Meet Margery Gossett: Owner/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Margery Gossett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Margery, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single most important decision that I made at the very beginning of Artspace111 was to surround myself with a good team! A great team really. We have many facets to the gallery including the exhibitions, offsite consulting, and events. Each branch of the gallery has a wonderful group of hard-working passionate people who give as much of themselves to the gallery as I do, and this caring and personable culture that we have created translates to the patrons experience. Without this great team, none of this would be possible.

What should our readers know about your business?
Artspace111 is a unique venue with a long history. The building itself was built in 1911 and was used to store furniture for a storefront downtown. The building really contributes to the experience of Artspace111. Every day we roll back 100-year-old fire doors to reveal a jewel of a garden that used to be part of the building. We have enjoyed embracing the obstacles that come along with having an old building. We use the old foundation posts as cocktail tables and when you gather with friends to listing to music or look at the art or just to have a conversation the building is part of the story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start out with a trip to Sons of Liberty for a coffee! Then we would go for a walk over to the Water Gardens where I would make sure to take the time to visit the quiet pool. Next, we would stop by Artspace111 to see the latest exhibition and spend a little time visiting with the artists. From the gallery, I would take them to Haltom City to my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, My Lan, for some of the best iced tea and egg rolls in the city! From there I would make a stop at the Modern for a little dessert in the cafe while enjoying the view of the reflecting pond. For dinner, I would pop over to the Shops At Clearfork for some window shopping and a look at their sculpture collection. Then I would take my friend to meet up with my family at Doc Bs for a glass of wine and a meatball.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s hard to narrow down my shoutout! Daniel and Dennis Blagg started Artspace111 in 1980 and when I came in 2007 they were both so gracious, patient, and encouraging to me and the direction I was looking to take the gallery. My parents were instrumental in the foundation of Artspace111 as they helped me weed the garden, mail the invitations, and procure the patrons. As the business began to grow I leaned on my entire family, especially my brother and current co-owner and director, William Grella. The gallery is really a family business and I think that also contributes to its success as a friendly and inviting space where people can come together to enjoy art. Whether that be to find a piece of art for their home or to celebrate their big day surround by the beauty of our sculpture garden.

Website: www.artspace111.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artspace111/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artspace111FortWorth