New families come to the Lake Travis area everyday. When the movers leave and the furniture is all squared away, it’s time to decorate those bare walls.
The art gallery scene in Austin and the Hill Country is pretty spectacular. But what impresses some will price others out of a store, which is why Adams Galleries of Austin has stepped up to the challenge. Starting from the premise of offering hand-painted originals at affordable prices, Ryan Adams is following in his family’s tradition one client at a time.
A second generation art dealer, Adams is always ready to help you source the art of your dreams. Large spaces that need a pop of color, or smaller rooms like closets that can use a touch of style all become fun projects for the energetic art man, from choosing a piece to deciding the size and custom framing.
He’s traveled the world and forged relationships with artists and art dealers all over the world for the selection of art they have showcased at their new shop in Lakeway, bringing the best back to Lake Travis.
“The market here is different, and we’re still learning, which is awesome, because that means the business is always evolving.”
And his store is quickly gaining a reputation for being the “First Family of Art in Lakeway” for a reason.
Taking Intimidation out of the Gallery
When you step into many art galleries, you may have different shopping experiences based on where you are and what type of gallery it is. However, most shoppers would admit to a feeling of being intimidated by the prices and process, leaving many to abandon the whole process and go elsewhere. This was a phenomena that Adams noticed time and time again in his work as an art dealer, which led him to take a completely new approach when it came to sourcing his pieces.
“I typically introduce myself to customers and just let them go. A lot of galleries like to ‘flood’, where you walk in and you’re flooded with ‘Hi. How are you? How can we help you? What are you looking for?’, which, walking into an art gallery can be pretty overwhelming. And in my experience, ‘intimidation’, is the word that I always hear from customers. So I’m trying to take that fear perception out of the process. We have a fully-stocked bar in the back, so we like to pour a glass of wine and let you cruise and really get a feel for the gallery.”
The relaxed atmosphere does wonders for the shopping experience. Plush couches and sweet-smelling candles will make you feel right at home. Stop by on your way home after work, and bring dinner with you to help unwind after a long day. Kids are welcome, as well, so don’t worry if you have your little one in tow.
Local Art from Texas and the Hill Country
A large part of the store is dedicated to locally-produced art, like that of Su Allen, John Grimball and Charlie Arguirrie. From abstract art to photography, you have some of the finest local fine art at your fingertips here, ready to be framed and delivered to your home.
Styles like Contemporary, Traditional, Tuscan, Hill Country are huge sellers in the store, but don’t forget to check the stacks of art on the tables while you’re there. This is where you can find the real treasures from Adam’s art hunts from around the country. The large and hand-painted customizable art is in a flat stack, ready to be framed to your liking.
Prices range from $50-$1000, and you’ll be surprised just how much art money can buy you here. It’s a way to make art that much more tangible and available to all people of different styles and incomes. A piece that can be cherished in the home everyday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, which Adams has learned in his years in the art business.
When he worked in a gallery in Florida in the past selling art for mass sums of money, he saw the other side of the business, the slower-selling side of the art world, and vowed to not bring that attitude with him back to Texas when he started his gallery.
“It’s a ‘working gallery’; we don’t sit on product, we don’t want expensive product. We want to sell it, move it and get it into your home.”
When Ryan isn’t traveling around the globe for the newest and best art pieces around, he’s improving his design game by staying on the forefront of what his clients are going to want hung in their homes for years to come. It’s a labor of love that he’s developed over a lifetime, and is glad to serve the Lake Travis, Hill Country and Austin area with all of its affordable art needs.
Adams Galleries of Austin (map)
Tuesday-Sunday 10am – 6pm
I have visited art galleries all over the USA and this one rates an A+. The art exhibited is varied and affordable. The gallery makes you feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the art on display. Ryan Adams is professional & knowledgeable. He makes the art purchasing experience very pleasant. I highly recommend Adams Galleries of Austin.