The Founding of Art Always

Like many, much of my childhood was spent searching for answers to questions that didn’t matter.

An extremely pivotal series of events occurred when I became a ‘man‘ at 18 years old.

These events would change my life forever…

20 years ago I attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, for Illustration.

During my time there, I was taught many invaluable life lessons (too many of which were unfortunately learned the hard way).

However, one of these lessons came free from guilt.

The lesson, or moral, or whatever you want to label it, was what I call the act of selflessness.

I had heard of a man, a myth, who owned an art gallery that not only mentored local youth in their art and music careers, but also held private shows for these individuals and took absolutely 0% commission.

This is UNHEARD OF in the art gallery world.

That’s because this myth’s mission wasn’t ever to make money.

It was to create confidence in young creators to pursue their passions. 

This ‘mythman’ ensured that any income these artists earned from their art, they received. (I mean why would he take any profit for their own hard work, #amiright ?!?!)

While doing the whole school thing, I quietly attended a ‘Salon Show’ at the Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, where I heard this oddity of a man shared his vision.

Everything that people had said was absolutely 100% true.

The multi-floor gallery (which is set off to the side of Greenpoint in an area already seemingly discarded by the rest of the world), was bursting inside with creation.

The art, the music, the acceptance. 

It was all there.

I carried that experience with me for the rest of my life. 

My personal journeys have taken me far and wide, but I have never forgotten this man as an inspiration in every step I take.

Now, 20 years later, I recently entered a ‘Salon Show’ at the Greenpoint Gallery. My intentions solely to hopefully see the Gallery thriving with attention in such hard times.

My visit was bittersweet.

The attendance was great and everyone was happy and hopeful. 

But, when I was able to finally speak face to face with this ‘mythman’ and tell him how he inspired me, I heard that the Gallery was at risk of closing.

Having dedicated his life to giving and mentoring, Shawn James, Founder of the Greenpoint Gallery, admitted that his lack of business and marketing expertise (Does anyone really expect artists to have business skills? They breathe creation, not possession.) and the onslaught of recent world events (Covid-19, flooding, medical complications) have brought his vision to its final days.

After my own hot minute in art and music stardom, I have spent the rest of my career in digital marketing and coaching business how to succeed.

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the art industry has become more and more ‘business’ than ‘art’.

True intentions of keeping the ‘creative spirit’ alive have been suppressed under the heavy weight of modern, money-driven societal initiatives and the high-cost of living.

But these institutions are businesses that drive society.

They are failing not because of lost vision or failed initiatives. Not because of ill-intentions or deceptive practices.

They just haven’t been getting their word out successfully.

Can a flower bloom if it has no light? (well…maybe some can with fertilizer lol)

Pillars of inspiration in society, like Shawn (now age 57), are not to blame for this at all. 

The business world has exploded rapidly with constantly changing rules and legalities. The marketing industry flies by the seat of its pants based on whatever Google and Facebook do.

It’s been incredibly difficult for anyone to keep up with this, let alone individuals who dedicate all of their time to helping others.

Now, with scientific evidence supporting the healing effects of art (Google this shiz), I cannot sit idly by.

I founded Art Always to help keep art institutions alive everywhere. So that art remains visible EVERYWHERE.

Art Always does not donate directly to any charity, non-profit, or business.

Instead, we provide proven, data-driven marketing advice and adaptive business strategies for modern ‘givers’ to succeed in getting their word out.

Help me pay it forward to these people who have paid it forward before me.

Help me pay it forward so people like Shawn James can continue their visions during their lifetimes and extend those visions far into the future. As far as f’n possible.

Please donate if you can to current projects and keep checking back for updates.

In addition, please contact us, if you feel you are a business/non-profit in need of modern, technical marketing and business strategy assistance.

Thank you for reading this and considering my initiative.

I appreciate it from the very bottom of my heart.

Matt Mizerek

IG @nobodybeatsthemiz