Meet John A. Reyes of Reyes Contemporary Art in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to John A. Reyes.

John, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While I was getting my bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona, I worked part time at a western art gallery. That was my first experience in the art market. After I completed my degree, I attended Christie’s London to study the auction business. I again returned to Arizona and New Mexico, where I have been the director of several art galleries. After being the director of Bentley Gallery in Phoenix for a number of years, I decided to go off on my own. I am currently the director and owner of Reyes Contemporary Art and the curator at the Gallery at Mountain Shadows resort in Paradise Valley. I specialize in secondary art market sales, with a focus on underappreciated and undervalued artist works plus curate shows with an emphasis on local and historical artists.

Has it been a smooth road?
Going off on your own is a challenging task but rewarding. Best to look at the bigger picture and see an end game in mind which keeps you focused and driven. Right now, my biggest challenge is that the art market is changing in a short amount of time in regard to physical space and online presence. So previous business models that have worked for galleries in the past are not what necessarily works presently. But all aspects of spending are changing.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Reyes Contemporary Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Reyes Contemporary Art exhibits and sells contemporary and modern artwork. I’ve known for discovering young talent and underappreciated artists that have been exhibiting for years. My feelings is that, there are two topics in the art market, one is the price and the other is value. Both may intersect at times but many do not. It’s my job to champion the artists who I truly believe in and create, or expand, a market or point out why an artist has more worth than their current price offerings.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I truly love this city. It has so much potential to become a more thriving and dynamic art market. What I least like about this city is that many people who live here think that we do not have the cultural options of other cities.

It’s a different kind of option but still here nonetheless. We have some terrific art institutions in the valley and we need to look to the future as to what this city can become. I feel we should respect the past but not look back in how to recreate it as it’s been done. But one thing that is clearly necessary is to have more art buyers in this city.

Pricing:

• We are an expert in the secondary art sales market.
• We offer a spectrum of prices by well-know artists, starting from 1K.

Contact Info:

• Address: The Gallery at Mountain Shadows
  5445 E. Lincoln Drive
  Paradise valley, AZ 85253
• Website: www.reyescontemporaryart.com
• Phone: 602-538-9165-C
• Email: john@reyescontemporaryart.com

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