Mary Bahus-Meyer
I had planned on becoming an art teacher, however, teaching jobs were scarce when I graduated. I changed course and spent several years managing Asian Art galleries in Maryland, then moved to the nonprofit sector. I managed museum stores and gift catalogs for The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore and the Library of Congress stores in Washington, D.C. before working as a Merchandise Specialist with the Smithsonian Institution gift catalog. That position entailed everything from buying at trade shows to developing exclusive products to copy writing for the gift catalog to meeting with museum curators. I learned to think on my feet, do research, negotiate terms, and figure out which products would appeal to our customers.
These positions helped me learn about the importance of combining business skills with art skills. I’ve been described this way: "in a room of artists, the most business-like person, and in a room of business people, the most artistic person.”
Artists without business acumen often struggle, becoming the proverbial “starving artists.” Learning how to work with customers, sell art and other products, manage a business, create a budget, handle marketing, and develop relationships has been key to my success in business. Artists need to think of themselves as running a business.
I want to share my experience and expertise with other artists, helping them become more successful. That’s why I teach classes and am available for individual consultations.
Consultations
- These can include marketing, setting up your booth at shows/fairs, how to approach art galleries, reviewing your portfolio, writing your biography, etc.
Gallery, Museum, and Business Experience
Galleries
- Oriental Arts & Antiques in Reisterstown and in Towson, Maryland, selling Asian art, accessories, and home decor and working with interior designers
- FastFrame custom framing store and art gallery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, selling moderately-priced paintings, photography, and small sculpture
Museums
- The Walters Art Museum, museum store and gift catalog manager in Baltimore, Maryland
- The Library of Congress museum stores, store manager in Washington, DC
- Smithsonian Institution Gift Catalog - merchandise buyer, product development, copywriter
Arts Center
- Wildfire Community Arts Center, Executive Director, Berthoud, Colorado
Businesses
Co-owner of 3 businesses
- Tocar, furniture and decorative accessories business, selling the designs of artist Cheryl Meyer
- Satori Grill, catering and food cart business, making food that's a bold fusion of Southwestern, American and Asian flavors
- Full Circle Creative, a graphic design and marketing firm. I handle public relations, writing, design consulting, advertising plans for clients and selling ads for ARTSource NoCo annual guide to the arts in Northern Colorado.
Currently, I work with Full Circle Creative and Le Buone Azioni dance event production company.