Women Who Inspire:
Meg White, Director at Gallery NAGA
Mar 11, 2021
Seems kind of perfect that we just celebrated International Women’s Day in the same week I’m introducing Meg White, the Director of Gallery NAGA in Boston in our March Women Who Inspire blog.
“We strive to be a friendly environment with a great variety in the artworks we show. Something for everyone!” – Meg White
Art has always been such an important part of my life. My husband and I are avid art collectors and every so often, when we have free time, we like to check out the latest local artists on display at Gallery NAGA. A few years ago, Meg was instrumental in helping Emil and I choose two pieces from artists we love, Keira Kotler and Nelson DeCosta. They are two very different pieces yet they complement each other so well. Her warm and engaging personality made it very easy to work with and trust that she was looking out for our best interest. Meg makes it a point to get to know her clients in order to guide them in the right direction when making an investment in art.
“We focus on educating our visitors instead of simply trying to sell them work.” – Meg White
Gallery NAGA ended up in the Church of the Covenant building after artists in the congregation in 1977 asked the church if they could use the space to hang their art. It transitioned into a cooperative gallery—Newbury Associated Guild of Artists–and was later transferred to a sole ownership in 1982. Forty years later and they are still tenants of the same church.
I highly recommend visiting Gallery NAGA and meeting Meg if you have the chance. But in the short term, get to know her through our Women Who Inspire blog.
Enjoy!
Kristen: What’s unique about the product/service you provide?
Meg: I run a contemporary art gallery, so really, everything that I show is quite unique! The gallery has been around for over 40 years and has been committed to representing and showing work made by artists living and working in the New England region. We’re the only gallery in Boston whose mission is dedicated to what’s happening in our backyard.
Kristen: If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
Meg: I’d seek artists living in underserved areas. It’s not too late to change, and I’m learning now about the communities in Boston and beyond that generate artists of talent, and not just the artists who are able to afford college and graduate degrees.
Kristen: What’s the most important business or other discovery you’ve made in the past year?
Meg: That working from home isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. I miss being at the gallery everyday and working around people. There is no substitute for engaging with art in person- the internet just won’t cut it.
Kristen: What’s one of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make and how did it impact your life?
Meg: Going back to work after having children. I wouldn’t go back and change that decision, but it was definitely the hardest one I’ve ever had to make. It’s been important to have my own career outside of the house and my kids have had the opportunity to learn from their parents but also their wonderful caregivers.
Kristen: What accomplishments are you most proud of, and why?
Meg: 13 months ago I would’ve said running a contemporary art gallery but after this pandemic, I’d say my business surviving over the last 12 months. I’m so proud of my artists for continuing to make amazing and profound work and the community of collectors who have made it a priority to support us.
Kristen: What is currently the biggest challenge to your success and how are you handling it?
Meg: The internet and globalization has been both a challenge as well as a boost to my business. The internet has made everything accessible, which is wonderful, but at the same time, it means you can sit on your sofa and look at images as opposed to walking on Newbury Street and visiting your local gallery. We’re partnering with local organizations to create exciting events that tap into a broader audience.
Kristen: How did mentors influence your life?
Meg: I’ve had a couple wonderful mentors that have taught me the value in looking at work from different perspectives. You need to be open to let art into your life.
Kristen: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
Meg: Doing anything outdoors with my family – we’re an active bunch!
Kristen: What mantra do you live by?
Meg: Don’t worry about the things out of your control – live and enjoy each day as it comes.
See the full article HERE.