Connie Maher and Ty Knutson have opened a new art gallery on El Paseo that is cool and contemporary—which features art works for collectors with virtually any budget.
That Gallery—yes, that’s the name—occupies an industrial-style space that hosts works by a variety of artists, shown on long walls in numerous areas. As art collectors, Maher and Knutson choose what they love, they said, rather than art that others might believe will sell best. The artworks on display are contemporary and irreverent, from pop art to street art, with bursts of color and humor. The mission of That Gallery, Maher said, “Is art for all, and exposure for artists.”
Knutson, a real estate investor and art collector, partnered with Maher, an interior decorator and “smaller budget” art collector who takes joy in placing art. El Paseo was an easy choice for their gallery, both because of all the art on El Paseo, and because Knutson owns the building. Knutson also owns and operates SIPS, Stay in Palm Springs, a series of midcentury rental homes that they decorate. They QR-code the art in rentals, so purchases are easy.
“These (rentals) are rather fearlessly decorated, which I hope inspires people to do the same in their homes,” Maher said.
That Gallery is exhibiting a tapestry by Keith Collins, which he sewed by hand, depicting Andy Warhol; the 7.5-by-6-foot work has a $24,999 price tag. In one rental-home instance, Maher placed the Warhol tapestry beneath a glass table, achieving a fun center piece and a great conversation element for guests. Knutson and Collins have been friends for decades; That Gallery also is showing Collins’ large Marilyn Monroe tapestry, and his oil painting of Steve McQueen.
The This Is Addictive series, by artist Daniel Cohen, blends real chemical formulas and item compositions with hysterical descriptions. Maher said the “lore” is that Cohen’s father wanted him to become a doctor—but instead, Cohen became known for anti-medical humor. These limited-edition prints, each 22 by 22 inches, are $499, signed on heavy-duty archival paper with UV-print technology.
There are two Farrah Fawcett depictions in the gallery by Guerin Swing. Guerin first silk-screens famous photos onto a hand pulled canvas. “The real artistry begins when Guerin adds his signature combination of aerosol, acrylic and streak-mop markers,” Maher said. His signature mixed-media Farrah is $9,999, at 66 by 48 inches.
Knutson and Maher not only want That Gallery’s art to appeal to a more contemporary, younger crowd; they also want pieces available for all budgets. They have a wall of Sugar Press Art—limited-edition prints, signed and numbered. These prints are made on recycled or sugar paper, and cost $175 to $200. “They are great for a beginning collector, a young collector or anyone young at heart,” Maher said.
Toward the other end of art budgets, That Gallery has a $50,000 WhisBe Vandal Gummy Bear—a 48-inch tall, one-of-a-kind fiberglass and resin sculpture. Whether these works are viewed as irreverent, uncanny conversation pieces or simply well-done works of pop-street art, they open visitors’ minds.
Knutson and Maher said they select art for the entire “curating spectrum, serious and budding.”
“I am the luckiest person to be in this environment all day!” Maher said. “My 15-year-old daughter also loves to come and help.”
After meeting two years ago, Knutson and Maher became instant “old friends,” and he chose to partner with her due to their love of humor, as well as a similar overall approach to art, art collecting and business.
They plan to match themes with events like the El Paseo Art Walk series on First Fridays, as well as annual events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival (with a Hollywood-themed display) and El Paseo Fashion Week in March (with artist/model fashion shows).
Maher said she also wants to showcase local artists, and the gallery may present pop-up shows of established artists in the back gallery space.
Knutson and Maher want clients to enjoy their art—so they curate with humor.
“Laughter is medicine,” Maher said. “If the art inspires conversation and laughter, that’s one of my goals.”
That Gallery is located at 73940 El Paseo, in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760-610-2036, or visit thatgallerypd.com.
Edited on Jan. 1 to correct a typo and Ty Knutson’s name throughout the piece.