Case Studies
Summerhill | Private Collection
The Ask: Build an art collection comprised of art that resonates.
The Challenge: Because the client was a new collector, a deep dive into what would resonate with them was essential. Additionally, the client mandated that they wished to see each work in person prior to acquiring.
The Work: Beginning with curated visits to local galleries, the client was introduced to a select variety of artists working in various mediums. Building on the experience of looking at art, guided tours of local institutions bolstered the client’s confidence in the value of the art that resonated. Visiting institutions also presented the opportunity to see artists who were not available to be seen in local galleries. With access to artist studios, the client was introduced to the process, intention and spectrum of art in which interest was expressed. A curated itinerary to international art fairs followed where the client was guided through the vast selection of art presented. The result was the start of an extensive, globally sourced, eclectic collection of art that resonates.
Law Firm | Corporate Collection
The Ask: Select a stock image for a Skyfold® wall.
The Challenge: How to encourage the client to commission original artwork rather than a stock image as a way to initiate the Firm’s collection.
The Work: Danna Heitner Advisory presented a selection of 3 contemporary artists’ work to the corporate art committee. The selected artist for the Skyfold wall would receive compensation for the commission and all three artists would produce a smaller scale work for a predetermined fee, which would become the beginning of the corporate collection. With one proposal, three artists’ work were acquired, original artwork was commissioned for the Skyfold wall in lieu of a stock image and a corporate collection was commenced.
Rosedale | Private Collection
The Ask: Source art for the feature wall in their home.
The Challenge: Ensure to source a large piece that clients would continue to enjoy for a long time in the designated space.
The Work: Danna Heitner Advisory counseled the client that novice collectors’ tastes grow over time – collecting art is a journey. It was essential to present artwork to which they responded and allow them to live with artwork. As collectors look at more art and experience living with artwork, they develop confidence and refine their eye. These clients were initially encouraged to acquire artwork of a scale that could be installed/enjoyed in various locations in the home. The experience of looking at and living with art builds confidence. It is that confidence that allowed the clients to acquire this very large artwork sourced by Danna Heitner Advisory at an international art fair, absent of the client. Once acquired, it required an elaborate installation in the designated space. To this day, it draws in everyone who visits their home.
Lytton Park | Private Collection
The Ask: Create a unique space to entertain.
The Challenge: Combine the client’s passion for entertaining with their love of art and jazz.
The Work: Collaborating with local artisans, Danna Heitner Advisory created a custom bar to accommodate twelve guests. Next came the sourcing of photographs of the client’s favourite jazz artists and photographers. Appreciating the client’s desire for the space to not take itself too seriously, a sculpture by John Riepenhoff was sourced. The sculpture consists of a pair of legs, made from papier-mâché and modeled on the artist’s own, that supports a two-dimensional work by another artist. Adding a permanent ‘guest’ to the space. The final consideration was of one to ensure the safe display of the photography collection installed directly across from a wall of windows. Proper glazing of each image was used as well as a bespoke wall of sheers to diffuse the natural light.
Lawrence Park | Private Collection
The Ask: Determining the ideal location in the clients’ home to display a large inuit sculpture.
The Challenge: To integrate an inuit sculpture into a vast contemporary art collection in an ultra-modern, architectural space.
The Work: The first step was to identify an ideal space where the sculpture could be viewed from various angles. A preference for its display was to stand on its own and not be immersed amongst the vast contemporary art collection. Once the space was identified, a custom plinth was required. For optimal integration, a clear acrylic plinth was designed. Visually, the clear plinth allowed the sculpture to be of primary focus and was customized to support the weight of the stone sculpture while seamlessly blending into the architecture of the home.
