A Studio Session with photographer Howard Schatz

A three part video series with international photographer Howard Schatz is now available exclusively from GALLERY M and The Art Quarterly. The Art Quarterly's editor, Mason Hayutin, discussed with Howard what it takes to achieve his success, drive and passion which is behind every image.

Blind gallery owner begins 12th year

A small milestone for Denver's GALLERY M happened on November 1, 2007. The initial vision of Myrna Hayutin's fine art gallery matured to a big 11 years old. She admits that it wasn't only because of her insight to the fine art, photography and sculpture world. This Cherry Creek North establishment became what it is because of a strong family, supportive of her business vision to bring to Denver world class art from all corners of the world. Along with her business partner (and son) Mason Hayutin, they have made a permanent impact on the local, national and international art market. In 1996, the gallery was tucked away on a second level Fillmore location. For the next 6 years GALLERY M worked with emerging national artists like Alexandra Nechita, and established artists Charles Dwyer, Peter Max, Robert Kaupelis and luminaries to photography and sculpture. Today's gallery, located in 2600 square feet of a historic and distinct building continues to be a vibrant example for the arts. In 2001 the goal was to feature gorgeous works in a space conducive to acquiring art. Hayutin turned to her New York based Architect (and younger son, Saul) for a redesign of the space. Yes the halls continue to host the commercially viable artists like Nechita (she personally met with collectors in March) or Peter Max (his original show in Denver 2005 featured over 90 original works which he personally dedicated). Online, collectors from all edges of the globe have joined the GALLERY M family. Whether it is a distinct David Phelps sculpture in Miami, a Schlossberg-Cohen in Palm Springs, Alfred Eisenstaedt in Belguim or a Clemens Briels in Spain, the collectors turn to GALLERY M because of their expertise, professionalism and concern for each acquisition.

Currently, international photographer Howard Schatz has a beautiful exhibition at GALLERY M. "H2O" features almost all of his 24 water related photographs selected from his recent book including the Birth of Venus, Atlantis #1, and Underwater Study 2461 (the cover image for the book). Schatz, like others, typically launch their worldwide shows in Denver because of GALLERY M's continued reach into the local and international market for the arts. Just open one of his 17 books and you will find GALLERY M. As for Myrna's vision - she does not let her Retinitus Pigmentosa limit her ability to work with collectors. She is very computer savvy and unlike others with RP (Steve Wynn comes to mind), Myrna is able to accomplish in the field more than most without any physical assistance. The gallery is a treasure for the city and Myrna's nearly 25 years in the business is a honor that any art lover and collector, businessman or woman or Coloradoan can cherish.

Fall Auction results a mixed bag

With the heart of fall auction season underway, the results are mixed at best. In the painting world for the venerable impressionists and modern masters, significant works have gone untouched. Of course 35 million dollars is nothing to sneeze at – perhaps the potential allergies of Van Gogh’s hay fields is the reason Sotheby’s missed the mark last week. The possible reason for the 20 works that did not sell could be the shift in buyer preferences toward contemporary works.

On the photography front, GALLERY M artists faired well. Margaret Bourke-White’s NBC Transmission tower sold well above it’s estimate of $15,000 to $18,000 with the final $46,600! Andreas Feininger’s Photojournalist went above the auction estimate of $25,000 to $35,000 and finished at Christie’s “realized” price of $43000. On Nov 12, Alfred Eisenstaedt’s Ice Skating Waiter sold for $14,500 at Sothebys London while earlier in October the New York City photography auction was lightly attended and yielded an excellent buying opportunity for a complete underpricing of Alfred’s works.