| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Setting the Pace
Arthur Roger’s Zest for
Work and Life Shines Through
Story by Debra Kronowitz
He’s one of the most respected names in
the New Orleans art world and
among art aficionados worldwide. His experience was developed
hands-on, not in school. He has been credited with setting the
pace for fine art galleries in New Orleans and has played
a major role in developing the art community and tying it to the
art world in New York.
He is a risk taker, and
over the years he has compiled a list of must-see collections of
local contemporary artworks and national icons. He recently
celebrated his 30th anniversary in the industry. His name is
Arthur Roger.
Since opening the
Arthur
Roger
Gallery
in 1978, Roger has seen and been through it all. With modest
means and shear determination, he opened his first gallery on
Magazine Street. “The first five
years were pure hell,” he recalled. “The ship was sinking
quickly, but I never gave up. All the galleries and art were
struggling at that time; the formula wasn’t working. I tried to
do things differently,” he explained.
In doing so, Roger directed the artists to make their own work.
The response was well-received by the artists, but the challenge
lied in the public. “The resistance to contemporary art was
definitely there, but once people understood it, they responded,
and the gallery began to act as an educator and business
manager,” he said.
The art scene began to burgeon, and the gallery moved to the
forefront, attracting prominent artists like Robert Gordy and
Ida Kohlmeyer. Roger played a leading role in forming the New
Orleans Gallery Association and in arranging the successful
coordinated exhibition openings which transformed the
New Orleans
art scene. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Photos courtesy of Arthur Roger Gallery |
|
|
In 1988, the gallery
moved to Julia Street. In
1991, Roger opened in
New York; the gallery closed in 1994.
Recently, a satellite office was opened one-and-a-half blocks
from the main gallery.
The gallery business means a hectic schedule. For Roger, it’s a
constant negotiation to balance his time. He works at carving
out another identity other than the art world. His rule: one
should do what one does best. “That’s why, as a dealer, I never
attempted to create,” he said. Instead, he focuses his energy on
giving to the community. He has sat on various boards, including
the Contemporary
Arts
Center,
Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Louisiana Children’s
Museum. He is involved in Halloween’s in
New Orleans, a non-profit organization
that raises money for Project Lazarus.
Though tough in business, Roger does have a soft side. He is
close to his family and has a love for animals; he would like to
find time to be involved with the Humane Society. He rescued his
dog, Arial, and takes her with him to work every day. “She’s a
gallery dog,” he laughed.
Roger lives in the French Quarter and enjoys exploring with
Arial. “I love being outdoors. I go out every day as if
something grew overnight!” he exclaimed.
He
also makes it a priority to escape to his house on the
Wolf
River.
“It’s a secluded, wooded area without phones and computers,” he
said.
With 30 years
under his belt, Roger doesn’t see work slowing down. He believes
he has a tremendous opportunity to make more contributions to
the art world. From a personal standpoint, he wants to focus
more time to work on his personal life. “It’s constant work,” he
said. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
