We’ve had so many clients tell us over the past couple of years how emotionally attached they’ve become to pieces they’ve purchased here at the gallery. It got us thinking that it would be fun let you, our dear clients, tell your own story.
Debuting in this series are our wonderful clients, Donna and Chip Davidson, whose favoritepiece almost ended a long friendship with us at the gallery.See what Donna wrote to us about this painting and the little conspiracy that almost backfired!
Donna Davidson with "I'll Dance Alone"
"I purchased my first painting from Huff Harrington on the night the gallery opened.I have always loved art but so many times felt intimidated when I walked into a gallery.Meg and Ann certainly have a way of making you feel comfortable with the whole process.It made me realize that buying art is a very personal thing and thereis no “right or wrong” way to do it. One day, I just happened to pop in the gallery to see what was new.Hanging prominently was a painting that caught my eye.The painting was called “I’ll Dance Alone” by Lorraine Christie and I just couldn’t keep my eyes off it.There it was: this larger-than-life painting of a woman who seemed to be moving with a sassy attitude that was a combination of independence and defiance. Once I heard the title, I knew I had to have it!I thought this would be a perfect present for our 25th anniversary, but I did want Chip, my husband, to see it first.I let Meg and Ann know that I was very interested. They assured me that I would have a first right of refusal on the piece until Chip could stop by to see it.
A few days later, I went back to the gallery to stake my claim on the painting.The first thing I noticed was the red sticker placed next to the painting indicating it had been sold.My heart sank into my stomach.Meg immediately came over to me and explained that she was very sorry, but the painting had been sold to an out-of- town interior designer.My first reaction was huge disappointment.I was so sure Meg and Ann would keep their promise to contact me first.Then, I actually felt somewhat annoyed about the whole thing.I finally convinced myself that it was one of those things and that another painting would come along that I would love just as much.
(Note from Ann and Meg:“We felt terrible, seeing Donna leave the gallery in that state of mind.We always honor our clients’ requests and we hated that she thought we had let her down.It was hard not to spill the beans!”) Unbeknownst to me, Chip had placed a call to the gallery after I told him about the painting and enlisted Meg and Ann to help in a little conspiracy.It was his idea to have them show the painting as sold and to make up the elaborate story about a designer buying it.What I also didn’t know is that he arranged for the gallery to have it hungwhile we were away.When I walked into our bedroom, you can imagine my state of shock when I saw this fabulous woman hanging on the wallII was thrilled and of course, the gallery was promptly forgiven!
Why I this painting:I love her fiery spirit and her stubbornness, a trait I can relate to!Also, I must admit, I have also danced alone on occasion!!"
Donna Davidson, Atlanta
Lorraine Christie, I'll Dance Alone, 48 x 36
Tell us your story! We'd love to hear about your favorite painting and what circumstances led you to buy it. Please write or call us with your story, at info@huffharrington.com or 404.257.0511. If you don't want to tell us about it, but would prefer not to write it, we'll do that too. We'd love to hear from you.
