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How did your career in the art world begin and what is your education background?

My career began straight out of college. I was lucky enough to get a coveted spot as an intern at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. From there I moved on to intern at the Guggenheim in New York in the curatorial department under Susan Davidson. At the same time I was pursuing my MA in Art Market at FIT and beginning my internship at Mixed Greens Gallery which eventually led to a full time job.

Having worked in both galleries and museums, what did you learn about curating?

The most obvious difference to me was the pace with which you could plan and put on a show. Both museums and galleries line up their exhibition calendar years in advance, but the day to day pace in a gallery is FAST. Museums have additional worries — appealing to sponsors, board members and the general public. I was lucky enough to work for a gallery that put on shows for the joy of putting on shows.

What motivated you to launch Colman Art Advisory?

Life had other plans, and when I moved to San Francisco it became apparent that the best way for me to bring art into people's lives was not through curating another show, but by bringing collectors' attentions to existing shows, local galleries, and emerging artists. I've now been an art advisor for 10 years and the flexibility of working for oneself is wonderful.

How has your academic background shaped your understanding of the art market?

My college degree was concentrated in Greek and Roman Art. If anything, this background has allowed me to view the market with a longer historical lens. Trends come and go, but what ultimately remains is the art that speaks to the human condition.

Do you primarily engage with artists directly, or do you work more often with galleries?

I nearly always work directly with galleries. Most of the artists my clients are collecting are a bit further along in their careers and have representation. That being said, I'm always keeping my eyes open. I love going to Open Studios. I enjoy falling down the Instagram rabbit hole.

What qualities do you look for when selecting an artist or gallery to partner with?

Strong roster and great people. I look for galleries who are building solid careers for their artists, and who are trying to have an inclusive roster. I really appreciate the gallerists that go out of their way to send me previews or meet earlier hours.

What advice would you offer to other strong women in the field?

These two little mantras help me the most: 1. Trust your gut. 2. It's ok to say no. As women we are constantly pulled in a million directions. Know your goals. Are you aiming to expand your business? Or focused on work/life balance? I've found this to be especially helpful.

How do you choose artworks for a client's space?

There is a happy balance that exists — this is what I'm always driving towards. I work with a lot of new collectors and it takes time, sometimes years, to feel like I know exactly what they will connect with. Once a collector really connects with art, space becomes a non-issue. I would hang art inside my kitchen cabinets if I had to.