How art gallery Genome went from ‘closed’ to ‘coming back’
Best friends Henry Schreiber, 33, and John Josef, 31, are resurrecting their art gallery Genome after a four-year hiatus. Both are passionate about what they want to achieve, steadfast in their commitment to showcase emerging and established artists and willing to learn from their mistakes.
The friends met at University of Central Florida where Schreiber completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation and Masters of Fine Arts in studio art. After Schreiber graduated, they went their separate ways – Schreiber to Ashe County, North Carolina to make it as an artist and Josef to work as a software engineer and consultant in Orlando. Over the next two years, Schreiber discovered his niche – marmots.
“Venetian Marmoture” by Henry Schreiber
In March 2011, Josef was interested in moving from Florida, and suggested a road trip. Josef, Schreiber and Josef’s brother traveled through a few southern cities in search of a new home. Their stop in Charlotte left a great impression.
Josef said, “We both felt like Charlotte was growing. It was a place where there was a lot of economic viability.”
Josef and Schreiber immediately moved to Charlotte and set up Genome in a corner space in Brevard Court just three months later.
Josef explained how they chose the name Genome for their art gallery: “Genome is a biological term. It has to do with the chromosomes that make up a gene in a cell of an organism. I liked that idea for an art gallery, especially being someone who is involved in computer science and engineering. I thought it would be a great name for an art gallery, combining art and science.”
At first the Genome concept worked.
Josef said, “It was a ton of fun. People really loved it. We did great events, especially in that courtyard because it was closed off. We got bands to come out and play, and it was always a good time.”
Genome closed at the end of 2012 because they were not bringing in enough money to cover expenses. They attribute their closing to only selling paintings and sculptures, limited access to their location because of construction and a poor business plan.
But they never stopped talking about ways to get Genome going again. The opportunity for a pop-up at the Art Hole this past May helped Schreiber and Josef formulate a business plan.
“We need to make it work as a business, not just the fun party, make it sustainable,” said Schreiber.
Schreiber and Josef will work with local businesses to plan events and pop-ups. They will also be selling more than fine art and paintings — t-shirts, prints, graphic novels and art books will be available. They are also moving their price point to under $250.
Genome’s next pop-up is at the Haylo Healing Arts Lounge at 1111 Central Ave. The opening reception is on Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m. Schreiber’s work will be featured there through Oct. 14, 2016.
Photos: Genome
This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "How art gallery Genome went from ‘closed’ to ‘coming back’."