UGallery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
UGallery is a curated online art gallery headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Founded in 2006, UGallery is an e-commerce platform that connects artists directly with collectors on its website. The company positions itself as an approachable and convenient alternative to the brick-and-mortar contemporary art gallery.[1][2]
| |
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Stephen Tanenbaum, Alex Farkas, Greg Rosborough |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Original Artwork |
| Website | www.ugallery.com |
History
The company was founded by Alex Farkas, Stephen Tanenbaum and Greg Rosborough.[3] The three met in a business class at the University of Arizona. Sharing an interest in the arts, they developed the concept for UGallery through the McGuire Entrepreneurship Program.[4] The UGallery.com website launched in September 2006.[5]
Originally seen as a way to help recent art school graduates find buyers, UGallery began with five artists and 25 pieces of original art.[6] Securing outside capital in 2008,[7] the company shifted its focus to mid-career and emerging artists from around the world.[6]
Gallery
As of February 2014, UGallery exhibits the work of 500 professional artists and more than 6,500 pieces of original paintings, fine-art photography, drawings and sculptures.[8] The company counts clients in every U.S. state and over 45 countries,[9] as well as 1.7 million social followers.[10][11][12][13]
Reception
UGallery was an early entrant to the business of selling original art online.[14] At the time, many art critics questioned the concept. A 2007 Wall Street Journal article called "the online art marketplace as mottled as a Monet water scene."[15] By 2012, the online art market was valued at $870 million.[16] In 2014, the estimated value of the online art market grew to $2.64 billion, accounting for 4.8% of the estimated $55.2 billion value of the global art market.[17]
Recognition
In 2011, The Economist called UGallery "unintimidating enough to encourage a new generation of collectors."[18] In 2013, VentureBeat wrote that UGallery's e-commerce platform is "democratizing the art world."[19] The same year, Internet Retailer named UGallery to their Second 500 Guide,[20] and in 2015, named UGallery the top luxury e-retailer for artwork.[21]