BY VOYAGEHOUSTON STAFF 06.21.17
Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Gremillion.
Ron, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began the company in 1980 after 10 years with a New York publishing company dealing primarily with small edition original prints. Since my degree is in painting, those years provided invaluable business experience and clientele required to start the company. During my first visit to New York in 1970, it was recommended that I read an interview with the renowned dealer Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler. When asked how he came to be an art dealer, the essence of his answer was “…to be an intermediary between (artists) and the public, to clear their way and to spare them financial anxieties. If the profession of art dealer has any moral justification, it can only be that.” This appeared to me to be the very thing I was looking to do and it came with the benefit of being morally justifiable. That immediately became and remains our mission statement.
Has it been a smooth road?
A few years ago, I read an interview with someone of note in the fashion industry. I assume he was approximately the age I am now, because when asked a similar question about his career, he replied that it was only in being able to look back over his career in decades that he realized it couldn’t have happened any other way. I felt that this was somehow profound. I feel very fortunate that I can honestly say the road has been mostly smooth. I credit this primarily to the wonderful city of Houston and the extraordinary group of people who have devoted their careers to this company.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gremillion & Co. Fine Art, Inc. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Today we represent approximately 50 artists: painters, sculptors and printmakers working throughout the United States and Europe. I’m most proud of the longstanding relationships we enjoy with this group of artists, as well as the many relationships, we so value, with clients who have become our close friends through the years.
Our conceptual aspirations are expressed by a tagline in our logo, “Encouraging Thoughtful Perception.” We encourage those who are interested in enriching their lives to take advantage of the unique opportunity the gallery’s concept has to offer.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I moved from here from Dallas in 1971. My favorite thing about this city is its people and the warmth they exude. We feel so fortunate to have participated in varied ways within the community, particularly regarding opportunities to support and partner with the many charities and organizations that help make Houston such a world class city.
I try to stay positive, so it’s difficult for me to answer a question which so pointedly asks for a negative one. However, there are a few things, like leaf blowers, machines that make unnecessary loud beeping noises when in reverse and those people who feel obligated to share their cell phone conversations with everyone within a fifty foot radius. That said, this “least” list is ubiquitous in our society as a whole, and not peculiar to our city.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2501 Sunset Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005 - Website: www.gremillion.com
- Phone: 713-522-2701
- Email: fineart@gremillion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gremillionfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gremillionfineart/
Image Credit:
Exhibition images by Harwood Taylor