JAVA Feb 2020

Photography: Jeff Chabot
Styling: Weezy’s Playhouse
Hair and Makeup: Nataliya Kovchan
But the McGarrys have taken a different approach than many galleries in terms
of choosing the type of work to show. Instead of sticking to one “genre” or a
selected group of artists, they’ve simply chosen to exhibit art that, in their words,
is of “extraordinary quality” that will “hold up over time.” At {9} The Gallery, you
might find realism, pop art, period landscapes, watercolors, abstract painting, and
sculpture, among other classifications.
The art they show is also defined by what they have access to, which typically
means work created by unrepresented local artists. Sean wants to democratize
the art scene here in Phoenix by not excluding anyone by age, style, or medium.
They’ve even shown costume designs by artist Irene Marie aka Weezy’s Playhouse,
and the gallery showcases more practical art, like clothing, furniture, and jewelry,
in its back space. For now, at least, they just want to “show great work,” Sean
says. “Greatness can come from anywhere,” he says.
Carrie Beth and Sean aim to support artists in ways beyond getting their work
sold, though. One way they have embraced the idea of contributing to artists’
growth is by hosting artist-run critiques. These are supportive events in which
artists present work that has inspired them, along with what they produced as a
result. The atmosphere is friendly and constructive, much like art school, except
without the harsh critiques. So far, there have been about a half dozen of the
events; they’ve included local artists such as Jillian Bennett, Henry Bosak, and
Antoinette Cauley, to name a few.
Sean points out that support for artists can also mean providing supplies, offering
studio space, or buying advertising for artists to keep them thinking forward.
Both curators embrace the idea of helping artists with the business aspect of
their careers. For many artists, it’s a struggle to be creative, entrepreneurial, and
business savvy all at the same time.
Carrie Beth wants artists to focus on making great work and to let her do all the
marketing. Parallel to her role, Sean hopes to be the middleman between artist
and art collector, therefore lessening the burden on the artist. His suggestion to
artists, or anyone for that matter, is to not negotiate for yourself, as there’s too
much of an emotional attachment. With these skillsets, the pair make a great art
management team.
As far as their business partnership and how they complement one another, Sean
is more engaged with the artists and focused on the art shown at the gallery,
while Carrie Beth takes care of the bookkeeping, management, and marketing. She
says her favorite time of the month is when she can pay the artists they represent.
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