“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
Despite ongoing challenges in the retail sector, there are unmistakable signs of recovery and growth in the art and design industries. Leading companies are making significant investments and positioning themselves for a brighter future, and this momentum is encouraging for artists and art-related businesses.
Major Companies Investing in Growth
Here are some notable examples of companies making strides in the art and design sectors:
- Framebridge: Expanding with dozens of new retail locations to complement its robust online presence.
- Pure Art Printer: Marketing its fine art printing services nationwide, providing artists access to high-quality prints.
- WCAF Expo: Reviving the expo, Picture Framing Magazine will bring it back to Las Vegas in January 2025 to highlight the framing sector.
- FAMAART: Making a comeback in Europe after two years, focusing on frames, accessories, and machinery.
- Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams: Relaunching as a trade-only partner, reintroducing its luxury furniture brand with an upcoming showcase at the High Point Market.
A Call to Action for Artists
These businesses are investing heavily in their futures, and their efforts should inspire you to consider how you, too, can take advantage of the current market momentum. Whether it’s through:
- Building your network
- Refining your craft
- Launching new projects
Now is the time to act. Current market trends favor you, and those who seize this moment are likely to benefit most. Your free will is a unique human endowment. You can choose to reflect a positive attitude. I can’t encourage you enough to recognize favorable changes to your fortunate options and to act on them.
Time for Doom and Gloomers to Get Back
While some resist acknowledging that positive forces are starting to make significant changes—often for political reasons—our future is not doom and gloom. No one can discount the ravaging effects of COVID-19 on the global economy. It was the equivalent of the cumulative upheaval brought on by the internet and digital marketing, which uprooted entrenched industries, including my beloved Decor Magazine and Decor Expo trade shows.
These premier publishing and marketing vehicles were responsible for millions, if not billions, of annual sales, connecting companies with their buyers. The internet took nearly a decade to uproot and dismantle that 135-year-old business model.
The Comeback Is Coming, and You Should Get Ready
By comparison, the pandemic flattened entire industries in a matter of months. But we’ve turned the corner and are still rebounding from its incredible destruction locally and nationally. For example, the Infrastructure Bill has led to the launch of 40,000 projects to rebuild America. The Administration has announced over $185 billion in funding for more than 6,900 specific projects, benefiting over 4,000 communities across all 50 states, D.C., and the territories.
Historically, the art business was one of the first sectors to falter in tough times and among the slowest to recover. However, it is now primed to ride this wave of broader economic recovery. It stands ready to seize the opportunities ahead, positioning itself to thrive as growth returns.
Now is the time for artists to embrace a positive attitude and harness the improving conditions to position themselves in thoughts and actions toward a brighter future. By remaining proactive, open-minded, and optimistic, artists can chart a course toward new successes and growth as the market rebounds. There are opportunities—those who align their mindset and efforts with the recovery will be well-placed to thrive in the coming years.
A Personal Story of Resilience: Marilyn Sholin’s Asheville Galleries
On a more personal note, my friend and fellow artist, Marilyn Sholin, is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which wiped out her retail galleries in Asheville, NC, including all her inventory. Despite the devastation, Marilyn has stayed optimistic and is determined to rebuild. She continues to work from her phone, using the local Publix’s spotty WiFi to stay connected.
Here are some remarkable examples of community support she shared:
- After eight days without service, a mail carrier walked the neighborhood to hand deliver mail on her street, which is inaccessible to vehicle traffic.
- Neighbors volunteered to help take out trash despite downed power lines and difficult conditions.
Even with her physical galleries destroyed, Marilyn’s online store, Drunk Girl Art, is still operational.
How You Can Help
Marilyn is asking for support through online purchases to help her business recover. With leaf season—one of her most essential sales periods—around the corner, every order makes a difference. Here’s how you can support:
- Visit her Drunk Girl Art website to purchase unique art and gifts.
- Marilyn is adding free gifts to all purchases as a token of gratitude.
If you can’t help Marilyn directly, I’m sure she would agree that donations to the Red Cross or other charitable support groups working to help those affected by Hurricane Helene are just as meaningful. Every bit of support makes a difference in rebuilding lives and communities.
Take Action Now
These stories remind us of the power of resilience, community, and action during difficult times. As we witness the revival of key art businesses and the unwavering spirit of artists like Marilyn, this is the time to reflect and take action toward inspired living.
- Invest in your art.
- Strengthen your community connections.
- Position your business for future growth.
In recovery moments, those who act boldly often reap the greatest rewards. Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and move forward with optimism.
This is great news Barney! I am thinking of returning to my fine art photography biz myself. Perhaps in upcoming articles you can recommend the new ways we can show and sell online?
Thank you, Jeni! I’m thrilled to hear you’re considering returning to your fine art photography business—that’s exciting! The online art market has evolved significantly, and there are so many creative and effective ways to showcase and sell your work now.
I’ll definitely consider covering some of those strategies in future articles. In the meantime, I recommend exploring platforms like Instagram for building your audience, Shopify or Squarespace for professional e-commerce, and perhaps even virtual exhibitions for a unique way to present your photography.
Best of luck as you plan your return, and please keep me updated on your journey—I’d love to hear how things unfold!
All my best,
Barney
Thanks for the positive comments, they are very helpful.
Thank you, Louis! I’m so glad you found the post helpful. It’s always rewarding to hear when these insights resonate. Wishing you continued positivity and success on your art journey!
Barney, Thank you for this great article. It’s good to hear the art world is making strides in such positive ways. My own art journey has been tested extreme challenges after losing my art studio in the Lahaina, Maui fire on August 8th, 2023. Not only did I lose all of my art and art supplies my husband’s print shop and three of the five galleries I was in burned down too. My husband and I have relocated to Grass Valley, California, and have reestablished our art studios. The next two weekends we are participating in our local Open Studios. I don’t have a lot of original art to show, but I do have a lot of determination to keep moving forward.
Thank you for being a positive light in my journey.
All my best.
Darice
Dear Darice,
Thank you for sharing your story—it’s both heartbreaking and inspiring. I can’t begin to imagine the challenges you’ve faced after such devastating loss, but your resilience and determination to rebuild are truly admirable. Relocating, reestablishing your studios, and participating in Open Studios so soon is a testament to your strength and passion as an artist.
It’s uplifting to know you’re finding ways to move forward, even without a full collection of original art. Sometimes, that determination and the story of your journey can be as impactful as the art itself. I have no doubt your spirit will resonate deeply with those who see your work.
I wish you and your husband great success in Grass Valley and with the Open Studios events. Please know the art world is better because of people like you, who persevere and create despite the odds.
All my best,
Barney