River
Gallery Fine Art
Fine art services for corporate, small business, healthcare and residential clients
Patti Schwarz: Director
contact: patti@chelsearivergallery.com
Patti Schwarz co-created River Gallery in 2000 in order to showcase the art of her husband, the sculptor and art educator John Schwarz. Patti, at that time, was operating "Great Impressions" her successful graphic design firm from a spacious downtown Chelsea second story historic site, when the space seemed to call out "how about some art?" Being agreeable by nature, not only did Patti exhibit John's art, she and a colleague invited their friends and former art professors to also display their art. The exhibits were highly attended and visitors began to acquire the paintings and sculptures on display. River Gallery soon became one of the premier art centers in Washtenaw County. At the urging of local artists and art supporters Patti formed a business partnership with art lover and entrepreneur, Deborah Greer. Together they completed a major renovation on a large scale, historic downtown site, the current home of River Gallery. Along with Deborah, Patti helped the gallery expand its services to include the management of corporate, healthcare and university exhibits and projects. Patti has created and operated successful businesses since the age of 22. Her organizational skills and her ability to teach and lead others are exceptional. Patti's artistic passion and formal education (a BFA from the University of Michigan) is in graphic design and marketing. She designs the gallery's stunning exhibition cards, and manages the organization's public relations. Patti lives in the City of Chelsea with her husband John and their two children. Community engagement is important to her and she is an active member of the DDA, a founding member of Sounds & Sights an 11-week, outdoor music and cultural festival currently in it's 7th year. She serves on the library's art committee and is currently developing the local Arts and Culture Council, "Culturality". Patti is the co-creator and producer of SculptureWalk Chelsea, year long outdoor sculpture competition and exhibition featuring fine art sculpture throughout downtown Chelsea. River Gallery received the "Best Small Business Leadership Award 2010".
Deborah Greer, Director
contact: deb@chelsearivergallery.com
Deborah Greer formed a business partnership with Patti Schwarz in 2003 and with private investment and securing a loan, she was able to assist River Gallery to fully renovate and move into an historic, 1898 downtown Chelsea site. The gallery hosts major art exhibitions on their first floor level for local, regional, mid-career and emerging talent. The second level houses artwork in all media by artists the gallery represents and River Gallery also frequently features guest artists. Because the site is spacious, light filled and acoustically amazing, River Gallery has hosted and co-produced music, dance, poetry, theater, corporate and non-for-profit fundraising events. Deborah considers personal investment and collaboration with other organizations essential to developing a vital art business and in making a contribution towards the creation of local culture. River Gallery has recently participated in the development of a number of healthcare and corporate art projects/acquisitions, and the gallery has produced off-site exhibitions for corporate and university clients. Deborah has been invited to act as a consultant for library, school and university projects focused on the visual arts. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and taught for 8 years in their MSW program. She served on the curriculum development committee. Deborah has a special interest in community art, art as a medium for social engagement and healing and she coordinated a teen pregnancy prevention program, utilizing the arts, for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Arts Alliance of Washtenaw County and the Chelsea Center for the Arts. She lives in Ann Arbor, MI, and recently renovated her Old Westside home to display and enjoy the art she has collected over many years.
Kelly Close, Assistant to the Directors
contact: info@chelsearivergallery.com
Kelly Close, Assistant to the Directors, joined River Gallery in the fall of 2009, after having moved to Michigan from Montana to be closer to the family of her partner, David. In addition to assisting Patti and Deb at the gallery, managing the website and producing artsy videos, Kelly teaches private and group lessons in singing and Voice Movement Therapy both at her home studio and through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed. Kelly has an MA in Vocal Pedagogy and is a certified VMTR (Registered Voice Movement Therapy Practitioner).
Click to e-mail us: info@chelsearivergallery.com
Phone: 734.433.0826
Fax: 734.433.1930
Hours:
Tues-Fri: 11-5
Sat: 11-8
Sun: noon-4