Catching Up With: Julie Nester of Julie Nester Gallery

Julie Nester in her art gallery in Park City, Utah. Photography by Tom Lebsack.

As a network of more than 3,000 small businesses, we’re paying close attention to how they’re faring in an age of social distancing. In an effort to stay connected to our TSG community and share their stories, we’re “catching up with” different business owners every week to hear about their challenges, learn how they’re coping, and find out how they’re spending their time at home. Earlier this month, we checked in with Park City, Utah-based Julie Nester, owner of the contemporary art gallery Julie Nester Gallery, which represents emerging, mid-career, and established artists from the United States and Canada and features a selection of original paintings, mixed-media prints, photography, and sculpture. Here, she discusses how she’s been staying in touch with customers, her go-to snack, and how she’s finding joy in being outside.

What’s your business is up to right now?
We have been staying in contact with our customers with regular email newsletters. During the height of the shutdown, we had one of our most successful newsletters ever—“20 Under 2K,” which focused on less expensive artwork. Now that the gallery is open again to the public, we are working on our summer exhibition schedule, which will include a broad range of price points and different media types. We want the gallery to look fresh and inviting. We have been trying to “shop locally” as much as possible.

Your biggest challenge, professionally and/or personally:
My biggest challenge has been to try not to read too much news; it can definitely turn into a negative spiral. While I like to be informed, it sucks you in and decreases productivity both professionally and personally.

What’s bringing you joy:
Being outside in nature and the process of reconnecting with friends (in person).

What you’re watching/reading/listening to:
Playing a lot of backgammon, Netflix bingeing. Broadchurch, Mind Benders, Filthy Rich, Schitt’s Creek (it adds levity during trying times). Vanity Fair.

Your go-to snack:
Almonds and cranberries

Your favorite family activity:
Mountain biking

The local businesses/services you’re using this week:
Fairweather Natural Foods, Vessel Kitchen, Zenzee Graphic T’s. The Wine Store!