Centennial, CO — Tricia Boone is the co-founder and co-owner of 73 Art Agency. Based in Colorado, the agency was started in 2015 to pursue the desire to “bring beautiful art to the general public and to help emerging artists with visibility,” as described on their website. This global and multi-faceted creative agency specializes in visual arts. 73 Art Agency’s mission is “to keep original art alive and celebrated in every home”.
Art agents are professionals who work for artists. They represent, promote, market, and sell the artists’ creations. Agents pursue individual sales, license deals, organize events, and look for opportunities for the artists to gain publicity. The goal of these activities and responsibilities is to expand and protect their artists’ business interests and secure a financial gain.
“I have a passion for art, especially visual art,” says Boone.
Art runs in her family. Several years ago, Boone wanted to help her twin sister sell her incredible artwork. Pamela, who according to Boone describes herself as overtly introvert, felt that she could not promote herself. Tricia stepped in and equipped with her own experience in marketing and sales, she offered to help her sister bring her artistic talent to the world.
Therefore, in 2011 they organized their first show at Boone’s house. The “House of Boone Art Show” proved very successful, selling 11 paintings. One of the very first canvases sold, was to Boone’s current business partner. The two partners, both women with a fair amount of life experience, share a passion for the arts in general with a preference for the visual arts.
“Along with her knowledge and passion of the art world, we made a perfect team,” says Boone about her partner.
After four years of many more successful shows featuring her sister’s art, the agency was developed and created.
Being the owner of the company as well as an art agent gives Boone the responsibility for curating, managing, communicating, networking, marketing, and consulting.
“We are responsible for connecting the artist and his or her artwork with the general public and art lovers,” says Boone.
“As we curate shows, we keep in mind; making art less intimidating, more accessible, and more affordable and enjoyable,” she adds.
Boone went to school at Indiana University and studied education and mathematics. She graduated in 1981. Initially she wanted to pursue a career in education, teaching math and coaching, but after student teaching, Boone realized that was not her calling. Unable to define precisely what her wants would be, she worked for a year to save enough money to move to California.
“I just wanted to get my degree,” says Boone.
Although at first she did not like marketing and sales, Boone says a friend convinced her that she would enjoy and excel in those fields. Hence, Boone gave it a try. The skills she learned in marketing and sales helped develop her own business.
“Do what you love, the money will come,” says Boone.
According to Boone, the most important thing to do when starting a business is finding a good partner. Boone’s partner is a multi-lingual lawyer. Together, they work very collaboratively. They do not assign each other tasks, rather work and learning together on all aspects of the business.
“Our strengths complement each other,” says Boone.
Boone believes the agency has been successful thus far, because they are only two years old, and they are not in debt and are able to pay their artists.
73 Art Agency works mostly with emerging artists. They find their artists mostly through word of mouth. Beginning with one artist only, 73 Art Agency currently represents eight artists.
The agency’s modus operandi is to keep operations simple, transparent, and personable. They prioritize their artists’ interests and personal goals rather than selling at all cost.
“It seems to work,” says Boone, “our agency has blossomed from one artist representation to eight since its inception.”
Some challenges she faces are with social media skills. However, the agency solved this problem by taking on a young and computer savvy intern who did so well they have since hired her.
“Because of my age, this world is very foreign to me,” says Boone about social media.
Working hours are very flexible. They will often work fifteen hour days leading up to a show, but if need be they are able to take a couple of weeks off to spend time with family or to enjoy other interests. Since Boone balances family with work, she feels like she can get more done working from home.
“That’s one of the beauties of having your own company,” says Boone.
Boone says the most fun part of the job is watching art show attendees react to the art.
“What’s especially satisfying is when they love it enough to purchase it,” says Boone.
She believes in rotating art work in your home, to bring the paintings to life.
“It becomes a bit emotional, particularly when we take something off the wall to replace it with the new artwork,” says Boone.
On several occasions, the agents were asked to hang the art in an art lover’s home which adds another dimension to their role in the art buying process. Boone feels going above and beyond is a key to the agency’s success.
