On Dec. 23, an era of an artist came to a close. Olga, who has been doing art in the communities of Nashville, has decided after 60 years to retire from the industry that brought her much joy. As in any story there are layers of events that shape us as humans to change the course of how we are seen through other people’s eyes.
I was there the last day Olga closed shop at the Arcade downtown Nashville. A sign on the 4th street entrance read, “70 percent off all artwork.” I, an artist myself, was with my friend Edwin Lockridge (who goes by Tony to his close friends) and our interest peaked. We went up the elevator to find the sign was referencing the O Gallery.
We were immediately greeted by owner Olga Alexeeva, who was standing outside her store. We followed her in and we were told to disregard all prices and to look around. As we did we were told that all art that doesn’t sell is to go into storage.
During the course of time while looking, I mentioned that we had met before. Olga owned a storefront on Clinton street across from the American Pickers store in the Marathon Motors building. I was just starting out as an artist with not a large inventory to choose from. Most of my work was black and white. Olga was quick to point out the difference in her work to mine. She said it was beautiful, but people don’t buy black and white art anymore and that I would have it for a hundred years, to which I took no offense. What Olga didn’t know was I had gone to the Frist Art Gallery when I first arrived in Nashville to get an opinion. I was greeted by the assistant director at the time who told me my drawings were so impressive that they would waive the five year hold to display and show my art immediately. I thanked her but didn’t feel I had enough work for a show.
I had shown Olga two paintings of hers that I liked, but discussing the price it was not 70 percent off as the sign read. Later, I called a friend of mine, Ellie Kane, who gave me a different number as to what 70% was. I didn’t buy anything due to this. While leaving I asked Olga to be in a picture with Edwin Lockridge “Tony” outside her storefront.
In conclusion, when you put profits before people, nobody wins. The Arcade, which has been around since the early 1900s is under new management and still not open. When it reopens, it will hopefully be fair in price to its new owners of shops to be leased. I’ve seen many art galleries fail due to this. For example, there was a gallery next to the DoubleTree hotel, which read, “By Appointment Only” outside its windows. Perspective buyers want to feel welcomed and remembered. When you lose focus of your original goal or perspective then all good intentions go out the door. My name is Daniel Holmes and the reason I do art is simply from the love and joy my final pieces bring to the lives of those who I give and sell art to. One day I hope to be a household name.