Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Carlin
Hi Wendy, 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?
Since its opening in 2010, Hagan Fine Art had built a reputation of connecting art lovers in and around Charleston with the incredible work of award-winning artists. I was fortunate to meet Karen Hagan in 2023 when I was job searching for my relocation to Charleston from the Northeast. I didn’t get the job but we instantly connected. Once I had finally moved here, we became friends and when I called her to ask for any ideas about business I could invest in, she suggested buying her gallery! I had more than 30 years of experience in the art world, including Sotheby’s in NYC, the Donald Judd Foundation and Heather Gaudio Fine Art so I felt ready to take on this incredible opportunity to continue Karen’s vision of connecting artists and collectors. It has been six months and we have focused on the gallery’s tradition of sourcing global art for collectors from around the world as well as finding local and southern contemporary and modern artists looking to share their work.
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?
I was so lucky to meet Karen; I often refer to her as my fairy godmother! We became friends and then I transitioned into a business owner with her support and help. It is a true testament to women supporting women. Karen started the business soon after her divorce and having to create a new life and I also was in that position when we met in 2023. I moved to a new city where I really didn’t know anyone but knew this was the place for me. It has been fun and challenging to navigate being a relocated Northerner in a Southern city but I feel like I have had so much support along the way, I have been very fortunate. And the art community in Charleston is amazing…so many interesting and passionate artists and collectors!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hagan Fine Art?
Hagan Fine Art is a gallery in downtown Charleston offering paintings, sculpture and works on paper from contemporary abstract and representational artists. Hagan Fine Art is committed to its welcoming atmosphere while introducing new artists and expanding its offerings. The gallery is a place where people connect, and where art is an accessible and immersive experience. The gallery’s mission is focused on presenting vibrant, contemporary works to the Charleston community and beyond. In addition to showcasing emerging artists, Hagan Fine Art is proud to feature both new and established Southern artists.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the small town community feel of Charleston. It has all of the best parts of a city-great food and drink, cultural events and art, public spaces and historical attractions but with the friendliness and accessibility of a much smaller town. I like the lack of parking the least!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haganfineart.com/
- Instagram: @haganfineart
