Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Dunn.
Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Park Street Gallery, located in downtown Paso Robles, is the third Fine Art & Fine Craft gallery that I’ve owned and operated. In 1998, L’Artiste Gallery was opened in the old Creamery building of downtown San Luis Obispo by three painters. My medium is known as Tempera Batik painting on paper, and my partners were watercolor painter, Rosanne Seitz, and silk painter, Jackie Bradley. We wanted a place to sell our work year-round, and gradually we began to represent and sell the work of other artists from the San Luis Obispo area. In 2001, Rosanne Seitz and I, teamed up with jeweler Linda Lewis, and we opened The Gallery at the Network, which was in a more prominent location in downtown San Luis Obispo. By that time the gallery was representing 12-15 artisans, working in a multitude of mediums and styles. Over the next 15 years, the gallery grew to represent 45+ artists, Linda Lewis left the partnership, and we brought in pastel artist, Dotty Hawthorne. In 2016, after outgrowing the space, and losing both of my partners to retirement, the decision was made to close the gallery. However, as the last remaining partner, I still wanted to own and operate a gallery, so in 2017 I opened Park Street Gallery with oil painter Peggy Turk. In 2020, Peggy left the gallery to pursue other goals, and I became the sole owner. Now heading into it’s 10th year, Park Street Gallery currently represents 55+ Central Coast artists, from Santa Barbara to Monterey! Featuring one-of-a-kind paintings, sculpture, furniture, unique handmade jewelry, blown and fused glass, wood carvings & turnings, ceramic pottery, fiber arts, and more!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Most of the struggles have come from circumstances outside of our control… natural and manmade disasters, fires, storms, wars, poor economy, political unrest, global and environments issues and disasters, etc., the list goes on and on. Art sales are strongly dependent on a strong economy that works for EVERYONE! People buy art when all of their other needs are met, and when they’re feeling relaxed and happy about themselves, their families, their health, their work, and the world they live in.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Park Street Gallery focuses on a wide array of unique and original pieces of Fine Art & Fine Craft. Featuring the work of over 55 prominent artists from all over the Central Coast, this beautiful gallery offers a relaxed atmosphere and a fabulous opportunity to spend some quality time browsing some of the best artwork to be found in the area.
Known for its approachable, affordable, and regionally sourced art collection, the gallery offers original paintings done in various mediums, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, fiber art, fused and blown glass, woodturning, woodcarving, and more. There truly is something for everyone, whether it’s a personal purchase or a gift.
Peek into this gorgeous space to see what visitors are raving about, and experience the sophisticated, elegant, and welcoming atmosphere with exposed ceilings, high open airy windows, and spacious design. Discover for yourself why this gallery is famous for its wide array of unique and original pieces of art, both decorative and functional.
Looking at art inspires the visual imagination. The culture of art appreciation in Paso Robles has been growing for several years, and now visitors to Paso Robles can find a variety of regionally handmade Fine Art and Fine Craft at Park Street Gallery. Supporting local artists also ensures that they’ll continue to provide art to their communities, and to the visitors who come to explore.
Our painting collection is representational of the area, with paintings of local spots that people love to visit, such as Cambria, Montana De Oro, Morro Rock, Bishop Peak, and the multitude of vineyards. We live in a beautiful place, and many people come here because of the area’s charm. Our customers really enjoy taking home a piece of the Central Coast. Along with local landscapes, we also carry exquisite still life paintings, abstract figurative work, whimsical and graphic expressions, as well as images of flowers, and endangered species. Our handmade Fine Craft collection is absolutely amazing and full of diversity. The artists we represent have been painting and creating their craft for many years, and consequently they’re all very good at what they do!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
At age 67, I’ve come to believe that life is full of risk. Deciding to become an artist, falling in love, getting married, having children, traveling abroad for work, getting a divorce, opening an art gallery, getting on an airplane, driving a car, investing money, starting a business, taking out a loan, allowing your cat to go outside, watching your teenager drive a car alone for the first time, the list goes on and on. It’s hard to think of anything that doesn’t involve some form of risk, be it large or small.
However, nothing ventured ~ nothing gained. I’ve taken a multitude of risks in my lifetime. I’ve always tried to calculate the risk, and sometimes I’ve been correct or just lucky, and sometimes, not. Life is unpredictable and even random, you don’t really ever have full control.
I don’t enjoy taking risks, but sometimes I have to in order to get on with my life.
Pricing:
- Low prices allow people with less money to buy art.
- High prices appeal to collectors who wish to make an investment.
- A variety of prices is recommended, to attract a greater variety of buyers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parkstreetgallery.com
- Instagram: parkstreetgallery
- Facebook: Park Street Gallery
