by Lydia Kacala
Art galleries across Northeast Ohio are being impacted differently by the uncertainty laced throughout the economy, with some seeing declining sales and others reporting that they haven’t seen any changes just yet.
According to online art marketplace, Artsy.net, arts professionals and lawyers seem to be in agreement that artworks might be exempt from tariffs, but confusion on the issue still lingers. The confusion comes from a fact sheet published by the White House on April 2 that claims articles listed under 50 USC 1702, which includes artworks, photographs and posters, “will not be subject to reciprocal tariffs,” Artsy reported.
To learn more about how local galleries are being impacted by tariffs and other changes in the economy, Canvas spoke with five galleries scattered throughout Northeast Ohio.
Contessa Gallery
Contessa Tscherne, founder and co-owner of the collector-oriented Contessa Gallery in Woodmere, says the economy is a factor in the operations of her gallery, which also has locations in Southamption, N.Y. and Palm Beach, Fla., but it’s not a driving force.
“I believe that the evolution of the art market is shaped by its ability to respond to the global narrative,” Tscherne, a Cleveland resident, says. “I see a remarkable shift with female artists gaining recognition and influence. This isn’t just a passing trend; it reflects a true desire for diversity and representation in the creative world. As these talented women earn acclaim and their work appreciates in value, they challenge the traditional dynamics of the market, that has historically favored male artists.
“This change encourages collectors to diversify their portfolios, looking for pieces by women artists that offer not just visual pleasure but also real investment potential.
In addition, the growing prominence of female artists aligns with broader societal movements, advocating for gender equality and representation. Art has a uniqueness of reflecting and shaping culture, and this growing recognition serves as a commentary on important contemporary issues, attracting collectors who appreciate art that resonates with relevance and meaning.”
Tschernee finds that her collectors approach the art world in times of economic uncertainty as though its an “investment vehicle,” she says.
“In today’s complicated financial landscape, art has become a powerful alternative investment,” she says. “Unlike traditional stocks, which can be unpredictable, art offers a tangible asset that has consistently appreciated over time.
By investing in the right pieces, collectors not only have the potential for greater returns, but also support the artist and movements they’re passionate about. It’s a win-win, both financially rewarding and culturally enriching.”
While shifting toward more hard assets, collectors are looking for artists with proven track records, she says.
“Collectors are increasingly attracted to blue-chip artists with proven track records, especially in a market that often feels unpredictable,” Tscherne says. “Investing in artwork from these established artists provides a reassuring sense of stability. These pieces aren’t just decorations on the wall; they represent a legacy and a value that appreciates over time. I strive to curate collections that not only resonate emotionally, but also set a gold standard in the industry.”
Koehn Sculptors’ Sanctuary on Green
Since Koehn Sculptors’ Sanctuary on South Green Road in South Euclid doesn’t open again until the fall, the true impacts of the economy won’t be seen for a couple of months for Victoria Koehn, who co-owns the gallery with her husband, Norbert Koehn, she says. However, she has some items stocked that she didn’t pay tariffs on.
“I bought a lot of items pre-tariff, so I’m not paying tariffs on a lot of the many tariffs,” Koehn, a South Euclid resident, says. “I have a lot of carry-over, so there’s no tariff on my current inventory. And, I’m not going to know how people are spending until the fall.”
Koehn isn’t facing problems with sourcing items for her gallery, which include sculptures from the studio and items from around the world, but they are becoming more expensive, she says.
“Everything’s available,” she says. “Prices have gone up. Tariffs are applied. Some things are going to be more expensive. That’s it in a nutshell.”
She says she is approaching her busy season as she normally would, wanting to continue to bring joy to the community.
“I’m going business as usual,” Tschernee says. “We are a Christmas shop. We bring gifts from all around the world. We bring happiness and joy to everybody, and that’s what I want to continue to do.”
other times of uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she says.
“It’s been a steady growth process here because there’s really no other art galleries in Geauga County, I don’t think,” Glasscock, a Newbury Township resident, says. “There’s a couple, like the Fairmont Center for the Arts, but not an actual every day, open art gallery. And, hosting shows and doing all these events is a way for me to get people to come in here and then see the talented local artists work.”
She says hosting events has given her opportunities to continue to advertise the gallery, as well as provide a fun space for those that attend the events.
“It’s an opportunity for somebody to be in the gallery, enjoying themselves, sitting around,” Glasscock says. “And, as they’re sitting here, they’re able to view all the beautiful things because this place is jam-packed with very talented local artist’s work.”
Foothill Galleries of Photo~Succession
Michael Weil, owner and artist at Foothill Galleries of the Photo~Succession in Cleveland Heights, is no stranger to navigating complicated situations brought on by forces outside of his control at the gallery. In 2020, the gallery grew quiet due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Weil worked to connect with his audience over Zoom and other online formats, he says.
“I think we did a decent job of that, having never heard of Zoom prior to the pandemic, and then learning what Zoom was and the opportunities to have artists speak about their work to an online, virtual audience,” Weil, a Cleveland Heights resident, says. “And then by 2022, we were back up and running at a more traditional, normal flip.”
He says, however, that the works shown at the gallery haven’t been specifically focused on social or economic issues, as the shows tend to be more focused on certain artists.
“For the most part, the work that we’ve shown has
been work that artists, fine artists, have been creating, of course during whatever experiences in their lives and in the community’s lives (that) were going on,” Weil says. “But, most of the work has not been explicitly confronting economic or social hardships. We have had images by artists of protests that have gone on in town, but we didn’t have a show specifically dedicated to that.”
Going forward, small businesses and galleries will have
to figure out how to continue the work they do while being sensitive to challenges communities are facing during “a really volatile economic marketplace and life experience,” he says.
“Fortunately, we have a number of wonderful galleries in Northeast Ohio, wonderful arts institutions that will continue to provide us these opportunities to see the talent of artists in our community and to experience that despite the hardships and uncertainty that we’re facing,” he says, adding that supporting local artists is essential to “our lives and souls.”
Artisans’ Corner Gallery
In September, Artisans’ Corner Gallery in Newbury Township will celebrate its ninth anniversary. Recently, sales at the gallery have been down.
“I think people have been leery about spending their extra money because I don’t think there’s much extra money going around right now, but I know things are starting to pick up,” Monica Glasscock, owner and framer at the gallery, says.
Over the years she has seen the gallery grow, even through other time of uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she says.
“It’s been a steady growth process here because there’s really no other art galleries in Geauga County, I don’t think,” Glasscock, a Newbury Township resident, says. “There’s a couple, like the Fairmont Center for the Arts, but not an actual every day, open art gallery. And, hosting shows and doing all these events is a way for me to get people to come in here and then see the talented local artists work.”
She says hosting events has given her opportunities to continue to advertise the gallery, as well as provide a sun space for those that attend the events.
“It’s an opportunity for somebody to be in the gallery, enjoying themselves, sitting around,” Glasscock says. “And, as they’re sitting here, they’re able to view all the beautiful things because this place is jam-packed with very talented local artist’s work.”
District Gallery
Karen Chaikin, owner of District Gallery in Shaker Heights, says she opened the gallery about ]five-and-a-half years ago and has seen it grow to have a roster of about 70 local, national and international artists. The gallery has continued to grow “despite the economy,” she says.
“What we found is that you don’t have to go to New York (City) or Chicago or L.A. to buy really great art,” Chaikin, who owns the gallery with Richard Uria, says “We have it.”
The gallery hasn’t seen a decline in business, as they’re “busier than they’ve ever been,” she says.
“Perhaps it’s because of we continue to grow our roster of artists and we’re really working on having events that bring people in,” Chaikin, a Shaker Heights resident, says. “We also do a lot with the community.”
While she hasn’t seen a decline at the gallery, she is keeping it at the front of her mind and paying attention to changing trends, she says.
“I worry about it every day because I, of course, I’m a worrier, but I have to be truly honest, (there’s) no (change),” she says. “Not at this time. I have my eyes wide open in the event that that does happen, but to date, I have not seen it translate into our sales or what I hear clients saying.”
Chalkin
ON VIEW
What: Contessa Gallery
Where: 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere
Website: contessagallery.com
What: Koehn Scultpors’ Sanctuary on Green
Where: 1936 S. Green Road, South Euclid
Website: sanctuaryongreen.com
What: Foothill Galleries of the Photo~Succession
Where: 2450 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Website: foothillgalleries.com
What: Artisans’ Corner Gallery
Where: 11110-6 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township
Website: artisanscornergallery.com
What: District Gallery
Where: 3393 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights
Website: district-gallery.com
