What is your job title?
I’m a Partner at Skarstedt Gallery which is located on 79th and Madison Avenue
Describe yourself in 3 words..
Grateful. Compassionate. Ready.
How do you juggle pregnancy, having 2 toddlers, and a very important full time job at Skarstedt gallery?
I really try to maintain perspective throughout my crazy day. Whether speaking with an artist or collector, taking my children to school or working on an exhibition, my focus is constantly shifting so it's important to keep the big picture in mind. I also think it's important to talk about the challenges of motherhood and balancing busy career with experienced family and friends. There is no reason why we need to be secretive about how much sh*t goes down before 8 am!
With all that you do, how do you carve out "me" time and how do you like to spend that time?
There isn't a ton of "me" time but when I have it, I'll go to a yoga class or spend time at a museum show or go to the opera (But I usually don't make it past the first intermission!). Me time is about finding ways to renew my energy, my passions and my focus.
What are your favorite art activities for children in NYC?
I just took my kids to the Frieze Art fair over the weekend and we enjoy going to Chelsea galleries from time to time. Just integrating art into our weekends, even if it’s a quick moment at the Guggenheim or the Met on the way home from lunch or a birthday party is one of the reasons I love living in Manhattan. I like gallery visits to be fun for the kids- we don’t plan them way in advance or stay too long. If there are meltdowns involved we leave and refocus our day. Art is a big part of my life and I want to enjoy it with my children as they get older. For now at 4 and 2 years old we just aim for a good time being together.
What museums do you find have the best kid-friendly exhibits (worldwide)?
The Guggenheim in New York has thoughtful interactive children’s activity workbooks which accompany the exhibitions on view. The museum's spiral ramp provides a unique viewing experience and it’s a fun challenge for kids to climb to the top. Right now the Hirshorn Museum in Washington D.C. has a major Yayoi Kusama exhibition on view which is a worthy art experience for the whole family.
How have your children inspired you in your art career?
My children, Beckett (4) and Etta (2), inspire me daily with their curiosity, excitement, and endless amounts of energy. Having them has made me want to take more risks, challenge myself in different ways by exploring my own curiosities and pushing limits in my career. Seeing the world through my children’s eyes helps me deepen my appreciation or so many little things that I would otherwise take for granted. I am so luck to be their mom
What is your favorite family activity in NYC on the weekends?
Just being together! We try hard to carve out down time where the kids can enjoy imaginary play or building legos and just hanging out. We are constantly on the go so weekends are a time to relish in some unstructured time together.
What has been your best family vacation destination to date?
We just had a fabulous family vacation in Palm Springs, California. We love being active on our vacations and we did lots of hiking and spent some time at Joshua Tree National Park. We enjoyed a couple afternoons by the pool following our active mornings and had some delicious meals. The Parker Hotel is great for families, the kids loved scootering all over the grounds and making s'mores by the fire pits in the evenings. We also love to ski, it was so fun to see Beckett have a real breakthrough this year and ski down the slopes with Dad. He was so proud
Who are your favorite artists for your personal collection? What art do you buy for your children's rooms?
Justin Adian is a young artist who makes soft sculptural paintings that I love. They are rigorous art works but they also have a humorous edge that can be fun for a kids room as well. In my personal collection I have a special painting by Lucy Dodd that inspires me daily as well as works by George Condo, Louise Lawler and David Salle that are among my favorites.
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
I hope I am able to instill the values my wonderful parents worked so hard to instill in me. I was afforded so many opportunities as a child and young adult but I was brought up to work hard, to practice kindness, to have empathy and to be appreciative for what I had; and that people are more important than achievements or possessions. My Dad used to say "I'm not raising any Princesses." My Mom always reminded us to slow down and see the beauty in the small things. The other motto I hope my kids absorb is "Family first!"
Pay it forward and tell us your favorite galleries to visit, other than your own.
There are so many great galleries- in Chelsea, David Zwirner, Barbara Gladstone and Paula Cooper always have quality exhibitions. We also enjoy going to smaller galleries that are more off the beaten path such as David Lewis Gallery, Half Gallery and Clearing.