But they say a lack of funding means less creative input for those exhibiting and creating art.
Making a profit is one of the main challenges faced by Lisa Giroday, the owner, curator and director of Vancouver's L.E.S. Gallery, which has exhibited work by New York's Joseph Hart, Manuel Olia of Spain and up-and-comer Mark Delong of Vancouver.
The small space has been developing for three years, originally starting out as a studio that held the occasional art opening. Giroday added operating hours a year ago.
Throwing a successful art opening and drawing established artists to show their work isn't hard for Giroday. Selling art, however, is a different story.
"Getting people to financially support the gallery by buying work, and not just booze or books (at an opening) is another thing completely, so it's a total struggle," she said.
The 25-year-old works part time at a boutique to sustain herself and is currently taking an art history course at a local college.
However, Giroday said there is an upside to running a gallery that isn't focused solely on turning a profit. She said she doesn't have to stick to specific parameters in terms of what's considered marketable and commercial, which means she can have fun experimenting.
"(Because of) my interest in being different and my lack of interest in making money, artists find it to be an advantage that I can see it from an alternative perspective," she said.
See the full Canadian Press article.
Visit the Lower East Side Studio Gallery site for current and upcoming shows.
