Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Ringquist.
Kyle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was living in New York City, where I had a working studio at an art house in Tribeca. I was introduced to Provincetown soon after 9/11 and decided to move there about 6 months later.
A friend told me about an empty commercial space available in Provincetown on Commercial St. and I rented it, bringing my work from NYC for the season to display and sell. That first season was successful and I decided to return for a second season. I now own the gallery space I started out in 16 years ago and I’m a full-time resident of Provincetown. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to work and flourish in Provincetown. It’s very special.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My work is unique and non-traditional, which I believe has helped my business. There are always art lovers looking for something different and inspiring. My business started out very strong and that helped keep me stay afloat through the recession of 2007-2009. I don’t think I would have lasted if I had tried to start the gallery during the recession, but I was lucky enough to have built a clientele in the years before.
In the beginning, I was inexperienced at running a business. I was just an artist who was accustomed to painting in a studio, but when I opened in Provincetown, I had to do both. Playing the role as a gallery owner and artist was challenging and exciting. I’ve had to go from painting one moment to welcoming customers walking through my door the next. This has been challenging and a rush. I forced myself to step into something new and now it’s in my blood. I can’t imagine doing anything different.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kyle Ringquist Gallery – what should we know?
I am a studio gallery right in the middle of Commercial St. on the water side of the street, and my gallery space overlooks the harbor. My gallery appeared on my favorite show, CBS Sunday Morning, in 2015. Last year, I was also selected for the Silver Award from Cape Cod Life Magazine as the best gallery on Cape Cod.
I specialize in contemporary art and paint in reverse, and my medium is acrylic on plexiglas. The layers are painted foreground to background on a transparent sheet of plexi and viewed from the other side. I have managed to sell my work to collectors and art lovers all over the US and abroad. Provincetown is a special place where tourists come from all over the world and it has a rich history in the arts. I’m proud that I have been able to become a destination for these people and that they get excited about my work. I feel blessed for all the wonderful and interesting people I have been so fortunate to connect with in my gallery. It has been like a dream.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Clients of course. I also have many friends who have encouraged and supported me along the way. My family, who have always been 100% behind me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 349 Commercial St. Provincetown, MA 02657
- Website: www.kyleringquistgallery.com
- Phone: 508 776-5360
- Email: kmringart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmringart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kyle-Ringquist-Gallery-137048906356443/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kingring
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=wAqQxCzma3txDyz8N5B-4w
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