Downtown Champion for the Arts

by

Lisa Kimble

Bakersfield’s downtown art scene has been through many rebirths over the last couple of decades.  So when a young, dapper, hip art connoisseur burst onto the scene a few years ago, it wasn’t surprising that some yawned and looked away.  For those cynics, critical of the notion that downtown could become a little art mecca – it was ‘been there, done that’.

But they seriously underestimated the popular presence and powerful persuasion of Don Martin, who has singlehandedly done in a few short years for downtown’s arts district what others have collectively tried to do with limited success.

43-year-old Martin, an Arvin High and CSUB graduate, has become the downtown arts district’s ‘Mother Theresa’, both gracious custodian and brash advocate for the revival of arts and culture downtown.  In just a few years’ time, Martin’s imprint appears everywhere within the five blocks of galleries. His MetroGalleries mailer promotes the ‘Fine Art of Living’.  That would seem to be the mantra for the man whom many credit with resuscitating art appreciation downtown.  Perhaps Vincent van Gogh had someone like Martin in mind when he   said, ‘there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”

Martin supported himself while in college as a graphic designer.  A fortuitous job at then- C.L. Clark Galleries would change his life and perspective. “I hadn’t been exposed to art galleries, but I fell in love with it [art].” He eventually worked his way up to gallery director.

A stint as design director at Borton, Petrini and Conron law firm gained him intimate access to the celebrity orbit that the firm’s renown business conference speakers passed through. The experience rekindled his inner ‘news junkie’, and he returned to KERO where he had interned, to produce its newscasts.

It seemed like a dream come true for the man whose boyhood dream was to work in television news since he was little, when he landed the plumb job as marketing and promotions director at KBAK.  There Martin helped mold the look of the station, for which he was nominated for several regional Emmy awards.

It was not, however, the best of times for Martin. “I was working 70 hours a week and I was 60 pounds heavier. I strive on stress, but I woke up one day and said to myself ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’,” he said. “I had a wonderful time in television and I wouldn’t have given that experience up.”  Today, Martin is an avid runner and says he is the healthiest and most fit he’s ever been.  Good thing.  It would take a lot of stamina to wade into the muddied waters of arts district revival in a small town with big growing pains where paintings of oil derricks was long considered high-end art.

Martin made several attempts at opening galleries, but they would prove to be ideas ahead of their time, including the purchase of the Wine Cellar, just around the corner from his current location. It seemed the perfect combination of his two loves, wine and art. It was an expensive mistake, a life lesson that cost him $50,000, he said.

Three years ago he began MetroGalleries, a corporation encompassing the 4,000 square foot gallery in the historic Hay building, its venue rental business and exclusive artist representation. “I get some flak for not representing all local artists, but what I am trying to do is expose people to different thoughts and artistic styles, he said.  “I felt it was time for a good, contemporary gallery.” He appears to have been right.  The third time’s the charm, it seems.  Martin says art sales are up and reservations for the much sought-after venue extend beyond the foreseeable future.

“A lot of the reason downtown was stuck was because of so much in-fighting,” he said. “Now there really does seem to be a cohesive vision about the area’s art’s district.” He’s joined the Downtown Business Association’s board, where he hopes to be a vocal presence and have a say in downtown’s future. “We can have this cool arts district. People feel we need a big something, but we don’t. We have it all right now, galleries, live local theaters and boutiques within walking distance.” “When people say there is nothing to do, I say you have to just look for it because there is always a band playing or a show on display at a gallery.”

Two years ago Martin helped create First Friday, another marketing tool designed to attract people downtown on the first Friday of every month. “Now we are up to 20 businesses who participate and upwards of a thousand people down here,” Martin says proudly. “By all of us working together, you can create an atmosphere for families in the early evening and the area becomes an attractive nightlife district by ten. It can all coexist.”  His engaging personality and forward thinking have won him many fans.  “Don is tireless in his dedication to the arts,” said Arts Council of Kern Executive Director Jeanette Richardson.  “With Don’s persistent efforts and enthusiasm, our dream of an arts district is thriving.”

There have been offers over the years to take his charm, creativity and talents elsewhere, but Martin remains committed to maintaining his anchor here. “I love the lifestyle I was able to create here. I walk to work, I’m close to Los Angeles, the beach. Sure, we have the worst air quality but there is something special about the people here. It is very different.”

Never content at staying idle, Martin is in the midst of yet another ambitious project.  Peeling back the layers of 125-year’s worth of wall-coverings inside the back of the gallery, Martin is effusive about the gallery’s modern bar that will be located there by year’s end, again combining some of the palate of life’s best.  “I have always loved downtown and lived downtown.  Living here you not only see the potential, but the ghosts of the bustling 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.”

His other office is his perch at the western-most outdoor table at Dagney’s coffee house, steps from his gallery.  Since 2000, he maintains a daily presence there. “I do more business deals at the table,” he laughed.

The quintessential people person, Martin’s collection of friends is as eclectic as his art shows.  They are his family and foundation of support.  Devotedly local to the core, Martin loves his pasta at Luigi’s, his Mexican food at Mexicali, his Basque fare at Narducci’s and his cocktails at Bill Lee’s. “There is nothing quite like going into a place where they know you,” said Martin, who clearly feeds off the fellowship of breaking bread and sharing it with the special people in his life.

Spending time inside Martin’s MetroGalleries, it is easy to feel as though you’ve been transported to a major metropolis.  Martin considers it a supreme compliment when a patron tells him the gallery could just as easily be in the heart of San Francisco.  It is that sort of hip vibe he hopes will sustain downtown’s arts district, officially created four years ago and now modestly marked with banners erected a year ago with money donated from a memorial fund established for local artist Nelson Richardson.

Martin, humbled by references to his heavy hand in the development of the downtown arts district, will be the first to tell you the credit belongs to the many people who have paved the way to where the district is today.  “We are nowhere near what I see what we could be, but I finally believe we can turn the four to five blocks around us into a miniature Old Town Pasadena or Old State Street in Santa Barbara,” he said. “I hope I have had a small part in bringing that about.”

 

Cover story from Bakersfield Life – July 2009

 

 

 

An Icon in Downtown Business Development:

Don Martin Takes Metro Galleries to New Heights

By Jason Gutierrez

 

The arts are alive in downtown and thanks to advocates such as Don Martin, owner of Metro Galleries, the arts show no sign of disappearing! For three years, Don has been working day and night to promote the growth, opportunity and cultural aesthetic found in downtown. After having a successful career in broadcast journalism and set design, Don decided that a change would do him so good.

In fact, you could say art has changed his life. He opened Metro Galleries, originally located on Eye Street, has collaborated with various business owners, the Downtown Business Association and the local media to create the successful First Friday events.

If you haven’t been to First Friday, then you’re missing out. The monthly gathering is the brainchild of Don. He’s single handedly walked the streets of downtown, promoting and gathering local business to participate and create a united kinship between business owners. First Fridays have also been staples for Metro Galleries art exhibit openings; the more people downtown, the more people being exposed to art. Martin adds, “We’ve been able to get the other Downtown galleries to have their exhibit openings on First Fridays and that had had a huge impact.”

“The gallery has grown faster than my expectations,” Martin says. “I am surprised at the eagerness and excitement folks have for the arts. I am seeing many new enthusiasts.”

He adds by saying that he has seen the art business rise about 50 percent each year that he has been open. He’s developed his own gallery by making the artistic space available to rent for special events. He’s also currently in development of a wine bar in the space behind his gallery. The wine gallery, also known as Metro Lounge, will be an upscale contemporary place to enjoy fine wine, organic coffees, teas and gourmet small plates.

But the questions remains – has the economy had an impact on art? The answer is, no.

“It’s surprising with the economic situation that people are still interested in art, but they are and I’m thankful,” he says. “I have worked extremely hard to market and promote the gallery. It’s been a lot of work to develop loyal clientele as well. Art is for everyone at every income level. Art needs to speak to you. That’s not always an easy concept to share with people. But people want to feel comfortable and relaxed at home or even at work. Art can do that for you.”

Metro Galleries showcases some of the best local and state wide talent. All artists are exclusively contracted with Metro Galleries and have started to burgeon with loyal fan bases, making the gallery established and ever changing.

“I hate being stagnant,” he says. “I’m always juggling current and upcoming exhibits, rentals, events, First Friday and marketing plans. I hope the success of Metro Galleries has inspired future artists and business owners. I look to inspirations such as Jill Thayer and am always encouraged to push myself to new levels.”

 

Artlook – Spring 2009

 

 

About Metro Galleries

Not many places can revolutionize a cultural change, but Metro Galleries in downtown Bakersfield has managed to do so. Since opening its doors in 2006, Metro Galleries has introduced Bakersfield to emerging and established modern artists of all mediums. Through the entrepreneurial spirit of gallery owner and local arts and culture champion, Don Martin, Metro Galleries has brought many local artists to the spotlight such as Johnny Ramos, Barbara Reid and Susan Reep. Metro Galleries also represents nationally acclaimed artists.

Metro Galleries given art’s enthusiasts a wide collection of fine art, but it has given the city a focal point for social networking and friendly gatherings. One of the galleries major accomplishments has been becoming the focal point of downtown’s First Friday’s, an artesian and boutique shopping extravaganza, Metro Galleries is also a venue for socialization and events.

Martin continues to develop as the premiere space for fine contemporary art in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. The galleries popularity is branch throughout the California art scene as Martin continues to showcase emerging and contemporary modern artists. Currently, Metro Galleries represents nationally acclaimed artists Laddie John Dill, Keith Wicks, Dennis Ziemienski, Bonnie Hineline-Kempner, Tina Bluefield and Mary-Austin Klein.

The gallery originally opened in a much smaller space in February 2006. Metro Galleries has since moved locations, allocating the space two levels for showcasing art and renting the space for special events. The beauty of the art speaks for itself, and so does the beauty of Don Martin’s personal investment in his represented artists and the passions of his clients.

“I try and develop a relationship with my clients. I find out what they like – colors, styles, etc,” Martin says. “When I discover a piece that a certain person may like I call them in and have them take a look. Above all I want them to be happy with a piece, so hopefully it will be a life long source of enjoyment. I’ve also been known to trek out to a client’s house with four or five pieces and hang them! Whatever it takes!  I’ve found by creating these relationships, many of my clients have become personal friends and return time and time again to my gallery.”

Instinct – Fall 2008