Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Slepian.
Hi Evan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
in 1995, At 24 years old, I got an opportunity to open an art gallery in center city, focusing at first, mainly on 20 th Century Contemporary American prints, with the likes of Warhol, Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns etc. As the years flew by,, and our buisness grew…our focus added Emerging Artists, and Publishing. We to date have produced over 100 Editions with recognized Artists like Robert Cottingham, Sol LeWitt and Photographer Tom Baril. As well as Edtions with Young and Emerging Artists (too many to list). My partner at the time was convinced that Philadelphia lacked great access to contemporary art and major museum artists works… After 30 years, I would say he was right on target, as after ten years of opening, I bought him out and to this day, my main source of income is brokering blue-chip prints (now internationally) not only by artists that are being made currently but digging into my database and buying back older artworks from older clients. The gallery also hosts about 4-5 exhibitions a year with artists, that could include group exhibitions and solo exhibitions or even a limited pop up event… mainly focusing on Emerging artists from the Minimal, Abstract to an Urban mindset. We consider ourselves experts in contemporary art from installations, curation, exhibitions….catering to the novice buyer all the way up to the astute collector and museum institutions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every struggle was emotional and economical, and not always in that order….The Art business is 100% dependent on a good economy and a trusting honest access with the upmost integrity. Those lines get crossed and its not a good time in this business, and you wont last. Over 30 years, I have seen 3 major struggles… 2001, 2008 and Covid … so overall, its been a great ride with a decent amount of turbulence that took decades to figure out how to work through them..
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I didnt go to school for business, but fell in love with the art business young. With a bachelors degree in art, it could have gone very different, but with good timing and great relationships (my wife foremost) and a little risk taking (which you can when your young) it has worked out.
As an artist creative, I had to figure out what was the best for the business before I thought what was best for me. That took a long time to figure out, and at times was very trying. I am most proud of being able to keep my Gallery open in the same location for 31 years supporting local artists. With all the ups and downs, I have managed to always end up supporting artists, supporting my family, and eventually get through the hard times.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think my tatses/eye for great art and my personality …that has a never ending quest for information about my world and just a little bit of luck has always been key.
Pricing:
- The Gallery has artworks from 100$ -$100,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.WPartcollection.com
- Instagram: @wpfineart
