Today we’d like to introduce you to Aron Packer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Starting in the late 80’s, I started out as an American folk art dealer. I built my early business focusing on outsider and self-taught artists, and became known for a broad yet unusual vision. I transitioned this vision to contemporary art and established my first public gallery in 1992 in Wicker Park, joining an alternative gallery scene that included Beret International, Ten in One, and Oscar Friedl Gallery. As business forces changed over the past 25+ years, I migrated to a couple of locations in River North and the West Loop, continuing to expand his notable group of contemporary artists. In 2015, I closed Packer Schopf Gallery on west Lake Street to pursue a lifestyle change. I now work for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in business development for fine art sales. Additionally, I continue to avidly curate pop-up shows throughout Chicago as Aron Packer Projects. My most current location is at 213 W. Institute Place #309 in the Chicago Gallery News space. I will continue programming through May 2018 at this location. We are open 5 days a week.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth is a relative term. We have done very well over the years but the gallery world has changed. Viewers and collectors don’t come in directly like they used to… they use the internet to browse to see what is going on out there. But there is nothing like seeing work in person as we all know. Art fairs are also another big way to be seen but they are way too expensive for showing the talented yet sometimes not so well-known artists I work with.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Aron Packer Projects story. Tell us more about the business.
I ran a gallery for the last 20 years or so… and the model has changed… So I got a job at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in the fast paced Fine Art Department, But of course I cannot help myself as I love to put on exhibitions. Since I closed my permanent space, I’ve put on at least 15 shows… and now I have a temporary / permanent space till May 2018. It’s open 5 days a week and I don’t have to watch it with my gracious hosts (Chicago Gallery News) letting folks in to see the shows, and interns or me on Saturdays.
We should mostly very obsessive meticulous artists, and we are also well known for unusual materials. Whether it be painting portraits of tiny figurines, embroidery on x-rays, book alteration and excavation, scrimshaw on plastic, or the most detailed trompe l’oeil painting of a piece of plywood you have ever scene. You’ll get splinters looking at it.
I am most proud of my straightforwardness and tenacity over the years. And what sets me apart… is I still have romantic notions about showing art…and showing the sometimes under-represented artist… whether we sell art or not.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has played a role in my life and business. I have a lovely wife, Lisa Zschunke, who has supported the gallery, literally and metaphorically when times were lean. It really is the family business. And I have had great fortune with good spaces and gracious business partners over the years.
Contact Info:
- Address: 213 W. Institute Place, #309,
Chicago, IL - Website: packergallery.com
- Phone: 773.458.3150
- Email: aronpacker@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aron.packer.7
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