The work of almost 40 contemporary artists hangs on walls or sits propped against tables, with more in racks – paintings, mostly, but also photographs.
There are local scenes captured on canvas by plein air specialist Gerard Martin or landscape artist Shelley Cost. Carole Rafferty captures structures and urban spaces, while Lesley Rich is more abstract. A pedestal features some of Kristine Taylor’s elegant sculptures.
“I’m sort of a mish-mash,” says Nancy Dodds with a chuckle. “I’m approached [by artists] all the time. I don’t have room, but I manage to slip them in.”
The strategy has been working. She has owned Nancy Dodds Gallery in downtown Carmel for 30 years. Since Taylor began showing in 2012, for example, almost 200 of her pieces have sold. Although Dodds insists she is not an expert – “It’s luck,” she says of determining what might sell. “If I knew, I’d only have one artist” – the artists themselves praise her understanding of the market.
While Dodds claims to be casual in her arrangement of art, the artists recognize her ability to display pieces in a way that stops passersby.
“She’s always had a wonderful curated selection of art and a very consistent following,” says Leslie Toms, who works with oils.
Thirty years ago, Dodds was a former waitress with a few years of experience at a gallery when she purchased the location. She had a natural eye for quality, an engaging personality and enthusiasm.
Her vision was distinct from sterile, studious spaces. “The gallery should feel welcoming, not intimidating,” Dodds explains.
So pets have always been a feature. On a Friday morning, Dodds’ dog Finnegan waits for a guest to approach. “I almost didn’t bring him in today,” she says. After years interacting with artists and patrons, Finnegan expects a treat for such behavior. “He can be a brat.”
A lot of effort goes into a personable environment, of course. It was Dodds who created an electronic customer database for the original owner. She reaches out through Instagram and an email newsletter. She can rattle off details about an artist or the collection of a regular patron.
But, Toms adds, “You can tell a lot about a person by their pets. Her gallery is very welcoming.”