Reflections on Seven Years of Owning an Art Gallery
Seven years ago, I embarked on a journey that many dream of - owning an art gallery. It’s been a whirlwind of learning, creativity, challenges, and personal growth.
When I first decided to buy Petroff Gallery, it was driven by a deep passion for art and a desire to begin a new project that would make use of that passion and my love of all things design. I often think about whether I would have begun this type of endeavour from the ground up; buying a beautiful existing gallery that was lovingly curated by several people for many years made it a much easier decision and the gallery's great reputation allowed me to step into the role in a much easier way.
A huge part in my transition was the fantastic team that I still work with, who taught me a great deal about many aspects of the gallery and the art world. There was a significant learning curve and I consider myself very fortunate to work with these very professional individuals on a daily basis.
One of the most rewarding aspects of running the gallery has been fostering a vibrant community. From the many incredibly talented artists who display their work at Petroff to the art enthusiasts and collectors who visit regularly, the gallery has become a hub for artistic dialogues and creativity. Petroff is a unique space in the art world, the ability to display and sell art from such a diverse range of mediums has always been its calling card in Toronto as well as in Canada. The gallery has become a vital contemporary hub with appeal across generations, allowing collectors, regardless of their financial position, the ability to own an original piece of art from emerging and established artists.
Our growth and expansion onto digital platforms like 1stDibs and adapting to the new world of social media and digital placements has been a challenging and yet an interesting journey. It's incredible to be able to share the works of our artists to international audiences worldwide and be able to show collectors how a piece can look in their space and how easy it has become to ship to places around the world. We are continually looking to expand our reach and explore new ways to engage with audiences. The art world is always shifting and we will continue to adapt and provide a dynamic and innovative environment for our clients and artists.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to work in this beautiful environment and I love the challenge it provides.
Jackie Zimmerman, Gallery Owner
