Behind the Scenes: How We Curate a Gallery Collection
At The Green Room at 831, each seasonal collection is more than a grouping of artwork, it’s a carefully curated story. One that’s inspired by the natural world, rooted in coastal charm, and brought to life by the talented artists we’re honored to represent.
But what goes into building a collection that feels cohesive, elevated, and meaningful? Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the heart and process behind our gallery curation.
1. It starts with a feeling.
Every collection begins with a mood. I ask myself: What do I want people to feel when they browse this collection? Calm, curiosity, nostalgia, wanderlust?
For our current fall collection, Mariner’s Season: Autumn on the Water, that feeling is misty mornings on the coast, layered textures, and a sense of calm wanderlust. I lean into that vision like a compass. It’s not about trends, it’s about emotional resonance.
2. I look for work that tells a story.
Once the mood is set, I open submissions and begin reviewing each artist’s work, not just for visual beauty, but for storytelling. I ask:
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Does this piece evoke emotion?
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Can I imagine it living in someone’s home for years to come?
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Does it offer something fresh, yet timeless?
I don’t just want “pretty” art. I want pieces that make you pause, lean in, and feel something. Whether that’s a loose brushstroke or a moody color palette, I’m drawn to work that’s soulful and intentional.
Image by Kammeran Gonzalez-Keola
3. Cohesion matters, but so does contrast.
A strong collection has flow, but not sameness. I aim for a mix of sizes, mediums, and perspectives while keeping the palette and tone cohesive. Sometimes that means pairing soft watercolors with bold abstracts, or including both emerging artists and seasoned professionals.
It’s all about creating a rhythm: soft moments, bold punctuation, and calm in-betweens.
Image by George Milton
4. I consider the collector’s experience.
I always ask: What will this look like on someone’s wall? How will it feel in their home? Each piece should feel like it belongs, but also a small treasure waiting to be discovered.
I envision the collection being browsed over coffee, shared with a friend, or bookmarked by an interior designer sourcing the perfect piece for a client.
Image by Cottonbro Studio
5. Curating is personal.
There’s no algorithm here. I trust my eye, my instincts, and the connection I feel to the work. Sometimes I know instantly that a piece is “the one.” Other times I sit with it for days. I always come back to: Does this align with the feeling I want this collection to evoke?
Image by Ника Алексеева
6. The final collection is only the beginning.
Once the art is selected, I am sure to prepare each listing with care, making sure every piece is represented in its best light. From there, the magic is in the reveal. I love watching people connect with the work and discover the piece that feels like theirs.
Thank you for trusting me to be your curator.
It’s a role I hold with lots of gratitude, and one I approach with intention every step of the way.
If you're curious about future calls for artists or want to be the first to see new collections, [join the email list here] or follow along on [Instagram @thegreenroomat831].