Story & Lesson Highlights with Nicole Royse of Old Town Scottsdale

Nicole Royse shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Nicole, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Monday through Friday I wake up pretty early between 5 & 5:30. Get my three teenagers up and make them breakfast, Pack lunches and then off to school.

Next I head to Royse Contemporary to start my work day, opening the gallery by 9am until 12pm (Mon, Tues, Fri) as we are still hosting summer hours through September),,Thursday I work 6-9pm participating in our weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk and work 10am-5pm on Saturday.

Meet with clients, update inventory, rearrange artworks and gallery walls and of course lots of social media promoting the gallery, our artists & the local art community.

The rest of the afternoon I work remotely, making artwork deliveries or doing installations of artwork in clients homes and businesses. I finish the day by picking up my three teens after all their school extracurriculars, help with homework, cook dinner and typically with do a little more social media and handle emails, before calling it a day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Royse Contemporary is led by owner Nicole Royse who has been a vital part of the Arizona art community for the last decade, previously curating such galleries as Willo North and the monOrchid. Royse holds a Bachelor Degree in Art History from Arizona State University, with an extensive background in business, marketing, public relations and social media. She is committed to discovering, exhibiting, cultivating and promoting artists and original contemporary artwork of all mediums. Royse aims to educate and engage patrons and artists while exposing them to the eclectic talent we have here in the valley and beyond.

The gallery presents rotating exhibitions in addition to representing a small roster of artists, while participating in the weekly Thursday Scottsdale Art Walk. Royse Contemporary exhibits a wide variety of work including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation by both emerging and established artists. Royse Contemporary also offers an array of consulting and pr services for both patrons and artists.
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Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandfather has ledt a lasting impact on my life in so many ways, but most importanly he taught me the true value of work, professionalism and dedication to your calling. He was a barber for over 50 years, having his own shop in California for 20 of those, where I spent weekends helping by shining shoes, sweeping up hair, watching him work hard and become successful on so many levels. He worked 7 days a week, some years and truly built a strong business in his community. He loved what he did and was proud of all he had accomplished. This is what I have always tried to do with my work and with Royse Contemporary.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Royse Contemporary just celebrated our 8 year Anniversary. It has never been an easy journey in the art world, however I have always been able to overcome obstacles and sustain my business. Obviously Covid was a very hard time on the art world and small business, as well as ongoing political turmoil in our country. Always working and pivoting the business model and focus has been key.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire many figures in the arts across different disciplines. Artists that I have had the opportunity to work with through the years, as they bring a unique perspective to creativity and human experience. Curators whom have shaped both the museum and gallery experience and is often invisible.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I am most at peace when I am curating an exhibition, surrounded by amazing local artwork in my gallery. I love being embraced by all the colors, textures and imagery of the artwork. Royse Contemporary exhibits a wide variety of work including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation by both emerging and established artists. Focusing on connecting and /or juxtaposing the works within the walls of my gallery. Being able to work with such amazing artists allows me to create exhibitions and share them with the community. Aiming to educate and engage patrons and artists while exposing them to the eclectic talent we have here in the valley and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roysecontemporary.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roysecontemporary
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/royse-contemporary/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roysecontemporary

Image Credits
All photographs taken by Nicole Royse