Art fairs this year are going virtual! While things will definitely look different, the talent is still strong. Bluestone Fine Art Gallery is among participations in the inaugural Hamptons Virtual Art Fair (HVAF) featuring Post-War and Contemporary art from Wednesday, September 2 through Monday, September 7.
“We work closely with collectors, designers and architects, helping clients select the art best suited for residences, businesses and other venues across the country. Our goal is to always showcase the most engaging works,” reflected Regan.
Philadelphia’s Bluestone Fine Art Gallery was established in 2011 by Pamela A. Regan. The gallery features original works of art by contemporary artists. They will exhibit the following gallery artists at HVAF: Stephen Cimini, Chris Cox, Stuart Dunkel, Jeff Erickson, Ekaterina Ermilkina, Su Knoll Horty, and Nancy Neill. The artists Bluestone Fine Art Gallery exhibits are all established and some international collected. Other artists represented have works in museums and even in a major feature film. In addition to the online showcase, the exhibition may be viewed in person, by appointment, or at Bluestone Fine Art Gallery (72 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia).
“As a resident of the Hamptons, my life and career have centered around this region for over 20 years. Anyone who travels here during the summer for the arts knows what a loss the shutdown is. I founded my first Hamptons fair here and have been a collector of a number of local artists, so I wanted to try to deliver some of what makes this region so special,” said Founder and Executive Director of HVAF, Rick Friedman.
We spoke with Pamela A. Regan to learn more about her gallery and participation in HVAF.
Pam, you started Bluestone Fine Art Gallery in 2011. What was the drive behind starting that venture and what continues to drive you over the years?
PR: It was more of a suggestion, rather than a drive, that led me to opening an art gallery. My husband casually mentioned the idea and I took on this passing comment and turned it into a thriving venture. Entrepreneurship runs in both of our families and we are art collectors. So, Bluestone started out as an idea and has turned into one of the best galleries in Philadelphia. My initial motivation of exhibiting quality artworks that are created by talented artists, has only grown over the past nine plus years and it continues to motivate me along this journey.
The typical art fair we host in the Hamptons is looking much different this year as it takes a virtual approach. What are you most excited about?
PR: Yes, The Hamptons Virtual Art Fair does look much different from the usual Hamptons fair. Having a strong and creditable reputation of delivering works of art to our clients, site on seen, isn’t new to Bluestone. Many if not most of our clients, add to their collections by making a purchase from the Bluestone website. The Bluestone team has shipped artworks to our clients in 30 of the 50 states and five international countries. So, the virtual art fair seems like a very logical next step. I am most excited to share our exhibition to the virtual art collector, as this is the way of the future.
Can you speak a bit about the artists your gallery is representing? What should Hamptons locals be on the lookout for this year?
PR: Bluestone Fine Art Gallery represents approximately twenty contemporary artists from Philadelphia and around the country. Each and every artist that Bluestone represents is professional and talented. Many of our artists are collected by museums and universities, some are internationally collected, one has several paintings in a major feature film, and one is in the collection of Kelly Clarkson. Hamponites should be on the lookout for a unique work of art that they want delivered right to their location without needing to put their health at risk during this time of social distancing.
What’s next for Bluestone Fine Art Gallery?
PR: When Bluestone Fine Art Gallery opened in 2011 art galleries weren’t as transparent as they are today. From day one, Bluestone has posted prices and offered online shopping. We want our clients to be confident that they can trust Bluestone to represent talented artists who create quality works of art that stand the test of time. This has been our past and this will continue to be our future. We will continue to evolve with the times as people want to collect works of art during a pandemic.
Bluestone Fine Art Gallery is located at 72 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia. To learn more, visit The Hamptons Virtual Art Fair’s website at www.hamptonsvirtualartfair.com.