Conversations with the Inspiring Niza Knoll

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niza Knoll.

Niza, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Haifa, Israel and as a child lived in Vienna, Paris, and Montreal, before settling in a diverse immigrant neighborhood in New York City. Throughout my life, I have had to learn to express myself in many languages and adapt to a mix of cultures. I believe this need to discover and create various ways to communicate pushed me to become a multi-disciplinary artist. I seek out and study different media—acrylic and oil painting, photography, graphic design, stone, clay and motion art—constantly in search of the form, or combination of forms, that will best allow me to express myself. I received my formal training in painting and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in New York. After moving to Denver, I earned my teaching certification and BFA at Metropolitan State University. I am continuously taking private art classes as well as classes through the Art Students League of Denver. I am also a trained docent for the Denver Art Museum. Before becoming a full-time visual artist and gallery owner, I had two rewarding careers as a graphic designer/art director and a teacher of painting and photography. My training as a docent at the Denver Art Museum inspired me to start exhibiting other artists’ works in my working studio. The training was irreplaceable. Docents were taught to create a comfortable and approachable place to view art for all the visitors. As I continued in my training, I envisioned a gallery that was friendly and approachable for all. I enjoyed touring people around the museum and talking about the various types of artworks.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Easy is not the right word. Easy implies that things magically happen. You need to have a vision and make steps toward that vision. It may take time, but as long as you put yourself on the right path, before you know it you are living the vision, pursuing your passion, and it all works out.

I was a docent for several years when space became available across the street from my studio that seemed perfect for a gallery. For several weeks, I peeked through the window and envisioned my dream. I had no idea how to do it, but I saw myself inside the space with art all around me. I took some business courses and was told I needed a business plan. I tried to put one together but really had very little training in owning a business. I struggled with how to move forward. I was afraid that, if I waited too long, space would no longer be available. I decided to take a chance and purchase the space. I lost a lot of sleep during that time. Everybody had an opinion. My family thought I was crazy and did not approve of what I was doing. Many friends thought the same. However, once I made the leap, I found that I had gained admiration from others for taking such a big step into the unknown. I knew that if I didn’t take the chance, I would never learn. “Just Do It”, I told myself!! The gallery is approaching its 10th year in businesses on Denver’s renowned Art District on Santa Fe.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
It’s been a challenging and rewarding ten years. My approach has been to curate exhibits that are a friendly learning experience for visitors. Unlike traditional galleries, I don’t have a stable of artists that I represent. Rather, I curate themed exhibits, sometimes around current & relevant subject matter that draws people in to explore a variety of artists and ideas. Sometimes, I invite local artists to exhibit, whose work I know will fit well in the theme I envision. I usually have two juried themed shows a year where artists enter there their work to be considered for an exhibit. Popular juried shows have included “Holy Moly: artists’ interpretation of religious commentary in contemporary art”, a thought-provoking exhibit that included work from artists across the nation. And the fun biennial “Gone To The Dogs” (artists’ interpretation of man’s best friend, the dog). I am currently showing the hand-built clay sculpture work of local artists that work together in a common clay studio. I am always open to new ideas. I receive feedback from visitors that they love coming into the gallery to experience how space transforms with each new show. At first glance, an art exhibit may not look like much work to put together, however, each new exhibit is months in the making with the hanging and presentation of the art being a key part, but only one step in the process. I host about eight exhibits a year and do most of the work myself. I find it very fun and rewarding and love creating shows that look elegant and effortless while showcasing the artists’ talent in the best possible way. The rear of the gallery houses a small co-op of eight artists called THE MIX. Their work is always on exhibit. They have been wonderful to work with and a great help to me as I have evolved as a gallery owner.

When not in the gallery, I focus on creating art in the studio. I don’t specialize in a specific art form as I love exploring new techniques. I am currently working on hand-built clay sculpture, but in the last few years, I have painted in acrylics and have tried my hand at an abstract painting, encaustic, and printmaking.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
My favorite books are about different artists in history and the present.
I spend a lot of time at museums and galleries learning about the new and the old.
I always look at how the spaces in the museums and galleries display their artwork to get new ideas for my gallery.
I check on websites of galleries and museums to see new trends and artists.
Some of my favorite places are smaller museums in big cities. its such a treat and surprise to find them.

Contact Info:

• Address: 915 Santa Fe Drive
  Denver, CO 80204
• Website: www.nizaknollgallery.com
• Phone: 303=953-1789
• Email: nizak@mac.com
• Instagram: nizaknollgallery
• Facebook: nizaknollgallery

Image Credit:
Niza Knoll

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