Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Coates
Hi Ann, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Snow Hill is my hometown. Except for my college years, I have not moved very far. My husband grew up in Berlin, just 14 miles away. As they say, “we both had sand in our shoes” and came home to the Eastern Shore. I convinced him Snow Hill was the place to settle and the place for his family law firm to open a second office. After a brief career in commercial banking I turned to community service with a number of area non-profits. After 25 years of board meetings I felt the desire to contribute to the community in a different way.
Starting in the 1970’s commercial districts in small towns suffered the loss of mom and pop businesses due to competition from big box stores and changing buying habits. Snow Hill became a victim of these changes along with no population growth due to a housing shortage. By 2000 the small four block business district was struggling for an identity. Snow Hill, the county seat of Worcester County, sits along the beautiful Pocomoke River. There are two state parks just outside of town and the Chincoteague Bay a short drive away. There are many recreational opportunities within a 10 mile radius.
Playing off these aspects of the town made me think about what we could bring to visitors as well as offer the community insight into something people value. Art may not have been the answer for many people but for me it was. We renovated a great space, recruited local artists and opened Bishop’s Stock Fine Art & Fine Craft in November 2003. In 2010 we became a wine retailer curating wines from all over the world just as we do local art. Our name now includes “wine.” Where we are today has taken perseverance energized by an amazing community of artists, patrons, friends and a very supportive husband!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our focus is artists from Delaware, Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I had an appreciation for the arts community but limited knowledge about individual artists who might be interested in showing with Bishop’s Stock. My good fortune was a very dear friend, Noreen Godwin, who knew everyone. Without her introductions, I would have been lost. Once she encouraged me to make a cold call that surprised the artist but he got over it when he heard Noreen had sent me.
Acquiring an eye for art work that set a standard for the gallery did not happen overnight. Some artists are self-taught and are very talented. Others have studied at prestigious schools and are not as talented. A first glance begins the story but understanding the medium and technique gets you to the narrative. A developed portfolio gives a complete story. For 15 years we sponsored a plein air event that introduced many artists to us. Those relationships are still going strong.
The biggest struggle has been developing a market for our artists letting people know we are here. Snow Hill is not “art central.” Art marketing is expensive but having an online presence and using social media have provided many more opportunities. Another struggle is economic and out of our control. Art requires disposable income. It is not a basic need. Now, wine is different.
In spite of these bumps in the road, this is an amazing, enjoyable journey. Each month I am surrounded by changing artwork and interesting people. There is no downside when I unlock the doors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am going to go straight to the last 21 years as an owner of an art gallery. I am always asked if I am an artist. The answer is easy, “no.” I then continue to say my art is curating the work of others and making it “speak” to people.
Nine months of the year our art work changes monthly. Gallery artists are featured on a rotating schedule. We show a two-person show of work by Lynne Lockhart and Kirk McBride for two months and a group show through the winter when our hours are limited.
This means a lot of work collecting images for promotion, writing emails, website updates and keeping up with social media. The big job is hanging the show which happens before the First Friday opening reception. When the artist or artists deliver their paintings, it is like Christmas Day! What a treat to see the latest work coming off their easels. I do all the hanging which is why I say I am the curator. The artists frame their work and mostly the frames complement the paintings. A mix of frames – black, brown, silver, gold or just minimal floating frames – make my job challenging. In the end every artist compliments my work. It is very pleasing to hear “The show looks great. How do you do it.?”
The wine side of the business was also a push-up to learn. Finding the price point for our market was where we started.. To focus on building our inventory we created a monthly wine club which allows us to bring in new selections each month. Our sales reps are terrific having recommended wines that have not been repeated for 14 years. Complimentary tastings of monthly selections are offered during our opening receptions on First Fridays. Now our challenge is dealing with rising costs.
There are two other “gallery specialities.” One is recognizing other creative achievements by hosting events like book signings and chamber music concerts. The other is connecting people. Since opening, artists have made lasting friendship as have many of our patrons and friends. The circle keeps growing.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Starting any business has risks but risks are greater introducing something new in a small town. An art gallery the quality of Bishop’s Stock is a bit of an oxymoron for Snow Hill. Our biggest risk was renovating and repurposing a building as an investment property. My husband and I were committed to being part of a revitalization effort for the downtown business district. We had a terrific architect who helped define the space which then planted the seed for the gallery. Not the way to do things! Taking the risk has paid off with satisfaction knowing our contribution to the art community and the town.
Initially, when my hope to find local craft artisans was not successful, I turned to the wholesale craft market like the American Craft Council. That required an investment in inventory with very poor return.
That is when I shifted to selling wine and only taking handicraft items on commission as I do paintings. My investment in wine selling was easily recovered and continues to pay the bills. If a risk taker cannot see the benefit of change, their risk taking may keep them going down the wrong path..
Pricing:
- Original paintings $300-$10,000
- Serigraph/Prints $100-200
- Glass, ceramics, wood, fiber, jewelry $40-$500
- Wine $15-25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bishopsstock.com
- Instagram: bishopsstock
