Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Patterson.
Hi Gail, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Gail Patterson Short Bio
After graduating from Dartmouth College and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Gail Patterson had a long career as an MD/Anesthesiologist in both the academic and private sector. Her career included many opportunities for volunteer medical relief work in low-income countries, focusing on her particular interest in Haiti. She has supported several films, including the 2014 “In the Eye of the Spiral”, an award-winning documentary about Haiti’s artistic traditions. Gail has also spent 40 years collecting Afro Caribbean art, with an eye towards the way art is vital to starting a human conversation and creating connections. Gail recently opened a contemporary Afro Caribbean art gallery in Easton, Spiralis gallery, which focuses on amplifying artists’ voices and creating sustainable partnerships that honor cultural authenticity while building meaningful collector relationships.
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?
Bringing something new to an area is always challenging – as humans, we resist change becaue the familiar is comforting – but I believe strongly that expanding the dialogue around different genres of art elevates the whole conversation. Easton has become an arts and entertainment destination, and the variety of arts offerings is a win-win for all involved, businesses and visitors alilke.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a physician doing volunteer medical work in developing world countries, I would always ask to meet artists. I felt that artists had the “pulse” of the country, and it amazed me that they continued to create even when circumstances were very difficult. Art is a way to connect us as humans, to start a human conversation, to get us out of our silos and interact.
I’ve attached the Spiralis media kit for your review. Spiralis is a distinctly different gallery for Easton, focusing on contemporary Afro Caribbean art.
I am proud that we have created a gallery environment where everyone is welcome, and where we use art as a vehicle to assist us in sometimes thorny conversations.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Be open; listen deeply; there is no failure, only learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spiralisgallery.com
- Instagram: @spiralisgallery
- Facebook: Spiralis Gallery
