Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Prapopoulos.
Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Summers in my childhood were spent traveling to either England or Greece, visiting grandparents, and being one of those children dragged to art museums and ancient places beyond a child’s comprehension. I grew to love art and learning about it in university, but I never thought it was something I could do—I had no training.
Summers in my childhood were spent traveling to either England or Greece, visiting grandparents, and being one of those children dragged to art museums and ancient places beyond a child’s comprehension. I grew to love art and learning about it in university, but I never thought it was something I could do—I had no training.
Later, at one point, I found myself designing for a moderate sportswear firm in New York City in the then-vibrant garment center on 7th Ave, and much later, living with an artist in Greece. By watching him, I somehow permitted myself to try being an artist, too. So I became one.
What I learned during the years of painting frenzies, and exhibitions was that too many artists were never getting a chance to exhibit, or to become gallery artists—no one teaches you that. I wanted to change that, move with the times and embrace new trends in the art world.
There were, and still are, too many barriers and obstacles for the viewer to approach art, to know about it, to learn, and understand the artist; I also always yearned for a sense of community and excitement in art, which was so prevalent and proud in Paris after The Second World War.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I can’t say that it’s been smooth because we’ve faced what all small business face, which has been compounded by a global pandemic. The struggles have been exhausting, but they don’t overshadow the great moments, like the gallery’s recent collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport, Connecticut, and the Fiber Artists Miami Association.
I can’t say that it’s been smooth because we’ve faced what all small business face, which has been compounded by a global pandemic. The struggles have been exhausting, but they don’t overshadow the great moments, like the gallery’s recent collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport, Connecticut, and the Fiber Artists Miami Association.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Contemporary Art Modern Project (The CAMP Gallery). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I founded the gallery in April of 2020 with the specific intention and desire to enable artists during lockdown—give them exhibitions and sell their works—and protect their need to be creative while offering the viewer a safe, online environment to experience new and exciting art.
I founded the gallery in April of 2020 with the specific intention and desire to enable artists during lockdown—give them exhibitions and sell their works—and protect their need to be creative while offering the viewer a safe, online environment to experience new and exciting art.
The Contemporary Art Modern Project, which we like to call The CAMP Gallery, is known for an interdisciplinary approach to curation, as well as the artists with whom we work. We’re most interested in stimulating art and conversation instead of simply adorning walls.
I’m most proud of the fact that integrity and honesty are paramount to myself and my team, and so proud of the relationships between us. I never expected everyone to share the same considerations and concerns that I have—it’s incredibly symbiotic and amazing to see how they’ve all become the driving force behind the gallery.
Of course, this helps us cultivate beautiful, transparent relationships between us and our artists, which translates to the relationships we help them build with collectors.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think the most important thing is honesty, and by extension, the absence of superficiality. You don’t want to take up all of someone’s time and you want to be respectful, so getting to the point and being honest goes a long way.
I think the most important thing is honesty, and by extension, the absence of superficiality. You don’t want to take up all of someone’s time and you want to be respectful, so getting to the point and being honest goes a long way.
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