Ep22 of Thinking of Art features Carpenters Workshop Gallery Director, Ashlee Harrison. Ashlee talked about some of the artists in the gallery’s virtual exhibition ‘The Time Is Now, shared inspiring stories from Robert Stadler, Sebastian Brajkovic and Ron Arad. Harrison also mentioned changes in the art world, how the number of art fairs may decrease, how her gallery continues to nurture artists, and the opportunity for continued growth in the LA art scene.

It was interesting to hear her talk about the favorite aspects of her job, how she positions artists for institutional exhibitions, and why thinking of art is therapy for her now … more than ever.

Ashlee serves as Director of Carpenters Workshop Gallery New York, and was selected by Parisian co-founders to launch the gallery’s first U.S. outpost in 2015 in New York City. She currently oversees the gallery’s US development strategy and sales program.

Recognized for her specialty in contemporary design and accrued insider savvy, Ashlee previously served as Marketing Director of the Decoration & Design Building (New York) and Design Center of the Americas (Florida) and has worked as a consultant for select projects with Atelier Courbet, The Salon Art + Design, and DesignMiami, to name a few. Prior to this, Ashlee worked in fashion, in public relations at Saks Fifth Avenue. Ashlee graduated from Drexel University, Philadelphia with degrees in Art History and Design and Merchandising.

She grew up in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a town known as home to important mid-century design luminaries, such as Phillip Powell, George Nakashima, and Paul Evans – so one could say that her understanding of collectible design is inherent. Her passion and knowledge for contemporary art and design has positioned her as a leading advisor in the collectible design market today.