Meet Lindsey Bell | Gallery Director & Curator

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

Hi Lindsey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, I’ve always known I wanted to work in the arts. I was very fortunate to visit many renowned museums with my family. Getting to see and experience such amazing art left me thinking about how impactful these experiences can and must be for others as well. Art is something that can connect us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, more meaningful connections with others, as well as a connection to the world around us.

This sentiment compelled me to pursue a career in the arts, officially, over 12 years ago. I have worked in museums and other cultural institutions during that time, having the opportunity to connect with the public by creating engaging experiences for visitors and also getting to work alongside the artists who are making the work.

It has always been a dream of mine to get to do all of that on my own, even before I ever worked at a museum. To own a gallery, work with artists to put together exhibitions, plan events, and connect with visitors, collectors, donors, and the larger community in a meaningful way. I always Imagined it would happen some day, even if the timeline or details were not always clear. The timing ended up being unexpected, but also perfect in that when the pandemic hit I was faced with some bigger career decisions and ultimately left the museum position I had at the time. Starting a gallery in the pandemic was pretty scary with so many factors being unknown and difficult to predict. Simultaneously however, it was also the perfect time to do so because I could really feel a sense of support and outreach within the Denver arts community between artists, arts advocates, and everyone in between. There was (is) a lot of resource sharing, checking in on friends, advice, and support that really makes me feel even more empowered to be doing what I’m doing. And all of that is really why I wanted to start my own business so many years ago. I feel like working with local artists to showcase and exhibit their work is meaningful not only for them, but is also impactful for the community at large. I have been able to do this work with the help of so many people. I have enjoyed the process and I’m excited for it to continue to develop and grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As I began to get into in the last question, getting to where I am today professionally has not been easy, and at times definitely did not feel straightforward or like a clear path was set out, but I have been compelled, almost automatically or inherently, to be at the point where I am now. It’s kind of like the saying “you can’t see the forest through the trees,” in that at times when I didn’t think I knew what I was doing, or that I was faced with a difficult situation that caused me to move or make unexpected changes, veering from a course I had planned out for myself. As I look back, each of those things had to happen for me to be where I am today as a business owner. I’ve learned a lot from having to veer off course, growing out of setbacks, and changing trajectories. But really, each of those failures or challenges were a part of the original path as is seen with hindsight. I’m really proud of just sticking with it and getting up each day to take on something new. I am so lucky that I get to work with artists and share their artwork with the community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Biking around the city is so fun and a great way to see things as you’re moving from place to place. I would be sure to take them to the Botanic Gardens in the afternoon and finish off with a picnic in Cheesman Park. Other things not to miss would be the Denver Art Museum and the MCA Denver with a drink at the Art Hotel or the rooftop bar after each visit, respectively. Another day would be strolling down south Broadway and dipping in to the myriad of shops and bars. Then we’d have to make a day out of RiNo. I love that there are so many breweries, restaurants, and bars amongst the amazing art all around you. I suggest talking a walk down the art alley in between Larimer and Walnut streets, where a huge concentration of these murals live.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A thanks is truly not enough for all of the love, labor, and support my family has given me.

I also want to thank all of the artists who have graciously opened up their studios and practices to me, who I have worked with, exhibited, gained advice from, or even just had a conversation with. Without artists I wouldn’t be able to do what I do!

Thank you also to everyone and anyone who has visited the gallery. You give meaning and purpose to my passion.

Website: bell-projects.com

Instagram: bell_projects

Facebook: bellprojects

Other: email: info.bellprojects@gmail.com

Image Credits
Brian Douglas Bell