5000th Member: Michelle Linger and Artroom
What is your business?
Contemporary Art Gallery
Why do you work there?
Being passionate about art is where my hobby has turned into a profession because initially I went to see the art in the gallery and came out with a job!
Artroom is unique in the way it has not just been built as a business but Ian Wilson (Gallerist) designed the interior of the gallery himself, giving the impression you are walking into someone’s living room and puts the client at ease. Being in Parkgate Wirral, the views outside the gallery are breathtaking too. I love the way that with art, nothing stays the same and with Artroom there is constant variation as all our gallery exhibitions change every 8 weeks and you are always evolving and expanding your knowledge to learn from the artists you meet to the clients. Creativity means using your imagination, which is what everyone who walks through our door expresses as everyone who views a piece of art obtains a different perspective on the particular piece. This is one of the things which sells the art and provides years of pleasure to the clients. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing someone passionate about their purchase.
What did you do before it?
Too many things to mention! I have learnt many of my skills from the university of life. My father was in business in the city of Liverpool for many years so I have been around business from a young age and have learnt so much from him. My strong creative background ranges from art direction in advertising and I also worked for a long time in the 90’s at the inception of multimedia and animation development and graphic design. Other business backgrounds include working as a business research analyst and market research. Before Artroom I went back to university as a mature student to study History of Art at JMU whilst supporting my studies lecturing and any other employment I could gain, so as not to contend with student loans.
What makes your business unique?
Artroom has just as much to offer as larger arts establishments but with a more personal touch that the larger commercial galleries are unable to give. Coming from creative backgrounds we are totally focused on what we provide and we give customers the confidence in quality products from our experience and expertise.
What are your plans to make the most of Capital of Culture?
As we support new talent, we will be having an exhibition in August called Modern Contemporary Creatives. This will promote new up-and-coming artists from the city. We feel that with our association with 08 Business Connect will enable us to network within the north-west with like-minded people and people who can put forward different perspectives on our business outlook, particularly in relation to the way contemporary art is perceived and marketed.
Any tips?
Be focused and ambitious, as how you view yourself, is how your clients with perceive you and your organisation.
Do you have any anecdotes?
Ian is an eclectic guy and he gives business its all. Travelling and experiencing different cultures in contemporary art has also made Artroom prosper. He has always been passionate about his art and over the years, looking for works for the wall spaces of his interior design business gave him the inspiration and idea, over two years ago, to open Artroom.
Current Exhibition runs until - 8th June
'Cheshire Scapes' - Jan Gardner, Lynn Poland and Phil Jackson display contemporary works of landscapes, garden-scapes and the countryside.
Open Thur – Sun 12:00 -17:00
Artroom Old Post Office The Parade Parkgate Wirral CH64 6RW
08700 85 20 85 www.artroom.uk.com
