On Local Art & Collecting: Q&A with Lexi Bishop
At Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, we want to focus on the many benefits of collecting artwork and supporting local artists. Whether it be just one painting purchased at a coffee shop a few years ago, or a collection amassed over many years, the joy of living with original artwork is an exploration for any level of collector.
For this initiative, we are working with local gallerist, Lexi Bishop to curate an online store of member artwork: Summer Variety, which is set to launch on June 10, 2022.
Lexi Bishop is the owner of ‘here,’ a contemporary art gallery which opened in the Fall of 2021 in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Prior to opening the gallery, Lexi was Associate Director of Nino Mier Gallery, Los Angeles. From 2014 to 2019, she worked in the Post-War & Contemporary Art department of Christie’s Auction House, New York as a Specialist. Before joining Christie’s in 2014, she worked for Kim Heirston Art Advisory and at the Brant Foundation Art Study Center in Greenwich, CT.
Lexi received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Russian Language from Bryn Mawr College, and a Master’s degree in The History of Art and The Art Market: Modern & Contemporary Art from Christie’s Education.
Our Content and Creations Coordinator, Jamie Earnest, spoke briefly with Lexi about her impressions of Pittsburgh, supporting local artists, and advice Lexi might have beginner collectors. Read the Q&A below.
Lexi Bishop, courtesy of here gallery
Jamie: You've had experience in the arts world in several cities across the country, what brought you to Pittsburgh?
Lexi: I’ve visited Pittsburgh in the past, but over the pandemic I had the chance to spend several months in Pittsburgh where I was instantly smitten with small city living! But let’s be real, a boy brought me to Pittsburgh.
Jamie: How do you see Pittsburgh's art scene in relation to larger metropolitan cities' arts culture?
Lexi: So much more manageable! A single Thursday in NYC there could be 50 openings…talk about serious FOMO if you don’t see them all. However, compared to other small US cities, Pittsburgh has an incredible number of art institutions and a rich history of art patrons.
Photo by Chris Uhren, Courtesy of here gallery
Jamie: What values do you see in collecting art, especially by local artists?
Lexi: It is a privilege to collect art and to support/be involved in cultural production. Art is our past, present and future. Collecting local artists should be a part of any collecting strategy. To support your local artists, you are in turn supporting the culture of your city. It is also a pleasure to meet the artists you collect, and for many, it makes the collecting much more meaningful.
Jamie: How do you want here gallery to impact Pittsburgh’s art landscape?
Lexi: I hope the gallery can continue to elevate Pittsburgh’s art landscape. Galleries are so important to any art scene because they connect artists to a wider cultural landscape (nationally and internationally).
Jamie: Finally, what advice would you give to first time collectors or aspiring collectors?
Lexi: Buying the first work can actually be scary, but do it!!! If you’re like me, you’ll get addicted. Don’t forget, when you buy art, you’re also buying cultural capital.