Marlene Kort, Ann Leago & Sharon Wolff

I had an experience recently visiting some art galleries that triggered this topic and hope to get your comments. The success of business is never based on one thing but delivering excellent customer care is critical. Unfortunately too many small business failures are due to poor customer service.  Many reasons can torpedo a business but failure to deliver platinum service is a sure way to sink revenues and lose credibility fast.

Because of this important priority, it is my responsibility as a business owner to ensure we are always at the top of our game. As often as possible, I try to visit other art galleries to see how they deliver customer service.  It is always my goal to learn ways to improve service for our customers.  I value every client that walks through Hunter-Wolff Gallery’s door and believe they deserve my full attention and the best customer care available.

On a day off recently, I drove to a well-known Colorado art district.  After a two-hour drive, I began my mission to learn something new.  Here’s what I learned. Six out of seven gallery representatives never said “hello” or looked up from their computer or desk to greet me.  I hovered, picked up things, walked in circles, and nothing.  None were busy with customers but seemed uninterested in me. If this is how visitors are normally greeted, then I now understand why many people feel uncomfortable in art galleries.  Only one representative looked up from her desk and said hello but never asked a question or tried to engage me in a conversation. How do they stay in business?

This was a shocking experience to me. Hunter-Wolff Gallery will always acknowledge you and your family.  You will always be greeted and feel welcomed. We will always take time to ask about your needs, tell you about our artists, their work, or anything else that is of interest to you. Good customer care begins with these basic courtesies. You will feel comfortable and we hope you bring your friends and family back for the next visit. If you don’t, please let us know what did not please you.  We make it our business to make your visit positive and help make your art collecting experience a pleasure with superior customer care.

I am interested to hear about your gallery visits, wherever you went, and if you have ideas or tips to help us improve the services we provide, let us know.

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Want to be liked?  Not sure how to tell when someone likes you? It should be easy but sometimes we get mixed signals.  Sometimes we misread those signals and then there are some people who are really, really hard to read because they don’t give any signals.  Besides reading body language, behavior, etc., you can just ask.  If that is awkward and it is still important to know, then you can simply join Facebook and ask people if they like you–even those you hardly know.

As a business, it is easier to figure out who likes you if you are on Facebook.  You just have to ask, “Like Us” and it only takes a second for the response to show up.  If you are reading our Blog, we assume you do like us and you might be inclined to go to our Facebook page and show us that we are likeable with a click of the mouse.  We’d like that!  If you have never clicked our Like Us icon, please do.

If something about our service or products isn’t perfect for you, we’d like to know that too.  Send us an email through our contact page on our website.

Go to Facebook and give us the thumbs up!

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Colorado Rope Baskets

Embellished with Deer Horn

Not long ago these baskets were just a pile of lifeless lariats tossed aside without a purpose. After thousands of hours working on a ranch, doing dozens of jobs all cowboys and ranchers know about, the lariat just loses its life and is tossed aside.  What does a rope do then?  Like many things, it is given a chance for  a new life.

A sculptor and cowboy named Gary Campbell took one look at those dirty old ropes that just seemed to pile up and decided he had to find a way to breath new life into them. Being an artist  and working cowboy, the lariat had practically lived in his hands for 40 years and he knew how to handle it for ranching purposes.  Now he was going to take on the challenge to handle it in another way — a way that made sense to an artist.

If weavers can make baskets from reeds and fiber, he could make baskets from a rancher’s working ropes. After making a few baskets, he began to picture more elaborate designs and  in a more colorful way and started dying the ropes (with some coaching from  his wife) in shades of red and rust and soft greens and grays.  He wanted to stay true to the southwest color families and keep the colors rich and inviting.  Gary’s been making his baskets for a number of  years, not as long as he trained horses but long enough to have a strong following. Today he handles those lariats with as much expertise as he did when training horses in the corral. We think you will agree when you see his baskets in person. His work is found in fine retail stores and art galleries like Hunter-Wolff Gallery in southern Colorado.  Some baskets have open tops, while other baskets are lidded or embellished with deer or elk horns and bone.

No two baskets are ever alike; they come in all shapes and sizes. Sizes run from small to larger scale and based on complexity can run up to over a $1,000, although the average mid-size basket is closer to $400. It’s time to lasso one of these beauties for yourself!

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There is a definite buzz on the Avenue.  The 2012 ArtWalk season is about to  start, April 6 at 5pm – 8pm.  Brochures are printed, banners are hung, new artwork has arrived.  And, the weather is perfect for strolling the Avenue to explore 17 galleries and more than a dozen open artist’s studios.

For those who have yet joined us during ArtWalk, put it on your calendar today.  Hunter-Wolff Gallery will have live demonstrations each month.  This month, you will witness Gary Vigen in action creating delicate paintings on stained glass surfaces.  These lovely gems are really landscapes created out of all glass; glass fused to glass for a new twist on wall art.  Stop in and ask questions!

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Window Treatment, Marlene Kort

We can look inward and outward and examine various aspects of ourselves, but with art we can find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

Music, dance and visual arts have that affect especially when we take time to open our ears, eyes and heart.

When I look at this 14 x 11 pastel by Marlene Kort, “Window Treatment” I imagine myself visiting a small village in Europe where people are friendly, the streets are narrow, and there is the pervasive scent of flowers and food—there is an abundance of well-cared for flowers overflowing window boxes and planters at the doorway to greet visitors.  It is easy to feel welcomed with that sort of greeting. I like being here.

Where does this painting take you?

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I admit I like throwing caution to the wind sometimes and just hopping in the car to see where it takes me—hopefully to an art exhibit. With gas prices, what they are today, most of us are more diligent in planning our outings, but you can visit us online anytime without spending a penny for  gas.  If you are saving your tank of gas for something more pressing—like getting back and forth to work—spend  as much time as you like viewing our newest art online. 

Early Morning Market, 16x8

We just posted “Early Morning Market” and “Enchanted Ride” by Laura Reilly. You can own both these pieces for less than what it costs to buy a new bike today.  If you would like to see other works by Laura, just click and browse or stop in and tell us what type of art let’s you throw caution to the wind.

Enchanted Ride, 8x13

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Isn’t it an honor to receive special recognition regardless of your mission? You and possibly a team of people, put effort into a plan and focus every day for excellence.  When outsiders recognize these efforts, singing praises, it is a humbling experience.  Like any other gallery in any other community, Hunter-Wolff Gallery is open to scrutiny and criticism by individuals and organizations every day.

That’s why it is important to always be at the top of your game. There’s no room for mediocrity or dissatisfied clients. It’s hard work pleasing the world around you, but making the effort has its rewards.  Yesterday, Colorado Springs Style magazine issued their 2011 Luxury Edition by identifying the “Best of the Best” in a variety of categories including “Best Small Gallery”. Being recognized by this particular magazine is a true honor. Having the opportunity to sit at the thrown with so many other prestigious “best” organizations is the reward we work for everyday.  With dozens of small galleries dotting the landscape of Colorado Springs, we are thrilled to receive this honor.  It shows hard work pays many dividends.

Thanks to all who voted for us and recognized the quality collections at Hunter-Wolff Gallery and efforts of its individual artists and staff. We hope you too are the best in your world.

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Marlene Kort Makes A Promise

This past June, artist Marlene Kort and her family visited Zambia, Africa.  Zambia is a beautiful and peaceful country and home to some of the best game parks in the world.  They were excited to visit their oldest daughter who was working with orphan groups in Lusaka, to see some of the remarkable game, and to connect with locals–and how they did!

In spite of its beauty, Zambia continues to be ravaged by HIV/Aids.  Life expectancy is 38 years, 86% of Zambians live below the international poverty line of $1 a day, and an outrageous 23% of the children are orphans. Only about 57% of the children ever have the opportunity to go to school, despite their desire to learn and have a better life.

The journey started in northeast Zambia at Flatdogs Camp in the South Luangwa Valley.  The small traditional village of Mfuwe sits a few miles outside the game park. Through the efforts of conservation groups, indigenous game numbers are improving and elephant and lion populations are being restored.  From a global perspective, this is good.  However, the now protected game freely wanders beyond the park boundaries to terrorize villagers and trample what few crops survive harsh conditions.  Although tourism in the game park provides employment for some villagers, there is a high cost for living close to these dangerous animals.

50 Children One Class Room

Several of the safari companies have served this park for generations and take measures to give back to the community.  At Flatdogs Camp, friends are part of this effort through Project Luangwa, a fund to support conservation, education and provide micro loans to families trying to start sustainable small businesses.

For example, when one of Flatdogs’ village employees noticed how many children were wandering the streets unattended all day, he decided to take action.  Most were orphans, living on whatever food and shelter could be found.  He began a small preschool, called Chiyembekezo School, which currently provides half day school for 50 young children.  A local church lends space and one very creative teacher gets paid whenever there is enough money. Supplies consist of a single chalkboard, some small plastic chairs, and children who are eager to learn.  There are no books, toys, snacks or essential teaching aids for learning.

The Korts visited the school and spent time holding and playing with the kids and were smitten.  Smitten and convicted! In addition to giving some financial help, Marlene made a promise that as an artist she would do some “Paintings For Change.”

Hope Brings Smiles

Currently, Marlene has completed three paintings reflective of the area.  Profits from these works will go directly to the Chiyembekezo School.  It takes only about $10 a month to turnaround the life of a child in Zambia through education.  Marlene says, “I  know that ultimately Zambia’s future will be best served through local leadership, so supporting education, especially by giving young children an early start, can be a tremendous investment in future changes. I would love to talk more about Zambia.  Feel free to visit with me at one of the upcoming gallery events, or for more information on these projects check out these web pages.”

http://www.projectluangwa.org/

www.flatdogscamp.com/community-involvement/

Next month, Artist Marlene Kort is contributing a beautiful acrylic grouping of ten paintings in celebration of Hunter-Wolff Gallery’s 5th Anniversary on October 1 for a silent auction.  All proceeds will benefit the children’s Chiyembekezo School in Zambia, Africa.

If you can help or know other ways to make a difference, contact Marlene or Sharon at Hunter-Wolff Gallery at www.hunterwolffgallery.com

Call to Place Your Bid 719-520-9494

 

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View Across the Sangres, 18x24

Laura Reilly knows how to pull you closer for a deeper, longer look with her beautiful vistas, mountain top views, peaceful watering holes, and all the lovely scenery Mother Nature works so effortlessly to deliver.  This new, delightful gem arrived in the gallery as a companion piece to larger 20×30 Springtime in the Sangres. It’s easy to fantasize about being at the very spot Laura stood when she painted these lovely works of art.

Both paintings are available for your enjoyment and comment.  We love to hear what you like (and maybe don’t like) about our collections and the work that Laura exhibits at Hunter-Wolff Gallery.  Look at this close up of her delicious brush strokes and vibrant color. Wow!

Close-Up Brush Work by Laura Reilly

 

And, while exploring these wonderful paintings, be sure to check-out her new vibrant Poppy paintings.  They will make you smile and think about how wonderful springtime is in the Rockies!

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It’s only May and Christmas is a long way off but you know that feeling of anticipation one feels seeing special gifts under the tree? That’s the feeling I get every time an artist announces new work is coming to the gallery. So when Laura Reilly called to tell me she just completed six or seven new paintings from her recent paint-out in San Padre Island, Cabana Beach and the Gulf coast, I could barely wait for her arrival. I know that all my senses were on alert and I was almost giddy; after all I am one of the first people to see her efforts.  She was about to reveal the results of many hours of work; work that she poured her heart and soul into every brush stroke for our approval and hopefully a meaningful connection. I know she too was excited to show off her new collection and looked to me for an immediate response.

I wanted to rush over and pull away the wrappings. My mind’s eye conjured up all kinds of images until the bubble-wrap was removed, fully revealing her latest prizes. One by one, Laura revealed her wonderful experiences and memories locked in oil on canvas.  OMG … so lovely.  Now that we have celebrated “Christmas”, it’s your turn to enjoy her gifts.  Here’s a quick look of several pieces from this lovely collection of seven 9×12 paintings. Stop in and let’s compare reactions.  These seven paintings are some of Laura Reilly’s best.  It’s easy to see this trip agreed with her. You too can take a trip just by visiting her work. Can you see yourself wiggling your toes on “her” beach in San Padre Island?

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