Sincerely,

Sincerely, marks the 47th and final exhibition at A&R.

My wife Amanda and I founded AMBACH & RICE in 2009. We opened in a former garage space in Ballard, what was then a blue-collar maritime community on the northern edge of Seattle. It was not uncommon to have days when inebriated fishermen outnumbered actual art viewers. With other galleries miles across town we were the embodiment of a destination gallery. Eventually a sports bar replaced the metal shop next door. Our new neighbors ensured that we often began the day by cleaning up puke in our alcove, an apt metaphor for opening and owning a gallery, a carousel of highs and hangovers, work and play.

My friend owns a winery and once remarked that being a vintner is ultimately a glorified janitorial position, more time spent scrubbing vats than contemplating the complex notes of a Pinot Gris. Similarly, beneath the perceived glamour of the art world is a well of blood, sweat and tears, labor and toil rendered invisible within the immaculate confines of gallery walls. The art world is sustained by the uncompromising efforts of intrepid artists, dealers, collectors, critics, and curators. It has been an honor to get my hands dirty with all of you; the rewards have been immeasurable. Thank you. Our shared passions and pursuits ensure that this important work will continue.

When the gallery opened we chose to put our mothers’ maiden names on the door instead of our own. This decision was a subtle homage to Mom, but perhaps more importantly, an extension of our conviction that artists define a gallery’s legacy, rather than its proprietors. Our artists will continue to push boundaries in the studio, to defy the status quo. To become a footnote in what will undoubtedly be long and meaningful careers is a serious honor.

Three years ago the gallery re-located to Los Angeles; the move was both unexpected and spontaneous. While in town for a satellite exhibit in Chinatown I received a phone call from Marc Foxx. Marc encouraged me to visit a space for lease next door to his gallery. Five months later we were living in Los Angeles at night, photo courtesy of NASA

California, gallery keys in hand. A fulfillment of Frank Lloyd Wright’s wry observation “Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.” Things fell into place so to speak. L.A. is home, and will continue to be for our family.

Legendary curator Harald Szeeman once remarked that “in order to entertain certain ideas we may be obliged to abandon others upon which we have come to depend.” Currently there are realities within the art world that I cannot transcend within the existing gallery model. The evolution of art will be reliant upon a combination of existing strategies and new models. I’m committed to exploring new approaches with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that attracted me to the art in the first place. The future is unknown but my intentions are true. See you on the other side.

Sincerely,

Charlie Kitchings