Path to Art Advisory: Michele Quinn

With over 25+ years of experience as a gallerist and private art consultant, Michele C. Quinn has built a successful career specializing in post-war and contemporary art. She has served as the curatorial advisor for some of the largest private and corporate contemporary art collections in the United States. Michele Quinn/MCQ FINE ART has served as the art consultant to several major corporate collections, including Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Station Casinos. Her knowledge of the global art market, longstanding relationships, and worldwide resources have allowed Michele to successfully commission large-scale installation works by Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Yayoi Kusama, and Jaume Plensa while also collaborating with such world-renowned architects and designers as Pelli Clarke & Partners, Rockwell Group, and Studio Daniel Libeskind.

Michele C Quinn at GC Projects, Las Vegas; Robert Rauschenberg exhibition, 2005 (Vegas Magazine)

What was your first “art world” job?

Going back to my sophomore year in college, my very first “artworld” job was being a museum guard and receptionist at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art! When I was hired, I thought to myself “my career is starting!!”

As entry-level of a position as this was, working at the museum exposed me to the intricate workings of the art world. From hands-on involvement in art installations, including the excitement of unboxing crates, to the invaluable opportunity of networking with influential figures like Hugh Davies, the experience was profoundly formative. To this day, I maintain connections with individuals I met during that time.

Noteworthy exhibitions during my time there included David Hammons, Richard Long, Alfredo Jaar, Robert Moskowitz, and Ann Hamilton, further introducing me and enriching my understanding of contemporary art.

What's one lesson you learned that has stayed with you?

Always be thorough and know everything about the artists and the art you are working with. Having a small amount of knowledge is dangerous, but having vast and in-depth knowledge is how you gain respect.

Where did you first hear about art advising?

I first became aware of the art advisory niche as I was working within the gallery network in New York in the 90’s, first at Castelli Gallery as an intern, then as the Director of Gemini at Joni Weyl. We would work directly with many advisors who had built some of the biggest corporate collections at that time, such as UBS, Goldman Sachs, Hallmark and General Electric. At that time, private advisors were limited to a small number of mostly, but not all, women. It was primarily the corporate advisors that were most active in this type of role and was something I became more curious about.

Opening of “Jerry Lewis: Painted Pictures” 2014 at Barrick Museum of Art; exhibition curated by Michele C Quinn (Michael McGraw, Michele, Jerry Lewis, Sean McClenahan)

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art; Classic Contemporary, 2009, curated by Michele C Quinn

Who did you look up to when you were first considering art advising? 

I owe a debt of gratitude to my former bosses and mentors, Joni Weyl and Brooke Alexander, for paving the way for my advisory career. Under their invaluable guidance, I came to understand that the business of art transcends mere passion; it demands unwavering dedication, hard work, and a profound understanding of oneself. It entails investing long, arduous hours, yet the journey remained gratifying throughout. They both taught me how to love the work as much as the art.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on the path to art advising?

Art advising is a comprehensive service industry that demands a holistic approach. Beyond mere transactions, it entails meticulous attention to every facet of the client's journey, from inception to completion. Setting yourself apart necessitates providing unparalleled care and addressing all aspects of your clients' requirements.

Crucially, transparency and unwavering integrity serve as the cornerstones of a sustainable and prosperous career in this field. By prioritizing openness and ethical conduct, you not only build trust with your clientele but also establish a foundation for enduring professional relationships.

What drew you to art advising over other art world careers?

I turned to art advisory somewhat naturally following an extensive career within the art world. With over a decade of experience in New York, including roles at respected galleries and auction houses like Brooke Alexander and Christie's Print Department, I cultivated a deep understanding of the industry. However, it was my collaboration with private collector Glenn Schaeffer, President of Mandalay Resort Group, upon returning to Las Vegas in 2003, that marked a pivotal shift. Together, we established GC Arts, where I curated more than 20 exhibitions of blue-chip contemporary artists, never before seen in Las Vegas.

While my focus initially revolved around Glenn's collection, I was also fortunate to expand my client roster with then beginning collectors, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, also prominent figures in Las Vegas. Concurrently, I seized the opportunity of presenting the ambitious CityCenter project to MGM Resorts, securing the monumental $40 million collection development endeavor that spanned nearly five years.

As the MGM project flourished and my roster of private clients grew, consolidating into my own business became a logical progression. In 2005, I formally incorporated my practice, Michele C Quinn Fine Art Advisory, LLC, aka MCQ Fine Art.

Octagon: The Exhibition, 2008; Project curated by Michele C Quinn (Michele with Dana White, CEO of UFC)