There were a few drawbacks we experienced while visiting which, although seemingly a deterrent to student visits, actually provided additional ways we could further educate young people. First, the only way in that we could enter the gallery was via a set of stairs, so if a student has mobility limitations entering would be very difficult. The owner, while having a polite tone with us, told us that upstairs is for “dealers only” while the other people in the gallery were welcomed upstairs. When we mentioned that we were there as art education students (making it clear we had no intention to buy) they seemed to lose some interest in speaking with us. The gallery focuses on buying and selling art, and helping customers display their art, so it’s a very business focused approach compared to a gallery that might focus on exposing art and artists to a community (in addition to selling it). Despite the negatives, a visit to this gallery would still help students to understand the differences in various galleries and see more of the art world that they might not otherwise. These cons are largely about the building and one staff member, so they shouldn’t deter the value of the art and artists inside. Compared to some galleries that might not even let in people that don’t look like they could afford the art, this one was reasonably inviting. Carl Hammer gallery could be a valuable stop on a field trip consisting of other galleries.
Another interesting aspect of visiting this gallery were the patrons. The gallery director primarily focused her attention on them. When we briefly spoke to them we found out they own a couple of German’s works, which could explain why the employee wanted to talk to them; they might buy the art! The patrons weren't rude but didn’t seem to want to talk to strangers. They appeared to be a straight couple and presented themselves as well to do, (nice jacket, carefully done hair, etc.) likely middle aged and appeared Caucasian. This couple was invited upstairs, so they might have been dealers, as when we asked if we could see upstairs we were told it’s for “dealers only”. While the employee wasn’t actively rude to use it did feel that she wasn’t particularly interested in talking to people that couldn’t afford the work.
Since the patrons were rich-looking, older, white people that mentioned that they owned some of German’s work, this created an interesting juxtaposition, considering the current exhibit was focused on the identity and childhood of a poor, African American female growing up in the 20th century. Based on looking at the artists they’ve shown before, this gallery doesn’t shy away from art based on activism but appears to focus on upper class patrons. This is yet another interesting lesson for students, as they must be able to experience a variety of lifestyles and people to learn that not everyone is looking at life and art through the same lens.
