Interview of the week…BRIGITTE SAINT-OUEN, an American Art Dream
Every week, Paris in New York will interview a French person who has a successful career in New York City.
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Brigitte Saint-Ouen moved to New York 14 years ago. Initially, she was working as director of marketing for Wally Findlay Gallery on 57th Street. After more than a decade, Brigitte decided to create her own gallery, Gramercy 32 Fine Arts to provide a more customized service to corporations, decorators and private collectors. The Gallery specializes in European paintings of fine quality art work spanning 16th century Masters to 21st century. Over the past three years, Brigitte has organized numerous events to promote French painters. 2006 was a fantastic year when Gramercy 32 Fine Arts became the only guest gallery to stage an art exhibit at Sotheby’s. It spanned an entire floor for five days.
How do you sell Art?
I created a huge network of contacts along my 15 years in the business and I communicate with collectors all the time. I send a lot of brochures, personal letters, and I make a lot of phone contact. I also create a lot of events in New York and Miami. I have a monthly Newsletter with information about the gallery, the art scene, and a talkative section about my social life.
To increase my contact list, I am going out four to five times a week to cocktails or events where I make connections. I have now more than 7.000 names in my mailing list.
Being French does that makes any difference for your clients?
I would say it opens doors. People are more willing to talk with me because I am French.
But when I started working with Wally Findlay Gallery, there was always a colleague to ask what I did understand from the meeting to make sure that I listened to the new rules and wasn’t going to do it my own way. My philosophy was and still is: Everything is possible. I always try to find a solution to a problem.
During the French bashing, it was not easy. Nobody had interest in purchasing French artists. So I decided to diversify and I launched a new Photography department at the gallery. I represent an American artist and in collaboration with Kodak we just signed to represent an English photographer in the USA.
Where to meet French people in New York ?
I would say one of the best opportunities is the French Tuesdays (www.frenchtuesdays.com), where we network and dance in a new place every two weeks. Then if you are free during the day, you might want to join Accueil New York, which is planning lots of activities for French Expatriates (www.accueilnewyork.com).
Is it easy to meet French Natives in Manhattan ?
There are actually two types of French in New York. The one who are working in an American company and that you would have hard time to meet because they working long hours.
The other category is the French who are still attached to their country. They haven’t cut the ombilical cord yet. They stay between French people in small and close group. At first they might appear cold but they warm up as soon as you break the ice. They love inviting you for dinner in their house. Get ready to invit them back...that's the rules !
Tell me more about this French artist you have been promoting lately ?
Danielle Le Bricquir ? She is fantastic. She creates very colorful folkloric paintings based on old French legends from Brittany. She loves working with children. Gramercy 32 Fine Arts was able to accompany her to some of the most prestigious private schools in New York City, but what really affected her was the Master Class she gave at P.S.333, a public school in the Bronx. There, she spent time drawing and painting with 6 to 8 year old kids. It was an amazing experience!
Do you have another French artist that you would like to talk bout ?
Right now I have some paintings from Thierry Le Baler. 
He is influenced by the Nabis, a group of young avant-garde Parisian artists, who in the 1890s developed a decorative and Synthetist style.
His paintings are a study in color. He often repeats the same landscape a number of times with different palettes, exploring mood, tone and emotion.
I would like to invite you to visit my web site, www.32finearts.com . My gallery offers a concierge service. I am very grateful for this interview.
Brigitte Saint-Ouen
Gramercy 32 Fine Arts
32 Gramercy Park South, suite 15d
New York, NY 10003
212.780.0932
Wow, i though it was a great thing. I also saw the painting you had sent from paris to the third grade class. It was a beautiful piece of art. Also, we are sending the artist thank you cards.
See ya.
Jaime A. Zelaya
Site Coordinator
PS 333/335
888 Reverend James A. Polite Avenue
Bronx, New York, 10459
718 860 3058 ext 217
718 842 8734 fax#
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 11:06 AM
I am very impressed !!!
Anne C. Boileau
Avocat à la Cour
Jones Day
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Dealer B,
Very nice article and let’s make it another 14 years of success!
God Bless!
Eric
Eric J. Chelman
Franklin Bowles Gallery New York
431 West Broadway
New York, NY. 10012
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Fantastic article. . . and you look gorgeous!!!!
There is quite a bit of buzz brewing about Brigitte and I love it!
Warm regards,
Harriet
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Brigitte,
What a great article! I'll see you Thursday this week.
A bientot,
Frances Guillemot
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 06:10 PM
Fantastic!
Congratulations.
David Steinberg
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 06:11 PM
You look beautiful on the picture and the article is well done
Happy Valentine to you too
Bises Sylvie
Sylvie wirth
IHP
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 06:23 PM
Excellent article, concise, a quick, easy read, with good quotes. I enjoyed it and the visuals looked strong. I particularly liked your thoughts about French people in New York. Congratulations!
David Moui WWD
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Dear Brigitte,
Congratulations! Great article! And thank you for stopping by the store on Sunday.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Mary Jaegger
designer and creator
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 06:28 PM
Wow Wow Wow again.
Bravo Brigitte pour ton site et toutes ces belles nouvelles, c'est absolument magnifique et très significatif de tout ce bel art que tu représentes.
Très beau, Bravo.
Madeleine Blanchet.
conpositeur et chanteuse Canada
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 13, 2007 at 06:30 PM
How awesome!
Congrats!
Warmly,
Pamela Judd
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 14, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Bonne année à vous aussi.
Génial le Blog...
Fred
Frederic Denery
Paris
Posted by:Brigitte Saint Ouen | February 18, 2007 at 05:19 AM