Meet Gundega Stevens: Gallery Owner/Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gundega Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gundega, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is my family and the community in Colorado Springs. My family has been my biggest cheerleader since day one. But without this community continuing to show up for First Fridays, supporting me and the local artists I wouldn’t be here. To all the people that come see the exhibits, buy artwork and support in any number of ways I say thank you! I wouldn’t be here without all your support. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
G44 Gallery is a sophisticated yet approachable gallery featuring local and regional artists and artisans in Colorado Springs. I pride myself on the caliber of artwork I showcase yet I try to keep the artwork in a price range that everyone can afford. Art is for everyone. Owning a small business and owning a gallery is very challenging but as with anything you pivot and learn and grow to meet the needs of your clientele. I am a sole business owner, it is just me doing everything and that can be very challenging and hard. It takes its toll on family and friends but it’s my passion and the biggest challenge is finding that balance. I could not have done it without those same people cheering me on. My friends, family, artists, collectors, patrons are all my driving force. I’ve learned you can do anything you put your mind to. Put your head down and do the work, nobody else is going to do it for you. Thankfully I have the passion. I’m passionate about the arts, my community, my family and friends and each and every one of them drives me to do and be better than the day before.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado Springs is thriving right now with so many fun options to choose from! I would take them hiking around Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Canon, Red Rock Canon. A trip up Pikes Peak, a hike up the Manitou Incline. There are so many great restaurants the list includes Burrowing Owl, 503W, Pizzeria Rustica, The Roswell, Parvicinis, Four by Brother Luck, Rabbit Hole, Shugas, Saigon Cafe and Cerebus. Hang out at City Rock, visit Kreuser Gallery, Get a massage at Progressive Massage, workout at Progressive Fitness, get a facial from Sarah of Jang Skincare, and buy some wine at Sovereignty Wines! You really can’t go wrong in this city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first start off by thanking my husband and daughter without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today. My daughter is four and is my biggest cheerleader. She’s always asking to come to the gallery with me and wants to know everything about art! Abigail Kreuser of Kreuser Gallery – Her support especially during this trying year of 2020 is unmeasurable. As a small business owner you often work alone and having another gallerist to talk to, swap ideas with and to encourage each other is absolutely priceless. Jon Khoury of Cottonwood Center for the Arts – Jon has been a mentor to me since I started. He’s been a great sounding board for me for the past 9 years. And always has an encouraging word for me. The artists – I wouldn’t be here without them. They are what makes the gallery shine! Their artwork and passion for art and life is motivating and encourages me to keep going. I work hard to get their work out into the world. The collectors – The many forms of a collector…whether you’re coming in to view, purchase, like on social media, share a page, give a good review I can’t thank you all enough! The positivity I get from each of you keep me inspired and motivated to keep pushing forward.

Website: https://g44gallery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g44gallery/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gundega-stevens-990b285b/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/g44gallery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G44Gallery
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxQ3wWWlpc_cGnSPIFrJeg/videos

Image Credits
Gundega Stevens