By Lisa Carolin
The Chelsea River Gallery is busier than ever with offsite exhibits, and corporate and health care projects as far away as Detroit.
Patti Schwarz became the sole owner in 2014 after partner Deborah Greer retired, and that’s when the former retail business refocused its efforts.
“Our lease ended, and we were burned out,” said Schwarz. “Now I’m living the high life and it’s awesome.”
The Chelsea River Gallery is located next door to the old River Gallery location, at 118 South Main St. in downtown Chelsea, next to the Common Grill. Schwarz lives nearby and enjoys walking to work.
One of her main jobs is placing art work in law firms and other businesses. She has built relationships with hundreds of artists during the last 15 years and has a data base that she uses.
“I do the research then call the artist,” said Schwarz. “It depends on the client’s taste, needs, and budget. We’re always looking for new artists.”
Most of the artists Schwarz uses are from Michigan as well as other parts of the Midwest. One of the artists she represents is her husband John Schwarz, who does found object assemblage art. His work will be part of the Juried Art Fair at the Ann Arbor Art Fair in July and will also be part of the Chelsea Art Market.
“I manage the Chelsea Art Market, which is the last weekend in July and part of the Sights and Sounds Festival,” said Patti Schwarz. “The market features a craft fair with jewelry, fabric, paintings and more, and 50 artists who participate.”
She is a board member of Chelsea’s Downtown Development Authority, which supports and funds such projects as the Sculpture Walk, which Schwarz also manages.
With the 100th anniversary of World War I coming up, Chelsea River Gallery is working on a commemorative project with the Chelsea District Library. River Gallery will collect photos of WWI veterans and their children and do a huge installation on buildings in downtown Chelsea from July 4 to Veterans Day.
In her spare time, Schwarz is a screener for and big supporter of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, which took place March 15-20.
