The art scene in Dallas has been enriched with the arrival of Meliksetian | Briggs, a gallery that has recently relocated from Los Angeles. The gallery, which was established in 2012 by Anna Meliksetian and Michael Briggs, has a decade-long history in LA before making the move to Dallas.
Both founders, Meliksetian and Briggs, have a rich background in the art industry. Meliksetian, a former art critic and professor, has also owned a gallery in Santa Monica and worked at an auction house. Briggs, on the other hand, has experience working for prominent galleries in London and Los Angeles.
The gallery, initially a project space, has a strong connection to West Coast Conceptualism and John Baldessari’s Post-Studio Art program at the California Institute of the Arts. It has been home to works by artists such as Bas Jan Ader, John Miller, and Meg Cranston, while also nurturing younger talents like Christiane Lyons, Cody Trepte, Alex Heilbron, and Yifan Jiang.
The decision to relocate to Dallas was influenced by the gallery's longstanding relationship with the Dallas art scene, fostered through their annual participation in the Dallas Art Fair. This event allowed them to establish a network of collectors, curators, and artists in Dallas. When they lost their Los Angeles lease due to a large development project, the idea of moving to Dallas became a viable option.
Meliksetian shared with Glasstire that the move was facilitated by their friends Kelly Cornell at the Art Fair and Terri Provencal, editor of Patron Magazine. They recommended a ready-to-move-in space in Riverbend in the Design District, which turned out to be a perfect fit.
The gallery now occupies the former premises of the Green Family Art Foundation, sharing the development with Erin Cluley Gallery, PDNB Gallery, Keijsers Koning, and Gallery 12.26. Initially, the plan was to stay in Dallas for a year while looking for a new space in Los Angeles. However, the positive experience in Dallas has led them to decide to stay and look for a second location in LA.
Meliksetian expressed her satisfaction with the move, stating that they have been warmly welcomed by the Dallas art community, made new friends, and met new collectors. Since the beginning of the year, the gallery has showcased exhibitions featuring works by Bas Jan Ader, Meg Cranston, Yifan Jiang, Adam Saks, and currently, David-Jeremiah. For the latest updates from the gallery, you can visit their website.