Scarsdale woman launches virtual art gallery
No Fear by Sara joy
When Heathcote resident Emily Mervis took up painting several years ago, she also began to survey the works of local artists. “I met with a lot of them, and was impressed by the quality of their collections,” she said. “There are so many talented people out here, whether they are emerging or mid-career.” These artists had a common problem, however: “They don’t want to market themselves, but they want to paint,” Mervis said.
That’s where she comes in. In mid-January, he launched Local Canvas (www.thelocalcanvas.com), an online art gallery where artists from our region can display and sell their creations. “It’s not a platform for me, it’s to connect the community through art and to celebrate original talent and affordable, accessible works.” Mervis said.
By Johnnyfaceoff
A pivot from the couture world
Mervis spent more than 15 years in another industry that values aethetics: fashion. “I worked as a buyer at Madewell, Gucci, and other places,” she shared. “My eye has been trained to curate.” To select artworks for the website, she applies certain criteria: “There they ones that speak to me. I stay away from landscapes—it’s simply a question of where my mind wanders,” she says. “Every week or two I am adding more artists.” Website visitors will appreciate the ever-changing selection, as no piece of work stays up for more than six months, and she doesn’t carry artists whose styles overlap. Every piece purchased is hand-delivered along with a note from the artist.
To source her offerings, Mervis meets with artists she gets to know through ArtsWestchester, as well as others that her current artists introduce her to. “I go to exhibits and shows. A lot of my artists are from Northern Westchester. It’s such a welcoming community,” she said.
Gallery operator Emily Mervis
More than just gallery services
Mervis is more than just an online gallery owner. “I help as an advisor to my artists. I give them advice on how to price their work, and what I believe is helping them find their voice. I pick the pieces that I believe best represent them.”
In addition, she has gone to clients’ homes to help them assess their existing art and determine the types of new pieces that will best fit into their collection. “A return to classic furniture allows a nice juxtaposition. People are bringing more plants into their homes, and might want something more muted,” she observed. Mervis also works with in her clients’ budget: “I won’t take any work that costs more than $10,000,” she said. A number of pieces are even below $500.
“I have so many hopes going forward,” Mervis said. “I would like to have pop-up galleries. It would be great to spotlight some of the talent that is happening for the younger generation.”
www.thelocalcanvas.com; @local.canvas on Instagram