The Association of Women Art Dealers is pleased to welcome Adele Smejkal as our newest London Chapter Member. Her business, Artistellar Ltd began in 2020. It specializes in Emerging Artists.
As with all new members we were curious about Adele’s business and her background in the arts.
What’s your professional background?
I started my career in galleries. My first proper job was at Pace London. Then I changed to auction houses and spent over three years at Sotheby’s. First, as a client liaison, then as a Bids Manager. I was in a very exciting fast-paced environment; my job concerned every single auction Sotheby’s had. However, on the side, I’ve always had my other projects. I started an Instagram based blog about art, writing for contemporary art publications. Two years ago, I co-founded The Artichoke; an organization hosting curated art events for art professionals and enthusiasts.
What inspired you to take the leap and start your own business?
Growing up, I saw my parents starting their business, which definitely influenced me and encouraged me to create something on my own. I feel like I always had the tendency to do something more outside of my day job. I had the idea of creating something bigger online and/or focused on emerging artists for quite some time. It just wasn’t easy at first to find the courage and the right time. But I continued to read about and meet so many inspirational people that I just knew it’s now or never.
What does your business offer, in terms of goods and services?
Artistellar LTD supports high caliber emerging artists through curated online exhibitions. We also provide art advisory for those who have larger projects or simply don’t know where and how to start collecting. In addition, Artistellar focuses on providing quality educational content around the exhibitions to grow a new collector base for emerging artists.
What excites you about having joined the Association of Women Art Dealers?
To meet other female entrepreneurs in the art industry, connect, exchange ideas, discuss, and learn. It’s great to have a community of like-minded people.
What brings you joy in your work?
Two things:
– moments of creativity, when I come up with an idea or manage to solve a problem
– when both sides (my artists, my clients) are happy with my work
To learn more about the gallery and to view its latest exhibition Works on Paper please visit www.artistellar.com
