Meet Robin Schneider | Art Gallery Owner and Professional Photographer

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

Hi Robin, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As the owner of Art 1eleven, I feel it has nothing to do with the business or more to do with who I am as a person. I was asked once how I would make a difference in the art community here in Colorado Springs, the answer is teach this city about the wonderful artist here through kindness. Show them the value of having a great piece of art hanging on their wall over a pallet or crate that says something like “Live, Love, Laugh” from a big box chain store. Working with both the artist and the customer gives me a feeling of happiness that I never had in the corporate world. It’s such a rush when the customer is so happy about becoming an art collector and the artist feels the joy of someone appreciating their art work so much that they purchased it from a local commercial gallery. I get warm fuzzy hugs from both parties! I know myself as a person, that I could go anywhere, work at any place and this would be the goal. You have to work your whole life, so do what brings you happiness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The focus for me is on the gallery and supporting artist. This gallery is different because of how it’s managed and curated. Right when you walk in you will hear a friendly greeting and be consumed by the colorful art work hung in an almost museum style on the walls. This allows you to view the art work but not be overwhelmed by it. Giving Space between the pieces lets you focus on each individual piece one at a time and not feel like you’re in a craft store. There is purpose to how I lay out each show every month. Using the colors and sizes so that you never overlook a piece if you’re paying attention. I’m even here to give you a private tour and educate you about each artist and how they have accomplished their work. I have seating areas so that you can relax and take it in as is you were sitting at home. I want you to be as happy and as comfortable as I am when you are in this space. Art 1eleven host events like First Friday art walks but also everything from paint classes, yoga, fit strip, and also private events like baby showers, birthday parties, and romantic dinners. Many warm summer nights you will find me here on the bench out front relaxing with a good cigar. Feel free to join me!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love to send people to the other galleries like Kreuser, G44, Gallery 113, SPQR, Cottonwood and The Alverez School of Art. But also this city has so much to offer like hiking trails and parks. Garden of the Gods is gorgeous, and you cant beat the view from the top of Pikes Peak! Colorado Springs also has great attractions like the new Olympic Museum and the Fine Arts Center. This community is supported by military bases and the Air Force Academy. Its where I grew up and its where I have stayed.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could have never done this alone. For starters my wonder twin Angel Nuce. When she isn’t here volunteering people ask “Who left you unsupervised?” But seriously Kris Wright gave me my first gallery to manage. Abby Kreuser gave me my first gallery art show. So many friends like Saul, Jordan, Tev, Skylar, Steven, James, Tony, Juanita, Michelle, Iain, Leah, Dena and many many more. Plus artist like Phil Lear, Trevor Thomas, Muji, Faith Gilbert, Heather McKinnon, Nichole Montanez, Abbigail Perillo, Mary Welty, Bill Stone, Ed Penner, Jack Malloch, Alexandra Feinstein, Tim Bachman, Skylar Call, Deb Prewitt, Thom Phelps, Brandi Moore, Trever Kadamus, and so many more that have hung on these walls while i cut my teeth as the manager in the past 5 or 6 years. Also couldn’t have been done without the support and inspiration of my mom, Eloise and my adult children Ashley and Austin & Jessica. Here’s to the amazing collectors that come see the new shows, the fabulous first Friday costumers, and this beautiful city of Colorado Springs.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Art1elevenGallery

Image Credits
Saul Grosshuesch, Abbigail Perillo