The Business of Beauty: Building an Art Gallery from Scratch
Art has the remarkable ability to transform lives, and no one understands this better than Haley, owner of the Haley Gallery in New Albany, Ohio. Her journey from Long Island to becoming a gallery owner is as captivating as the artwork adorning her walls. Growing up just eight minutes from the beautiful beaches of Long Island, Haley developed an early appreciation for beauty and creativity, influenced by her sister who studied art education and took a young Haley to museums throughout New York City.
After graduating from Hofstra University with a marketing degree, Haley began a successful corporate career that took her around the world. Her love for art never waned, though. While her peers were investing in luxury cars and vacations, Haley was attending auctions and purchasing art. This passion remained a constant in her life even as she built a corporate career in customer service support, which had her traveling to destinations like India, South Africa, and Panama. The demanding travel schedule, coupled with the challenges of raising two young children as a divorced mother, eventually led her to reconsider her path.
A pivotal moment came when Haley received a lifetime achievement award in her mid-forties. This recognition, combined with memories of her father who passed away at 47, prompted deep reflection about her legacy. What memories was she creating for her children? What impact was she making? After relocating to Ohio and facing a toxic work environment despite promises of advancement, Haley found herself at a crossroads. An opportunity to organize an art auction fundraiser for Temple Beth Shalom revealed an untapped market in New Albany. The event sold 90 pieces in under two hours, raising $40,000, and planting the seed for what would become the Haley Gallery.
Despite opening in November 2007, just before the devastating recession of 2008, Haley persevered through immense financial hardship. She cashed in retirement accounts, sold personal jewelry, and made countless sacrifices to keep her dream alive. What sustained her was not just personal determination but a deep commitment to the artists who had trusted her with their work. Many of these artists were themselves transitioning from careers as nurses, teachers, and other professions to pursue their artistic passions. The parallel journey created a bond that has lasted for 18 years.
Today, the Haley Gallery represents 90 artists, with 65% being women, 10% LGBTQ, and 15% from minority backgrounds. The gallery showcases diverse mediums including paintings, ceramics, glass, sculpture, woodworking, and metalwork. Unlike traditional galleries with sparse, intimidating atmospheres, Haley intentionally created a welcoming space where visitors can appreciate art in a comfortable environment—complete with the gallery's famous dog, Maddie, who has succeeded the original gallery dog, Rory.
What truly sets Haley Gallery apart are the remarkable stories behind the artists. There's Adam Culp, an art teacher who lost his vision as a young man, received cornea transplants that restored his sight, and now creates art that sometimes intentionally incorporates blurry elements reflecting his previous visual experiences. Sean Augustine found healing through art after struggling with PTSD from military deployments. Lori Clements, a breast cancer survivor, uses proceeds from her art sales to provide wigs and transportation for cancer patients. These stories of transformation and resilience are woven into the fabric of the gallery, creating a space that celebrates not just artistic talent but the human spirit.
