Art Consultant Joel Straus discusses his area of expertise: placing large scale, site specific artwork, and also gives insider’s advice on securing public art commissions, streamlining the making process to maximize profits, and why going the public art route can very often be more lucrative than getting a gallery.
“The reality is there are many, many more opportunities to work in public places than there are opportunities to actually get a gallery to sell your work.”
Joel Straus began his career at one of Chicago’s most respected galleries, Richard Gray Gallery, starting as a preparator, working his way up to Assistant Director. Since 1994, Straus has been operating Joel Straus Consulting, specializing in advising acquisitions for corporations, hotels, foundations, municipalities, and private collectors. Past projects include placing work at McCormick Place Convention Complex, Washington D.C. Convention Center, Dow Centennial Sculpture Garden, and Palm Beach Garden City Hall amongst many others. Straus received his BA from Wake Forest University.