Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Galat.
Hi Audrey , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Primarily, I am an artist. I received my Bachelor of Fine Art at The Ohio State University and started my masters at Arizona State University.
Throughout both undergrad and graduate school I was apart of many art exhibits, including a solo exhibition, but I also enjoyed organizing art shows featuring other artists’ work throughout the community. I currently work at the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel as their Arts & Culture Curator for their gallery, FOUND:RE Contemporary, putting on large exhibitions four times annually, plus eight smaller exhibitions located in the hotel’s studio off of Portland Street.
At FOUND:RE Contemporary, we only feature Arizona artists, many of them local. In the past, I have been able to show as many as 90 Arizona artists at one time. This gives me a chance to really highlight all the wonderful artistic talent we have in Arizona and work closely with the art community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been easy. It always takes some time to find your footing when working with new people. In this case, I can work with almost a hundred people at one time. It also has taken some time to find a balance between the commercial and rigid side of the hotel and the free spirited side of the art community. I have become a bridge between the two worlds, where I find the common ground for both areas.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work as an artist as well as a curator. As an artist, I work in a vast range of media, including painting, woodwork, fiber, and performance. I currently create fiber sculptures out of fabric and focus on concepts such as women’s health and education. I am able to bring my personal art career into my occupation as a curator because of my previous experience showcasing different media. I am also able to bring my artist eye into how the work will be displayed in the gallery and I pride myself on visualizing the show in it’s entirety, making it cohesive despite showing a diverse group of artists each time.
I would say I am most proud of the way I am able to showcase so many talented Arizona artists, both established and upcoming, at FOUND:RE Contemporary. Having the art shows as part of the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel also allows for greater visibility for artists to show off their work.
Especially during a pandemic, it can be difficult for an artist to make sure their work is seen, heard and that they have the opportunity to make a living off their artistic career. Since the work is shown throughout the hotel, people coming from all over the nation and of all different types of backgrounds are able to view the work on display, from the casual viewer to the art collector. I am proud of FOUND:RE Contemporary for being able to support the Arizona art community in this way.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always liked to draw. My parents said I started drawing when I was two years old and have kept my sketchbook from that age. With my mother being an art teacher, I was always encouraged to keep creating and think outside the box. I started entering art competitions at a young age and winning awards. Now I take my drawing skills and translate them into 3-dimensional sculptures, usually in fabric, and am able to use my eye to organize shows featuring other artists’ work.
Contact Info:
- Email: audigalat8@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.audreygalat.com/
- Instagram: audreygalat
- Facebook: Audrey Galat Artist
- Youtube: Audrey Galat
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AudreyGalatStudio?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Image Credits
Sidney Irvine
John Joe
Fausto Fernandez
