For almost 20 years, Palette Contemporary Art and Craft in Albuquerque has been offering artwork for a wide range of customers and every type of budget.
By searching locally, nationally and abroad, gallery owner Kurt Nelson takes pride in finding a range of modern art in all price ranges, ensuring that patrons with varying financial capacities can acquire special pieces that align with their taste.
"It can be difficult to continually find artwork that appeals to a wide variety of budgets," Nelson told New Mexico Sun. "It can be easy to find the $25,000, or even the $2500, art object that meets our design aesthetic. It's harder, though, to find one that we can price at either $250 or even $25. We're challenged to be inclusive so that all gallery patrons who admire our artwork can acquire "that" special piece that both meets their needs and that they can afford. We take pride in doing research for people who have special requests that have been unfulfilled elsewhere."
Palette Contemporary Art and Craft, founded in November 2003, is drawn to colorful contemporary art characterized by clean lines, minimal and abstract designs, a style known to be in the high price range and often inaccessible for many. Nelson said his gallery stands out by being inclusive, and going above and beyond for each customer no matter their financial limitations.
"The 'world is our oyster' and we look far and wide to find artwork and other objects that are both consistent to our historical gallery taste and simultaneously offer people items that can be acquired across the price spectrum," Nelson said.
Palette's collection includes a diverse group of artistic mediums such as international art glass sculpture, paintings, limited edition prints, jewelry, wooden objects and works-in-clay. In addition to their core offerings, Palette 12 years ago expanded its repertoire to include mid-century modern items. This expansion encompasses vintage watches, radios and clocks that align with the gallery's design aesthetic.
Palette's exhibits vary throughout the year and can be accessed through various online platforms. This year’s exhibitions have featured Jean George Weigel (Painter) in late January and Doug Harroun (Glass Marble Artist) in March. Their current exhibit runs through July and features abstract landscape paintings by Ginnie Baer.
"We try to balance our in-gallery shows with those outside of the Albuquerque area in order to attract a broader customer base," Nelson said. "In the past, we have exhibited at such shows as: SOFA Chicago (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art) which traditionally has been a fine contemporary art glass show, Palm Springs Modernism, and The Los Angeles Art Show for starters."
In August, Palate plans to participate in "The Objects of Art Show in Santa Fe" followed by a "Pop-Up/Contemporary Show." In mid-September, Palate plans to exhibit at the "Reno Tahoe International Art Show."
