As a recent Stetson University graduate, Bill Gallagher did “the most irrational thing possible” and became a professional artist. Then, for about 20 years, he wasn’t. Now he is again. And this time he can’t walk away. He has a point to prove.
After two decades working in corporate advertising and marketing, Gallagher
—whose solo exhibition is slated from May 2 to June 3 at Jane’s Art Center in New Smyrna Beach—returned to art five years ago for the sake of his daughter.
“My daughter came out an artist,” he says. “She can draw like a dream. And finally I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to quit my job. I’m going to go to the studio, and I’m going to show her what it takes—that it can be done.’”
The father-daughter duo started by taking drawing and painting classes together at a local artists’ workshop. Says Gallagher: “It all came back very, very quickly, much to my surprise and my delight.”
Perhaps Gallagher—whose mother was an accomplished artist and had a studio in her Winter Park home—was simply carrying forward a family tradition. But looking back, he sees how his corporate experience equipped him to circle back to painting.
“At the end of the day, being an artist requires running your own business. You have to make sure that your products are profitable. You have to make sure that your customers are happy. There’s a lot more to it than painting pretty pictures.”
Bolstered by a cup of strong coffee, Gallagher begins his day dealing with business—he owns NSB Vacation Home, a vacation rental company in New Smyrna Beach—before trekking a few blocks away to his studio. Oil paint is his medium of choice; the state’s atmospheric landscapes and eclectic people are his subjects.
Gallagher’s works can often be found at art shows, including those in Winter Park, St. Petersburg, Sanford and Lake Mary. Judges and collectors are taking note and ribbons are beginning to garnish his works. Daughter Thea, he notes, is also finding her place in the art world.
Says Gallagher: “I see no reason why we can’t shove our foot in the door at an early age and say, ‘Hey, I want to be a part of this.’”
He notes that United Arts of Central Florida’s strategic plan to strengthen the regional arts sector aligns perfectly with CANVAS, a 10-year cultural master plan from the City of Orlando and Orange County. Together, he adds, these initiatives offer many opportunities for artists to thrive.
Jane’s Art Center is located at 199 Downing Street, New Smyrna Beach. Visit billgallagherart.com for more information.
