When Master Signature member Elizabeth Robbins and her neighbor Painter Shanna Kunz imagined the perfect studio space they might one day share they spoke in specific details.

“We knew what we wanted right down to it being on 25th Street in Ogden, Utah,” says Robbins.

Neither Kunz or Robbins expected a large, well-lit retail space to open up on that very street three weeks later. 

“When we saw it we said to ourselves ‘this is not just perfect for a studio but also a gallery,'” says Robbins. 

Bella Muse Gallery Owners: Master Signature member Elizabeth Robbins  and artist Shanna Kunz

Though they women had never intended to open a gallery they were inspired by the idea of creating a space for workshops and events, a place where they could educate the community about art. They called the gallery Bella Muse and are currently only representing a small group of artists. Currently Bella Muse Gallery is focused on producing compelling group shows that introduce artists to the community.

“We really want to be art educators for our area and are excited to work with beginner collectors – we want people to feel like art is accessible to them,” says Robbins. 

One way that Kunz and Robbins are reaching out to their community is by opening up their studio space for demos and workshops, allowing people to come into the gallery space and see the artists working. In fact, on most days Robbins and Kunz can be found in the gallery with a work in progress. 

“It is fascinating for people to come in and see an artist at work, to have someone put down a paint brush and help them purchase a painting,” says Robbins. 

While Robbins has owned her own business before, transitioning from artists to gallery owners has been it’s own education for Kunz and Robbins.

“I have new respect for gallery owners and how hard they work. We really didn’t anticipate adding another full-time job to the full-time job as artists we already had,” says Robbins. 

With her gallery owner hat on, Robbins has some advice for working with galleries.

Robbins and Kunz create an inviting space at  Bella Muse Gallery in Ogden, Utah

“Don’t send any art to a gallery without a consignment slip,” she warns. “Value your work enough to include your name, a short biography, the exact size and dimensions of your piece, and don’t be afraid to tell them how much your art is worth. Be proud of your work!”

The most common mistake Robbins has noticed is poor framing. According to Robbins a cheap frame on a painting is the quickest way to devalue a painting in the eyes of a gallery owner or collector. 

While Robbins admits that opening a gallery wasn’t something planned, she and Kunz are thoroughly enjoying their new venture.

“Being an artist is so solitary sometimes, but working in the gallery forces you to take a break and step back from the work,” says Robbins. “We have never worked this hard in our lives, but we are having a blast.”