Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Monteleone.
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Mont Art House is a casual gallery space showcasing the works of a diverse group of emerging artists. I founded the business with one central goal: to help clients find original artwork for their homes while supporting the work and talent of our dedicated artist partners.
My idea for the business started coming together in about 2013. My husband and I had just moved back to Houston from Chicago and were trying to set up our home. We had a designer helping us, but finding art for our house felt like a much more personal investment. We were also spending a lot of time in New Orleans because of my husband’s family business. I had time to explore the city and began to visit galleries and slowly collect pieces here and there. With each visit, I began to think more and more about the pricing of art and the lack of transparency when it came to buying art. I couldn’t understand how artist set their prices or why galleries didn’t share pricing on their websites.
At the same time, I had several artist friends who had been asking me for advice about selling their work. I thought this sounded like a fun problem to solve and asked some of those dear creative friends if I could represent their artwork to potential clients. With the kindness and support of friends and family, I jumped in.
This all began at my dining table, and over the course of 3 years, it has grown to now include a large gallery space, storage studio, 3 team members, and 20 artist partners. I’m forever grateful for the artists who allow me to show and represent their work. They support me by allowing me to support them. Their artwork opens the door for me to do what I love: coming alongside clients to help them fill their homes with inspiring works of art.
The Mont Art House team is comprised of truly incredible women. Amanda Savoie is our behind-the-scenes everything lady, who has been with MAH since the beginning. As the inventory manager, she handles all of the inventory and website management and because of our WONDERFUL clients, there is a ton of turnover that keeps her very busy. Mont Art House grew in early 2022 with Sara Beck and Bess Alford joining the team. Sara is an art consultant, offering hands-on help to homeowners or interior designers looking to add original artwork to homes, offices, and professional spaces. Bess is our gallery manager and get-it-done girl. She welcomes gallery visitors with warmth and loves helping clients navigate the process of purchasing artwork.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have learned a ton over the past few years, but for the most part, it’s been a true joy to work with our clients and artist partners. We have hiccups every week – but we’ve yet to face a truly unsolvable art problem. I think that we have opened a door to an untapped market – the client that’s ready for original artwork, but isn’t looking for their first Picasso.
We have struggled with typical challenges for any small business (damaged pieces, billing problems, delays, delays, delays…). We’ve even had to navigate an art heist… which is a great way to figure out how your insurance works.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mont Art House. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
FOR THE CLIENT: We work with homeowners and designers to fill your homes and offices with works of art that are inspiring to you. Art engages the imagination – the right piece in your space can provide new opportunities for discussion, creativity, and joy. When you select an original piece of art you are bringing new life into your space AND directly supporting an artist by investing in their unique gifts and talents. Whether you’re starting a collection or an experienced buyer, Mont Art House can help you select or commission the right piece for your space. We are happy to work with you on a consulting basis or set an appointment to experience our curated selection in our Houston gallery space.
FOR THE ARTIST: At Mont Art House, we are passionate about championing our artist partners and celebrating their work. Artists who partner with Mont Art House receive loyalty from the gallery, gratitude and engagement from our collectors, and support from the encouragement of the other artists in the partnership. Our partners are based in cities across the country, working in a variety of mediums and styles, giving us a wide reach with room for everyone.
FOR THE COMMUNITY: Mont Art House is committed to giving back to organizations that cultivate the talents of the next generation of artists. We are active donors to the nonprofit organization Sandal Gap Studios in Houston. Sandal Gap Studio exists to share the beauty of inclusivity through art. They intentionally expose society to the disability community in a comfortable environment where art is used as the common language among the verbal and non-verbal.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The Mont Art House Gallery is open from 10am – 5pm every weekday by appointment or we have open gallery hours every Wednesday. Email Bess to make an appointment at a time that’s right for you (bess@montarthouse.com).
Anyone is welcome to stop by and see the art and learn more about our artist partners! Please follow along on Instagram @MontArtHouse or view our entire inventory on our website www.montarthouse.com.
We also offer in-home/office consulting services. MAH art consultant, Sara Beck, would be happy to schedule a free phone call to discuss our custom proposal options.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.montarthouse.com
- Instagram: @montarthouse
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Laura Sanz
Additional Photos: Molly Culver
