AWAD is delighted to welcome new Member, Lydia Furuta, of HG Fine Art (Hubert Gallery), to its New-York Tri-State chapter. Find out more about Lydia’s art world journey below.

What is the name of your business, where are you located and when did you start?

HG Fine Art at 764 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065. The gallery was established in 1989 and I took ownership in 2023.

What is your professional background?

I’m a seasoned art dealer, gallerist and artist with over 25 years of experience in the New York Art World. Before taking ownership of HG Fine Art, I served as its Director for over ten years. I also served for five years as a Director at Hollis Taggart Galleries in Chelsea and for five years as a Director at Mimi Ferzt Gallery in SoHo. I’m originally from Los Angeles, where I began my art career as a Curatorial Assistant at the Craft & Folk Art Museum under a J. Paul Getty Grant before moving to New York in the late nineties. I have a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of California, Irvine and I attended an M.F.A. program at the School of Visual Arts, NY.

What inspired you to take the leap and start your own business?

I had the opportunity to take over an existing business which I helped to build so I had the confidence to continue it on my own.

What does your business offer, in terms of goods and services?

I specialize in contemporary impressionism but I also offer art advising/consulting for clients who are looking for things that I do not carry.

What excites you about having joined the Association of Women Art Dealers?

As I’m solo, I’m excited to be among other women dealers who I can network and collaborate with. I have a small but beautiful exhibition space which is centrally located on the Upper East Side. I’m open to all curatorial projects and ideas whether it be for contemporary or historical shows.

What brings you joy in your work?

Working with artists and selling their work is my biggest joy. Finding clients artwork that brings them pleasure. Seeing the work in a home or office where it will ‘live’. This is very fulfilling for me.

A just for fun question: If you were a work of art what would you be and why?

I would be a Cubist work. The most intelligent, sophisticated and complex of all art forms (in my humble opinion).

All images courtesy of HG Fine Art.