In January, the Cleveland art community was dismayed when long-time local gallerist Bill Busta announced he would be retiring and closing his William Busta Gallery on Prospect Avenue at the end of July.
With his role in mentoring area artists at all stages of their development, nurturing them by scheduling shows far in advance to give them encouragement to produce new bodies of work, and putting artists together for collaborations, what he contributed to the growth of local art in his 26 years running galleries in Little Italy, Gordon Square and now in the Cleveland State campus district is incalculable. Many artists blossomed under his patronage.
Four years ago, he expanded his space so that at any given monthly opening, visitors can see several new shows, plus selections from previous months’ shows, with work by a dozen or more artists on display at once. It is the place to go to keep up with who is creating what in studios all over northeast Ohio. While many small galleries do their part in showing quality local art, no one is doing quite what Bill Busta does as far as maintaining a roster of developing as well as established talent in a wide range of media and styles. His taste is impeccable.
Now Busta has revealed some good news, posted on his Facebook page this evening. The gallery won’t be closed; it will be transitioning to new owners and a new era.
He writes,
“As the William Busta Gallery closes at the end of August, John and Lauren Davies will continue its traditions, opening the 2731 Prospect Gallery in September. I am pleased that they have been inspired by the William Busta Gallery’s support of the visual arts community of Cleveland to continue — with their own voice.
My participation will primarily be as a consultant during the transition — I will not be involved with the day-to-day operations, though I will work to maintain the relationships that the gallery has established over time.
William Busta Gallery exhibitions will continue through July 31. The 2731 Prospect Gallery will begin its new programming schedule with a gala gallery opening on Friday, September 18, 2015.
The Davies family bring a variety of skills and interests to the new gallery venture. Entrepreneurial business owners John and Allyn Davies are long-term Cleveland residents with a deep commitment to the cultural life of Cleveland. The couple currently serves on the Boards of the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the International Piano Competition and the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation Board.
Lauren Davies, John’s sister, brings art world experience to the venture with her background as an artist, artist residency manager, curator and gallery director. She has a MFA in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute and from 2000 – 2012 served as Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, CA. Lauren recently relocated from San Francisco to join the family in Cleveland and will serve as the Gallery Director.”
The Davies family said,
“We have a deep admiration and appreciation for the commitment that Bill Busta and his wife Joan Tomkins have made to the arts community. For over 26 years, the William Busta Gallery has provided countless opportunities for both local artists and collectors. We are honored that Bill is passing the torch to the Davies family as we keep this well-respected gallery moving forward.”
It will be exciting for area art lovers to see what the next phase is, to get to know the Davies family, and to be aware that Busta will be in the wings pointing them in the right direction.
Cleveland, OH 44115