Voices: Paola Oxoa, Mother Gallery, Beacon
Paola Oxoa
Paola Oxoa is the owner of Mother Gallery, based in the Beacon, New York.
What is a piece of advice you give to artists?
No two artists paths are the same, so I try not to give artists advise. They generally know what to do when they have safety, support, encouragement and space.
What qualities do you look for in an artist?
Vision, energy, drive, sensitivity, hunger and self-control.
Alessandro Keegan, Light Out Of The Hyperborean, Courtesy of Mother Gallery
Name an artist you don't represent that are particularly drawn to and why.
Alan Saret's work has resonated with me since I started looking at art. When I opened the gallery I wrote to him and to my surprise—he replied! He has become a generous mentor and I am always inspired by his contributions.
Tell us about why you decided to open a gallery.
After the results of the 2016 election I felt compelled to do more public facing work, that manifested in me opening Mother Gallery.
Jenny Morgan, Knowing What They Know Seeing What They See, Courtesy of Mother Gallery
How have you grown as a dealer over the years?
I'm still cutting my teeth.
What is the best piece of business advice you were given when you first started out?
To not open an art gallery, lol.
What is your favorite thing about your gallery space?
Our location in the Hudson Valley.
Name a gallery that you admire and why.
I admire Team Gallery. Why? It has to do with style I suppose.
Julia Kunin, Standing Double Dish, Courtesy of Mother Gallery
Julia Kunin, Copper Horned Figure, Courtesy of Mother Gallery