Name of your website?Ruby Hill Gallery
Your name?
Kathleen Erickson
Your Location (city, etc)
Carlos, MN 56319
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Ruby Hill Gallery sells the consigned artwork of Minnesota artists. There is something for any taste or budget at the gallery. I am trying to make original artwork available at a variety of prices, including unframed original artwork. This allows the customer to frame the piece the way they want it.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I think it is important for the public to take a look at what the gallery has to offer, even when the weather or location of the viewer may prevent a trip to Carlos, MN. Artwork inventory is always changing because every item is unique and constantly being introduced to the gallery space. I also want to share my vision for the gallery.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I launched my first website around 2002, I think. It was my personal artists website selling commissioned watercolor paintings of aircraft.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
It was difficult because I wanted the name to have some meaning and because some of the names I picked already existed. I finally named it after a horse I had to sell before moving to Minnesota. The whole story is on the website.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
I think it is different because I am taking more of a "retail" approach to art. I want it to be a shopping destination for people who like having things made by hand, people who appreciate another's vision.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
My eventual goal is for it to be a financial success. I want to be able to support all of the expenses required to have the gallery open, heated, cooled, lit, and running. I want the gallery to become a destination for tourists and have productive successful artists.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
So far it is very out of balance. Time will tell.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would spend a lot more money on advertising. That balance is at zero dollars at this time. It is all going to heating fuel. Remember, this is Minnesota.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
I hope so! There is a wealth of talented artists. I'm sure more would participate.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Fuel costs.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge has been convincing people that art is worth it. So many people shoot down the gallery idea. They all think I'm crazy.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Joining sites like this and the local Chamber of Commerce.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
At the moment I changed web hosts so I needed to rebuild the site. It looks a lot different, but I'm all about saving money. As long as I get my message out.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I will keep it running as long as the business is alive.
Why did I choose this business?
I chose this business because I am an artist. Art IS important.
What is your website address?
Ruby Hill Gallery