AWAD is pleased to welcome Melissa Klimek director of SEER Gallery Ltd. a Chicago-based, art platform dedicated to promoting and expanding the voice of females, womxn, and those female-identifying in the art world.
As is our practice with new members, we asked Melissa to share some of her background and a bit about her business.
What inspired you to take the leap and start your own business?
Working for over 20 years at a global business & technology consultancy, I would get asked on occasion what would I be doing if not consulting. My answer was always “Own an art gallery.” I was incredibly lucky to travel the globe for work, and one of the first things I would do in every city would be to spend a day checking out the local museums and galleries. It always helped me feel more connected to the community and culture of an area.
It wasn’t until recently that I started to become increasingly frustrated with the fact that the women artists I loved and followed were not achieving the notoriety and success of their male counterparts. I said to myself, “I am only going to collect women artists from this point forward.” The artnet study that came out in 2018 solidified my frustrations. It showed that only 13% of works in permanent collections at US museums were by women, and worse for minorities.
Around the same time, I took a pause from my consulting career and decided to open SEER to promote and work with a diverse group of women-identifying artists. A secondary goal I have had with the gallery is to use technology to expand the reach of my artists and introduce them to a new collector base. Thinking beyond a brick & mortar gallery when I started has helped immensely during COVID. At SEER we look to connect artists & audience in new and creative ways using virtual galleries, events, and interviews.
What does your business offer, in terms of goods and services?
Contemporary Paintings, Photography, Mixed Media, Video, AR, and Limited Editions
What excites you about having joined the Association of Women Art Dealers?
Well first and foremost because it is for and by women! I am looking forward to networking, making connections with members, and attending your virtual programs. It has been such a struggle this year when you can’t attend events in person to start a new business and make contacts.
I am excited to be part of such a creative and supportive community.
If you were a work of art, what piece would you be (and why?!)?
Any piece by Hilma af Klint. Ahead of her time, making abstract paintings decades ahead of male artists who are credited with the movement. Her works are ambitious, spiritual and future focused.
For more information on the gallery please visit www.seer-gallery.com.
