 Lincoln Gallery has been an important contributor to this transformation," says Scott. The ability to work with art and wine in a gallery space offers Scott the perfect opportunity to bring in clients interested in adding a little spark to their investment portfolios.
Scott's favorite piece is an Untitled artwork by Donald Judd. The painting is a geometric piece of a slanted rectangle made up of thick black-and-white lines. Scott likes the Untitled work due to its contrast to Donald Judd's usual artistic style." Judd is best known for his three-dimensional works, which are distinctive in shape, color, and finish. They are formal and tonally intense with glossy surfaces. Judd's piece is a counterbalance: a print, two-dimensional, flat, and monochromatic. Yet it still has tonal variance and depth," explains Scott. Pieces such as Untitled by Donald Judd reflect the 1515 Lincoln Gallery's standout quality as a gallery, the only one in Oklahoma City to sell artworks by blue chip artists. "These are the same investment-quality artworks you would expect to see at major art fairs such as TEFAF or Art Basel," says Scott.
For Scott, art and wine go hand in hand. He says, "Creativity is life. Art is one of its best expressions, just like wine. Both are lifetime investments."
Erahm Christopher | Creative Strategist | Tansley
Erahm Christopher is the Creative Strategist at the Montreal-based marketing agency Tansley. Erahm and the Tansley team have worked with the 1515 Lincoln Gallery for nearly three years. He develops and executes the creative strategies for the 1515 Lincoln Galleries Digital Ecosystem. Coordinating with Susan to share the gallery's memorable brand narrative, Erahm creates original content for the website, Newsletter, and social media platforms.
Susan and Erahm connected on their mutual love for community and creativity. "Susan's love for distinct art genres and her passion for cultivating community using art inspires me to want to help 1515 Lincoln Gallery grow," says Erahm. One of the most rewarding elements of the partnership for Erahm is interacting with the talented consigned artists to share their stories and work.
Erahm's favorite artwork is Abstract Love by ArmanH. The piece uses black metal wiring and bolts to create a sculptural illustration that is expressive and evocative. "I love the story behind the piece, the materials used to create it, and the sense of continuous motion it evokes," explains Erahm. The story and the human element are the driving force of every piece of art. Susan's tireless commitment to a human-first approach to creating an artistic community makes the 1515 Lincoln Gallery a standout space. "It is more than a traditional gallery selling beautiful artwork. Susan has created a place where artists, collectors, and curious humans can make meaningful connections, gain valuable knowledge about art, and have unforgettable experiences," says Erahm.
Whether it be a newsletter or an artwork, Erahm believes that expressiveness and imagination are essential: "Art and creativity are vital for human expression, inspiration, and connection. Without art and creativity, life would be insufferable."
David Gascon | Creative Director | Tansley
David Gascon is the Creative Director at the marketing agency Tansley. Alongside Erahm, David works with Susan to support the 1515 Lincoln Gallery's creative communications. David designs all the visuals for the gallery's digital network, including the website, Newsletter, and social media. He also ensures that the brand puts its best foot forward, crafting inspiring, informative, and accessible 1515 Lincoln Gallery messages. As a former Cinematographer, David deeply admires the world of visual art. The wide variety of artistic creations inspires David while he does work for the 1515 Lincoln Gallery. "I find it enjoyable to be in touch with the artists, helping to put their artwork in the spotlight and ensuring it reaches the biggest possible audience. The gallery has so much to offer in terms of talent, and the best thing for me is seeing their work appreciated by a receptive crowd," says David.
David admires Tunde Darvay's artwork, The Albatross. The bold piece depicts a bird flying over a boat on the ocean in vivid colors, bold shapes, and rich patterns. In particular, David appreciates Tunde's use of colors and how she can create universes through her art pieces. "Each one of her paintings takes me back to my younger days. I feel like I am being told a tale of some sort. The Albatross makes me feel like I am taking a voyage. I can almost sense the vastness of the sea and the journey that lies ahead," explains David.
Susan's continual journey to support her artists makes the 1515 Lincoln Gallery different from other galleries. A vital part of the process is shaping the gallery into an educational hub where people can share and learn. "Undoubtedly, Susan's strategy is the right way to go. Susan puts a lot of effort into gathering data about the artists that matter to the viewers. It's not simply about selling artwork. It is also about exhibiting talents from all over the world," says David.
For David, viewing art is like meditating: "Art can stir strong emotions and reflection within us. I cherish this sensation, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, because it is what makes us human."
We invite you to visit the gallery to meet our staff and learn more about the works of art that inspire them, and find a little inspiration yourself.
