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    Jacquie Mahan Wants to Share Some Art with You

    The Mahan Gallery is still one of the younger art exhibition spaces in the Short North, but they’ve quickly become one of the most popular ones as well. After relocating to a new space in 2007, the Mahan Gallery has hosted a variety of national artists, including a highly publicized show this past March featuring The Cars frontman (and artist) Ric Ocasek. We caught up recently with gallery owner Jacquie Mahan to talk about what inspired her to open an art gallery and what drives her to keep it going.

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    Q) Was opening an art gallery something you had wanted to to for awhile?

    A) I have always loved art. I have my mom to thank for that. She was and still is very passionate about the arts. That rubbed off on me big time. And it definitely played a huge part with me wanting to become an artist. She also encouraged me to get involved. I feel very lucky to have had parents that not only encouraged but funded all my artistic wants from painting classes to cello lessons to soap making workshops. I was a pretty hyper kid so i wanted to do just about everything. And I’m sure my parents and brother wanted a break from me so It was a win-win situation.

    In high school, I studied photography at Fort Hayes. I went to college in Boston thinking I wanted to become a professional photographer but that soon changed when I got settled. If you want to know the exact moment that I figured out what i wanted to do, which was to open an art gallery, I can tell you. I was walking to my apartment one night from school during freshman year, and I stopped on the corner of Boylston and Yawkey Way, across the street from Fenway Park where the Red Sox play. The thought just popped into my head. I should open an art gallery. It was as simple as that. I think deep down I knew that I wasn’t meant to be a working professional artist. But I knew i wanted to do something in the arts, so this was the moment that I figured out my direction. From that point, I continued studying and making art, I ran the student gallery and helped curate shows in alternative spaces. After graduating in 2003, I moved back home and opened a gallery.

    Q) In November of 2007 you relocated from one end of the Short North to the other. Has the new space been an improvement over the old one?

    A) My first location was at 1042 N High St. It was cheap rent and the landlord was willing to let me gut the place. At the time, I was the only retail tenant in the building. Bodega wasn’t there yet. So being further north forced me to really market the gallery. I had to create a buzz to get people in the door. I had a lot of help. Especially from my spouse, Adam. It was a solid space, perfect for what I needed. Remember, I opened the gallery right out of school, so I had no formal business education. I was literally winging it. I made tons of mistakes, probably offended a lot of people, but I eventually caught on. Once I got to that point, I realized I needed a bigger inventory room and a larger gallery space. My lease ended and I didn’t renew. We were homeless for a couple months. I looked all over the short north but everything was too expensive. I was in high panic mode when I found my current space at 717 N High St. The opportunity sort of fell in my lap. The shoe store that was there was going out of business, they needed sometime to take over their lease, and that’s how it worked out. The landlord is great. The rent is reasonable. So far its been wonderful. Having this space has helped me build my business. For me, relocating further south has been a smart move.

    Q) What has been your favorite show or event that you’ve held in your gallery?

    A) I feel like I’m cheating on other shows if I say I liked some more then others. They are all so different. A show that pops into my head right now is “Electric Ladyland” with artists Kime Buzelli and Liz Markus. I think they are two incredibly talented ladies. I know I love a show when I want to steal all the art and take it home with me. I’m looking forward to December’s show. Artist, Suzannah Sinclair, is having a solo show with us. My co-worker Colleen, introduced her work to me and I’ve been following her ever since.

    Q) What do you think of the current state of the local art scene in Columbus?

    A) I think the Columbus art scene is going strong. Institutions like CCAD and Wexner have really pushed the envelope as far as contemporary art destinations go. The most recent show at CCAD, Of Other Spaces, really inspired me. In addition, there are a handful of galleries that I think put together smart, well thought out exhibitions. I have always respected Rebecca Ibel and the work she does. I do get frustrated with the “art shop” galleries. Its no fun walking into a gallery that has crammed a bunch of art that doesn’t make sense together in one room. I get most excited about thematic shows that have clear intention. To me, its those exhibitions that make the most impact. As for local artists to look out for, our September show is featuring three relatively unknown artists residing in Columbus. Aaron Troyer, Micah Daw and Paul Rentler. I’m looking forward to that show.

    Q) What sort of art decorates your home? Do you have any particular pieces that you’re fond of?

    A) Most of the art in my home is from my gallery. I have pieces by Kime Buzelli, Maya Hayuk, Leon Benn, Lawrence Webber, Alex Roulette, Bethany Davis, Derek Hess. I love narrative artwork… pieces that tell a story. I’m a strong believer in commissioning artwork. I have a great portrait of me when I was pregnant by Alex Roulette. I also have a huge graphite drawing of our son, Donovan, wearing bunny ears by Bethany Davis that is my most treasured piece of art. If my house was burning down, that would be the one item I would take out with me. Someday I would really love to own an original silver gelatin print by photographer Ralph Eugene Meatyard. I also have a lot of art by my spouse, Adam Otcasek. He is an artist and designer. Collecting slowly and growing a collection is essential. But I have to say my favorite art is made by our 2 year old son, Donovan. He makes a mean watercolor.

    Q) And lastly, what sorts of events are coming up?

    A) We’ve got all of our upcoming shows on our website: MahanGallery.com.  We’re always updating it.

    However, if I could plug one more website, it would be ColumbusDogConnection.com. So many homeless dogs (and cats) need good foster parents and forever homes. They are a great group of people that are making a difference right here in Columbus. The directors, Mirna Bowman and Kellie DiFrischia, are my personal heroes.

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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