Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Hembree.
Hi Michele, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m approaching 10 years in the art business, and it’s been an incredible journey. I began in the San Francisco Bay Area, buying and selling 20th-century “undiscovered” art. My time volunteering with the Oakland Museum of California and serving on the Women’s Board for over a decade was invaluable. Working alongside curators, docents, professors, and artists, I developed skills in identifying, researching, appraising, curating, and selling art.
In 2015, I noticed a gap in the market—many talented artists had extensive bodies of work that had never been seen or appreciated. Whether the market wasn’t ready or their work simply hadn’t reached the right audience, these pieces deserved to be shared. That’s when I launched MGH Discovered Art to connect these artists and their work with the world.
Since then, my business has evolved from primarily online sales and local markets to participating in international fairs and shows across the country. It’s been a winding road, but every twist and turn has been worth it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s definitely been an exciting one. Since opening, I’ve relocated twice, which brought its own set of challenges. The most significant shift was moving from the bustling art scene of NYC to rural East Texas. As you can imagine, transitioning from a city known for its vibrant art and design community to a quieter market has been an adjustment. Finding my audience here has been a slow process, but it’s pushed me to think outside the box and explore new ways to reach potential clients.
Since moving here, I have sold at Marburger Farm Antique Show in Round Top, at an open air market in Austin and collaborated with wonderful designers which has helped me connect with Texas buyers. Moving forward, my goal is to build stronger local connections and engage more with my community. So, to all the North/East Texas designers and design businesses out there—let’s collaborate!
As you know, we’re big fans of MGH Discovered Art. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MGH Discovered Art is an online gallery specializing in 20th Century American art. With a studio in Tyler, TX, we operate by appointment, offering a personalized experience for our clients.
Our clientele includes private collectors, interior designers (both residential and commercial), and businesses seeking one of a kind, vintage art. We’re always on the hunt for hidden collections—whether tucked away in attics or storage rooms—each discovery feels like uncovering a “holy grail.”
Over the past 10 years, I’ve built lasting relationships with clients who return to MGH for their design projects year after year. Transparency is key; I provide honest descriptions of every piece, understanding that most of our collection is over 40 years old. I listen to my clients needs and trust has become the cornerstone of our business. Being a reliable resource for designers and collectors is truly rewarding.
Art doesn’t have to be a major financial commitment. Our collection ranges from $200 to $100,000—there’s something for every budget. Buy what you love, buy what you can afford. The joy of surrounding yourself with art that makes you happy is priceless.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I take risks with certainty. Once I commit, I move forward without hesitation. It’s the only way to discover if something will succeed. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean failure—it means growth. Every setback is a lesson, and I keep moving forward.
What surprises me most is how often the risk pays off. That reward fuels my drive to keep pushing ahead.
Pricing:
- $200-$100,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mgh-art.com
- Instagram: http://instagra.com/mgh.discovered.art
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/M.G.H.discovered
Image Credits
Erin Gilchrist Brown, Taylor Webber, Hudson Interiors, Foxcroft Studios
