Today we’d like to introduce you to Trisha Howell.
Hi Trisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I worked in design for 16 years before pivoting to business administration for non-profits and taking a short stint in municipal government. The grind and routine of a traditional 8-5 job were not for me. I am more of an independent spirit and thrive when I can use my entire skill set and have a creative outlet. My husband, along with several investors, purchased a Fort Worth-based art gallery that expanded under his leadership. He asked me to help manage the day-to-day operations of the business, and I truly felt it was an industry where my passions and skills could collide. Eventually, we pivoted to owning galleries independently, allowing us to fully shape our vision.
When launching Artly International, I saw a need within the online art marketplace that our business model could successfully fill. I wanted to establish a digital platform that was truly artist- and collector-centric while paying homage to the traditional gallery model. The online division is where I shine—I get to express my creativity, though not on traditional artist substrates.
Today, I manage both a physical gallery space and our online venture, Artly International. The ability to connect with art on multiple levels has always been essential for me. My diverse academic background, which includes business, political science, design, and theology, allows me to engage with both the technical aspects of a work and its broader cultural significance. This eclectic mix gives me a leg up in this industry. Art is much more than mere aesthetics; it’s about analyzing the work against the backdrop of its cultural and societal underpinnings and then communicating that to viewers and collectors. A great gallerist should be able to talk about—at least keep up with—a range of subjects.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth (is it ever?), but I wouldn’t change anything about the journey! I began my career in the art industry by co-owning and managing galleries with investors, which had its advantages. However, to be successful in the art industry, owners and operators must have a shared passion for art—it doesn’t work like other industries. This field has a keen sense for inauthenticity and will quickly detect and reject it. After a while, the differences between my vision and the investors’ made it difficult to sustain a workable relationship. I craved greater ownership and control, both creatively and operationally. This led my husband and me to open two independent galleries. Taking on sole responsibility for operations and finances was both a relief and a bit challenging.
I recently read an article in Vanity Fair about actor Glen Powell. He wrote about his time trying to make it as an actor in LA: “But every major turning point in my time out here has always come from a hit in the face.” This really resonated with me because the pivot from partnership to sole ownership often felt like that. However, the eventual outcome of those “hits” has made the struggle worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Artly International, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Artly International is the online art division of J. Peeler Howell Fine Art, based in Fort Worth, Texas. Our mission is to enhance the online art marketplace by offering collectors a curated selection of original artwork that showcases timeless significance and genuine artistic expression. We believe art should inspire and connect with viewers on a profound level, providing an experience that lingers long after the initial encounter. We aim to create a platform where art lovers and collectors can discover meaningful artwork from an exceptional group of artists.
We prioritize forging close relationships between creators and collectors, fostering personal connections with global accessibility. Starting a business is never easy, especially in the competitive online art market. It’s important to understand the amount of work required to gain significant traction and to adopt a long-term mindset. Perseverance and fortitude are essential qualities for any entrepreneur. The key is to find something you’re genuinely passionate about and relentlessly pursue it.
I’m excited about how far Artly International has come over the past year and eager to showcase the new artists we’re working with. The support of artists and community engagement we’ve achieved through our physical gallery space has been essential to Artly International’s success.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is spending countless Summer days at the beach with my mother. We lived near New Smyrna Beach in Florida, so I experienced many sunburns, but I also experienced the joy of growing up near the coast. She would take my sister and me to Frozen Gold for chocolate and vanilla swirled frozen yogurt cones – a place where I now bring my kids when we are in town. It’s those simple moments with family that I cherish most. They remind me that true happiness often comes from the small things.
The beach is still my happy place today. The sound of the waves, and the smell of the salty air instantly transport me back to those carefree days of my childhood. Whenever life gets hectic, a trip to the beach helps me relax and find my balance.
Pricing:
- Original artwork from $120.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artlyinternational.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artlyinternational/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-howell/
- Other: https://jphfineart.com/
Image Credits
Gallery photos by Trish Howell “Motu-O-Kura Gloaming” photography by Cathy Carter (Artly International artist)
