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The Century Gallery is one of Hudson Valley’s oldest and most notable art spaces. It boasts a large, inviting, and functional space that combines contemporary art with a variety of glasswork displays.
When I first walked into the gallery two weeks ago, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing I'd finally achieved a milestone I'd wanted since starting out as an intern at the Boxon Art Museum in Reno.
I could have risen faster in Reno, but after daddy died and mom got sick, I knew I had to be near her, so I spent the last few years as assistant curator at the Henderson Art Museum.
In the past year though, I've tried my hand at organizing small private exhibitions on the side, something that has helped boost my confidence and skill so I began to feel more than ready to spread my wings and take a more senior role.
The Hudson Valley region is renowned for its competitive art scene and the Century Gallery in a bid to stay relevant, has started branching into edgier and more contemporary arts, which is where I come in.
Parking my small hatchback in my designated spot, I walk briskly toward the lobby. I feel the early April breeze abruptly lift my hair and whip the dark locks into my face.
“Shoot! Hair down glossy lips don’t go together Bree,” Sliding the scrunchie off my wrist, I pull up my hair into a loose bun and dash into the quietude of the gallery.
“Hello Bree,” Dalia greets, a warm, excited smile lighting up her face. She joins me as I head to my office, a spring in her step.
“Hi Dalia, you’re energetic today. I’ll need a shot of coffee in my veins to have any hope of matching up with you.”
Dalia chuckles, her cheeks dimpling attractively.
She’s a few years younger than me and had been hired straight out of college. She’s attractive, with smooth, caramel skin and glossy, dark curls. Her enthusiasm and great work ethic are quickly making her my favorite person to work with here, which is a dream come true for someone like me who has the skills and experience but is new to the Hudson Valley scene.
“I’ve got you don’t worry, your coffee is just right here.” We reach my small but well-organized office.
Dalia uncovers the steaming mug and hands me my coffee before pulling out the day’s schedule.
“You’re my genie.” I take it gratefully and scan the chart.
“You’re very welcome. I’ll send this week’s art submissions to your inbox to choose from okay?” She turns to leave.
“Why don’t you attach notes to the ones you strongly recommend before sending them over?” Having been in her shoes only recently, I know that the way to get the best out of an assistant is to build their own skill.
Dalia beams at me. “Awesome, will do. Thanks.”
I scan the chart Dalia handed over to me. I've got the schedule on my computer, but Dalia likes to give me the heads-up by highlighting important meetings and events which could otherwise get overlooked.
“Er...Dalia?" I ask before she leaves. "Grant Hawthorne, my 10:30? Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“Yeah, he’s one of the artists the previous curator penciled in for this month’s showing. We're still not sure it'll happen because he’s kind of a big deal and he’s got other galleries in Manhattan wanting to feature him.”
“Have you seen his work?”
“Oh, my God Sabrina. He. Is. Amazing.” Dalia gushes. "I literally bent over backward getting him to agree to the appointment, but whether we can secure him is another matter. He does photography, and his recent work really fits into the theme of this exhibition.
Which is now two weeks away.
“Okay!" I'm already feeling the adrenaline rush. I do love a challenge. "We better close that deal then.”
“I know right? And there goes Alec, your 9:30.” Dalia gestures to the lobby where a man no older than twenty-five, is leaning so far over the counter you’d think he meant to crawl into Jan, our receptionist’s ample chest.
“That’s the lighting and exhibition designer?”
“You bet he is. And he knows his stuff, if only he didn’t flirt with everything that breathes.”
I shake my head in amusement.
Through the glass walls, I notice an elderly couple viewing one of our more recent pieces.
“Already?” I check my watch, 9:08 a.m. The gallery only opened to the public eight minutes ago so I can’t help but think they must have wanted to be the first ones inside. Still, it’s a bit early for visitors. I wonder what drew them here.
