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 ART BEAT
With his Metro Galleries, Don Martin’s bringing a fresh new voice to Bakersfield’s arts and entertainment district
Company: Metro Galleries
Owner: Don Martin
Contact: 1604 19th St.
Bakersfield, CA 93301 | 661.634.9598 | metrogalleries@yahoo.com
INSTINCT: How and why did you start Metro Galleries in Bakersfield?
DON MARTIN: I had worked as a gallery director previously and also co-owned a small art gallery in the mid-’90s here. The town was a bit too small to support fine contemporary art—at least for me to make a decent living! [Laughs]
What did you do?
I returned to television news and worked as design and marketing director for the CBS and Fox affiliates for 10 years. I found myself working 60-plus hours a week and no longer feeling satisfied. I decided that the community needed and was ready for an upscale contemporary art gallery. To help support the endeavor, I designed the business in four components: the gallery, artist representation, rental of the gallery for special events and an upscale wine lounge. So far the most challenging thing has been getting the lounge opening. Art sales have done better than expected, and the rental business is booming.
Is there a gay following for fine art in Bakersfield?
I do have a small gay clientele, mostly older, established couples. One of my goals is to get a younger demographic to develop an appreciation for art at an earlier age and become a collectors.
How would you go about that?
I try and develop a relationship with my clients. I find out what they like—colors, styles, etc. When I discover a piece that a certain person may like, I have them take a look. I also allow clients (with a deposit) to take larger pieces home and live with them for a week or so. It’s important they see the work in their home and at different times of day or under different lighting conditions. Above all, I want them to be happy with a piece, so hopefully it will be a lifelong source of enjoyment. I’ve also been known to trek out to a client’s house with four or five pieces and hang them!
The pieces, not the clients, we hope. Kidding!
I do whatever it takes. By creating these relationships, many of my clients have become personal friends and return time and time again to my gallery.
With the economy, do you think art may become a luxury item people won’t want to purchase?
Well, Bakersfield has an odd economy because of oil and agriculture. Those two industries are, of course, booming. Many of my clients work in those fields. In fact, I am having the best four months in art sales since I opened the gallery. For the average person dealing with the cost of gas and other necessities, art certainly is a luxury item. I try to market to those people by offering payment plans.
What has the gallery done for the image of Bakersfield?
I would hope that Metro Galleries has improved the image of Bakersfield being a cultural wasteland. I represent artists such as Laddie John Dill, Keith Wicks, Dennis Ziemienski, John Curry, Bonnie Hineline-Kempner, Mary-Austin Klein and Mike Barker. These are all nationally known artists who are very accomplished. I hope by bringing them to Bakersfield it not only improves our community’s image, but also exposes the local population to amazing art.
How do you see Metro Galleries growing in the future?
I hope that the gallery will continue to develop as the premier space for fine contemporary art in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Hopefully Metro Lounge will be opening in the gallery this fall, and the marriage of art, wine, design and people will develop. It’s my brand: Metro Galleries, the fine art of living.
Why do you think so many gay men are attracted to collecting art?
Would I be stereotyping to say most gay men have great taste? That’s a very hard question, but I think since most gay men tend to be more cultured and exposed to the finer things in life that art is a natural expression for them.
Give us some tips for becoming art collectors!
First decide what you are attracted to—color, style and medium. Do some research online on emerging artists. If you have a small budget, find the emerging artists. Read their bios, research their education and history of showings. I have a few artists whose prices have doubled in the last four years. Get to know your local galleries. Talk with the gallery directors about who they think is emerging and promising and follow an artist’s career path. Educate yourself through these methods and buy maybe one or two pieces a year. The bottom line I tell my clients: Buy what touches you and creates an emotional reaction for you. It’s not about matching it to your couch!
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Instinct Online 
written by Jason Martin on October 01, 2008
I love your Gallery Don! You are such a inspiration!