In this Interview with Amy Bushnell who lives in Granada, Nicaragua, we discuss the expat life challenges and successes of being an entrepreneur and working overseas….Enjoy!
A couple years ago I began taking art lessons (oil painting) from my friend, Amy Bushnell. I’ve been very impressed with both her teaching, and with how well the art studio/gallery has been doing. Amy is a wonderful painter and teacher. Many of her students who were complete beginners when they started, myself included, are now actually selling their work. I interviewed Amy so that she can share her expertise with others. The gallery has become an integral part of the community at large, including both expats and locals.
What inspired you to open a studio?
I went to a studio back home (in the U.S.) for many years, run by Andy Braitman. He had a large space in a warehouse and offered many classes. Fees included instruction and all materials. It was a great environment. Students could work at their own pace and receive as much or as little instruction as they wanted. I learned more from him than anyone – he was a master. So that was my inspiration, and I purposely modeled the studio after Andy’s.
Can you talk about the process of starting your studio in Granada?
I bought all the materials, had easels made, and then started the studio out of the front sala (great room) of our home here in Granada. Soon people were coming, just by word of mouth. I operated out of the house for the entire first year of operation. Then, a friend offered me space in a large colonial house which was being used for a boutique, property management offices and massage, and that’s where we are now. It’s a wonderful space: excellent light, perfect location right off the main square with lots of walk-by traffic. I don’t pay rent, just commissions off sales and the owner gets free classes. I do pay to keep the space maintained and in good repair.
Just like Andy’s studio, fees cover all the materials except canvases, which can vary greatly in cost. I offer instruction in oils, acrylics and watercolors.
How do you promote the studio?
I usually get new students by word of mouth, and some find me on our website. www.nicaragua-guide.com People come generally from the U.S. or Canada, and Costa Rica. The operation is still small, with a core group of about 15 students, mostly residents here. Some folks are here only part of the year. We also have volunteers who offer to do free art classes for the children in the neighborhood during their vacation times. Occasionally we have a guest artist who will give a special workshop in his or her expertise.
What about children´s classes?
I occasionally receive donations of money and/or materials so then I can offer free children´s classes or provide scholarships for those who can´t afford lessons. Other children of expats or middle class families pay for the classes. We have one very talented teenager referred to us by a local private school run by a small NGO and he has a patron who is paying for all his classes and canvases. We hope to eventually send him to art school in the U.S. as he´s very talented and serious. I´m preparing him with portfolio work. I did the same for another talented teenager so she could enter an art high school in Atlanta. They were very impressed with her portfolio.
Where do you get materials?
There are several art supply stores in Managua, and we have the easels and canvases made here in Granada. Prices for paints, etc., are comparable to the U.S. so it´s expensive, and not all brands and types are available here. Brushes are of inferior quality and the pencils are terrible, and you never know what is going to be available from one week to the next, like everything else here. Local artists actually use house paint.
Can you talk about the gallery and sales aspect of the studio?
Shortly after opening in our new location, due to the high volume of walk-by traffic, we started having small evening events to promote and sell our work. Every few months we have an event with cocktails, wine and appetizers, and sometimes we have live music as well. We also had posters made of the paintings so tourists can buy a very portable, affordable piece of art. Our clients have included local expats, tourists, folks from Managua, and locals. A hotel recently commissioned a number of pieces. We ship anywhere – I just sent a large framed painting to Dubai. The boutique “Öle” in the same building here refers clients to us, and vice versa. We´ve also just started Granada house tours which meet here at the gallery.
Any advice for someone who wants to start an art studio/gallery in their new community?
Sure – be realistic. You´re not in San Francisco or Paris so you´re not going to get those high prices. Many of our pieces are priced between $150-700. Also, you can´t always get the exact materials you´re looking for. The buildings here are very open so there is a lot of dust, bats and insects to contend with. There are always potential art students. I only charge $5 per 3-hour class here and that is realistic for this community as many people are on limited incomes and live frugally. So it´s not about making a pile of money. It´s my passion and it´s fun. I have great students and I get to paint every day in a beautiful, tropical environment. I believe that anyone can learn to paint and will get a lot of enjoyment from it.
Do you have questions about starting an Art Gallery in your area? Let me know and I’ll see if Amy can help you out.
Do you have similar stories to share about the Art World and getting a business started? We’d love to hear from you.
If you are interested in more “Expat Life” stories check out Starting a Health Club
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