Christine Bailey, co-owner of the Norsworthy Gallery, is one busy local woman with a special eye for appreciating the beauty in art. A longtime resident of Shreveport-Bossier City, Bailey is married to Chris, the nephew of Gwen Norsworthy, the former director of SPAR and the Barnwell Art Center. Bailey and her husband opened the Norsworthy Fine Art Gallery in downtown Shreveport after inheriting Gwen Norworthy’s entire collection. An artist herself, Bailey studied under Jerry Wray, a nationally known artist, and is a member of the Hoover Water Color Society and Louisiana Artists Inc.
Her artwork has been shown at the Barnwell Center and is presently on display at the Norsworthy Gallery and at Artport in the Shreveport Regional Airport.
What is it like being co-owner of an art gallery? Bailey: I get to meet a lot of great people. The art world has brought to us many new and interesting friends. It’s been a joy to bring fine art to individuals who may not have had the experience before. We have a lot of people that come in just to look because it’s a good experience.
Q. What first prompted you toward art? Bailey: Art is my passion, one of life’s greatest pleasures. As I said, before when we inherited Gwen Norsworthy’s artwork, we never would have imagined that we would own a building and live downtown above an art gallery. It’s been a major change in my life and brought much joy.
Q. What does a day-in-the-life look like for you? Bailey: If I’m not working in the gallery or in my studio, I’m taking care of our residence above the gallery and our cats. Very often I stay up late at night painting because I’m a bit of a night owl. So, I don’t generally rise early. My days aren’t really mapped out. On days I work in the gallery, I take care of things at home before my long commute – downstairs.
Q. What inspires your art? Bailey: Other artists and their art inspire me. That’s how it all began! I was inspired by Gwen’s work and thought that if I was going to own a gallery, I should explore the artistic side of my own brain. It’s not just business – it’s about creating something meaningful that brings pleasure to other people as well. People enjoying my work inspires me to continue.
Q. What type of art do you create the most often? Bailey: Large, colorful, abstract pieces are my favorite. I have explored various media, but there’s just not enough time to try every technique I want to. I gravitate to the technique of watercolor on raw canvas. The blending of colors that manifests in the end is always a fabulous surprise.
Q. How do you juggle your career with your passion and your family? Bailey: My passion includes the gallery. My sons are grown and have moved away from home, but they are supportive of my goals. My husband has a career as well, but we work together in the gallery on nights and weekends, preparing for shows and receptions. And of course, there’s not enough time for everything. Usually when something has to be put on hold, it’s my least favorite thing to do – house cleaning!
Q. Tell me a little about yourself. Bailey: I believe in rescuing animals. I love my cats and have rescued three since living downtown. My husband and I love to ride his Harley, and I like to play pool. I also love fine art. I recently took a trip to Taos, N.M., to enjoy other artists and study other galleries.
Q. What advice would you give other women regarding pursuing their career dreams? Bailey: ‘Hang in there, Baby.’ That’s really all it comes down to! It’s hard work, and you’ve got to stick with it.
Q. What makes the Norsworthy Gallery unique, especially to the Shreveport-Bossier City area? Bailey: It’s a fine art gallery. Our mission is to be a place where people can come and see meaningful visual art and collect the pieces that resonate most deeply with them. It’s also about providing a place for artists to show and sell their work. People can come and enjoy art, and it’s not a static experience. Having the gallery has made me even more aware of how important art is.
Read more about Christine Bailey and the Norsworthy Gallery at:
www.TheNorsworthy.com www.facebook.com/Norsworthygallery Twitter: @TheNorsworthy
