MAG Introduces the
Masters Room
by Doug Oliver
Several months ago I was called to give my opinion on a new concept for establishing a special display area within the Gallery to feature professional artists who live and work in the local community. It was thought that this would benefit the Guild and Gallery by "raising the bar" and provide inspiration and perhaps guidance for MAG membership.
As a long-term professional—more than three decades—I was immediately concerned about the quality of such a gallery setting, as I tend to be rather protective of the environment where art is to be displayed. It should look like a premier gallery and have better than average lighting. It should be run by competent staff that can properly showcase the art and conduct business in an ethical, professional manner.
MAG President Bob Deputy asked more than a dozen other prospective career artists to an informal meeting at the Gallery to discuss this new concept. We were graciously hosted by the BOD and staff and all thought the special room display would be a good one and of benefit to all concerned.
Initially, the name "Masters Room" was thrown into the mix and somehow stuck. To be called a "master" however, is rather intimidating despite our full-time career dedication to this art business. We would be held by our own high standards to provide work that would be suitable for the finest of gallery presentation.
One major concern with the new professional gallery committee was we did not want to alienate the students, hobbyists and membership at large in appearing "uppity" and dominate any part of the established gallery area. Thus, a little-used storage room off the gallery was transformed into a mini-quality space with new paint, lighting, carpeting and clean display. Soon, many of us consigned artwork to the new "Masters Room." The artwork is now on display on a rotating basis.
I appreciate being asked to participate in this grand experiment. I thank the membership, the Board of Directors, and the staff for making this idea become a reality. After all, we are all in this same boat together—all for the love of creative expression.
Who is a "master" artist?
The "Masters Room" has been designated as a special place for professional artists who live and work in the Prescott region to showcase their artwork in the Mountain Artists Gallery. Their artwork will be rotated in coordination with the Gallery Committee and the Guild.
A "Master" is defined as one who continually seeks the highest of standards within the artist's chosen field and who is never satisfied by the status quo.
A "Master" is defined as one who strives to produce the highest quality work on a consistent basis and is not influenced by whims or fads in the commercial or academic art community.
A "Master" is dedicated to a career that is founded on education and a proven record of production and who finds ongoing, self-learning to be paramount in fine-tuning the artist's work.
A "Master" is defined as one who is widely recognized by the artist's peers, art dealers, agents, gallery owners and the public who collects the artist's work because the artist is an outstanding contributor to the art world at large.
A "Master" is one who produces a body of work on a reliable basis not waiting for outside influences or "inspiration" to guide the artist, and who continually works in a disciplined, productive environment.
Summary: Dedicated to excellence, consistent quality and reliability in a highly productive environment, widely recognized as an outstanding leader in a chosen medium of expertise.
Doug Oliver has been a significant contributor to the art of the American West for more than three decades. His landscape images of soaring skies and panoramic vistas are well known throughout the contemporary art world. Doug recently held a successful show in MAG's Ritter Room.
(From June-July 2006 MAGazine)
