Suppose you were an artist who co-owns a transportation business and works as a realtor; what would you do next?
If you were Inga Orolin, you might consider opening up an art gallery. And that’s precisely what she did. Orolin, the president and marketing director for Giran Corporation, a woman-owned, Naperville-based company focused on transportation and logistics, plunged into art dealership after an inspiring conversation with her husband in February of this year. Moving quickly, she found the perfect location in downtown Naperville—a 4,500-square-foot space that once served as a second-floor showroom for Beidelman Furniture, 239 Washington Street, Naperville.
Orolin, a 30-year Naperville resident, spent the next three months transforming the property from a vacant room into a chic, contemporary gallery. The build-out included a new lighting system, updated carpeting, and interior construction to maximize the available exhibit area. The renovation resulted in what the gallery’s website describes as “a sanctuary for boundless creativity and free spirits.”
“Our goal was to welcome people into a place where they could experience art without borders,” said Orolin. “A space that would serve as a communal hub where artists, art enthusiasts, collectors, and community members could enjoy thought-provoking exhibitions that spark conversation and an inquisitive passion for art.”
With operations in full swing, Galeria Azul’s current display comprises a diverse mix of 2D and 3D work from more than 40 local, national, and international artists living in 14 countries on five continents. A full-service gallery, Galeria Azul offers consultations on art selection for any residential, retail, or commercial space; gallery rental for solo shows and events; an art loan program for personal or business use; and delivery and installation within the Chicago area.
As she continues to attract return customers, Orolin is pleased with the community’s response to the new gallery. She noted that after a family visited the Galeria, the young son returned with his 12-year-old peers to explore the artwork. Cultivating a generation of future art patrons is one of the things she had hoped to accomplish.
“I want to encourage younger people to learn about art and diverse artistic expression. It helps to broaden their horizons and opens them up to creative thinking.”
Orolin is planning a ribbon-cutting for September. In the meantime, all are invited to visit Galeria Azul and “embark on a journey where imagination is limitless.”
Galeria Azul is located at 239 South Washington Street, Second Floor, and online at galeria-azul.com.