Curator launches own contemporary art gallery
Artist, curator and gallery owner—seldom do you find one person who masters all of these disciplines. But Nicole Royse, founder of the Royse Contemporary gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, does it with style and finesse. She’s known about town for being the go-to for arts and culture in the Valley.
The Cali native has a Bachelors degree in Art History and previously served as curator for The monOrchid, a gallery and venue in downtown Phoenix. Now she has her own gallery space, featuring myriad emerging and established artists in monthly shows. I recently caught up with Nicole to chat about being an artist and running her own gallery.
“I began pursuing my art career upon graduating from ASU, having accumulated over 65 shows. In 2013, I felt the need to reconnect with the art community and use my experience, energy and passion to help the local arts.”
How did you get started as an artist?
I discovered my love for art at an early age, exploring it in high school but decided on Art History when I entered Arizona State University (ASU). I graduated from ASU receiving my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Art History. I took some art classes, but I truly enjoyed art history—the research and writing were wonderful. I began pursuing my art career upon graduating from ASU, having accumulated over 65 shows. In 2013, I felt the need to reconnect with the art community and use my experience, energy and passion to help the local arts.
What inspired you to open your own gallery?
After many years of curating for other galleries, working with hundreds of artists and curating hundreds of exhibitions, it felt like the right time to create my own space. I wanted to expand the reach of the arts community and contemporary art to Scottsdale, while continuing to work with artists and collectors on a broader basis.
What has been the most challenging part of being an artist and gallery owner?
Expanding my brand, building my collector base and generating more sales for my artists. The art market is challenging and often considered a luxury purchase, so my goal with Royse Contemporary has always been to provide a variety of art and price points to show collectors—no matter the budget you can still afford, and should collect art.
