A Reno art gallery is closing, and the owner hopes to help both current art enthusiasts and those just getting into collecting art. Christel Citko has more than 40 years of experience in the art business and has collected thousands of pieces for her gallery.
"I have so much art, my inventory is not just huge, it's monstrous," she said. "And now with the gallery closing and thinking about how I'm going to conduct business in the future or what to do, I need to invite people into the gallery."
The hope was to sell the business, but that hasn't panned out, so she's selling everything she has on sale.
"All of the art framed on the wall has been custom framed by us, and so it's beautiful art, beautifully framed," she said. "And with the drastically reduced pricing that's going on right now, you're really getting a piece of art free or you're getting custom framing free. I don't have one particular artist or particular style, we have such a variety since I've been in business for so many years, that you have to be able to fall in love with something here."
Citko is hoping to lend her expertise for those new to the industry.
"I'm inviting you to come in and talk to me," she said. "If you're a new art buyer, I'm happy to help you and spend some time with you. If you need things for your office, I'll help you make that statement you want to make. Treat yourself to something really special and have a wonderful art experience. Come in here, meet with me, and go home with something wonderful at a price you can afford that you're never going to see again."
The business is still for sale. And while the future is a bit uncertain for Citko right now, she knows she'll miss all the people that have been coming to the gallery for years.
"I want to thank all of my customers that have become friends over the years," she said. "They're not just clients to me, they've become very dear friends. We stay in touch for many years and there's a good reason why."
A portion of the proceeds from all this art will benefit the Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary in Imlay, Nevada.
