Voices: John Pollard, ADA Gallery, Richmond
John Pollard
John Pollard is the owner of ADA Gallery, an independent gallery in Richmond, Virginia.
Tell us about why you decided to open a gallery.
In 1996, after grad school I was about to open a space in San Francisco, because I loved getting people together, all my friends were artists, and do it differently, less snobby, etc. but our landlord sold the building suddenly.. so this was an unfinished project.
What are some common themes in your program?
One theme would be humorous work. Not funny ha-ha work like a one liner, but something deeper, more subtle providing a path to discuss serious or complex topics without being pedantic or pushy.
Who is the artist in your program that you have worked with the longest? How did that relationship begin?
Jared Clark has been with ADA since 2006 or 7, when he was attending VCU (MFA Painting) and I had an artist suddenly drop out of a group exhibit. I ran to his studio and told him he had to be in the show which opened the next day.
What qualities do you look for in an artist?
I look for originality and honesty, an artist that is confidently telling their own story and not someone else’s.
Also loyalty, patience, and kindness.
Name a person in the art industry that you admire or look up to and why.
I really admired Hudson of Feature Inc. I looked up to him as a person and dealer because of the quality of his artists and the casual confidence in which he presented the art and himself. He had a wild sparkle in his eyes for art, not money.
Tell us about one show you are excited to present in your gallery this spring. I’ve been really excited about Nick Fagan’s upcoming exhibits. One of his jobs for the past few years has been as a mover, and he began making giant quilts from moving blankets. They’re big and beautiful! He is our Future Fair featured artist.
Nick Fagan, Detail: Gilded Break 5, Detail, Courtesy of ADA Gallery
Nick Fagan, Installation View, Courtesy of ADA Gallery