Can art collecting be approachable — even if you don’t know the “right” words or have a massive budget?

In this episode of Museum Backstage, I’m joined by Delia LaJeunesse, founder of Delia LaJeunesse Art Consulting, for a behind-the-scenes conversation that gently dismantles the idea that art is only for elites.

Delia shares how she helps first-time and seasoned collectors find art that feels emotionally resonant, personally meaningful, and actually good to live with — not just “good on paper” as an investment. We also get into the surprisingly vulnerable side of collecting: intimidation in galleries, fear of “bad taste,” and why so many people feel like they were never invited into the art world in the first place.

And yes — we go there on AI: what it means for artists, collectors, and why Delia believes story and human connection will become even more valuable as machine-made content grows.

If you’ve ever felt awkward in a gallery, overwhelmed by the art market, or unsure where to start… consider this your backstage pass. 🎟️✨

Places & orgs mentioned

• Bell Projects (Denver) — gallery with a “living room” viewing space: https://www.instagram.com/bell_projects/?hl=en
• Art Basel (Basel, Switzerland) — referenced as overwhelming but eye-opening: https://www.artbasel.com/basel?lang=en

Online art marketplaces mentioned

• Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/
• Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/

Book mentioned

• Your Brain on Art (Delia recommends): https://www.yourbrainonart.com/

Ways to find artists

• Instagram (following artists + seeing process/behind the scenes)
• Local galleries and arts organizations (as a great starting point)
• Gallery newsletters + press releases

Connect with Delia

• Website: https://delialajeunesse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlartconsulting
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delia-lajeunesse/
• Newsletter (every other Thursday): https://delialajeunesseartconsulting.substack.com/
• Email: inquiries@delialajeunesse.com

Question for Listeners

Delia crowdsourced this live: Is there a better term than “art consultant”?

If you’ve got ideas, drop them in the comments — we’re serious. 😄

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Museum Backstage

00:44 Meet Delia LaJeunesse: Art Consultant Extraordinaire

02:03 Making Art Accessible and Personal

03:01 Delia's Unique Approach to Art Consulting

05:23 The Personal Touch in Art Collection

06:46 Navigating the Art Market

10:55 Supporting Artists and Building Connections

13:38 Art Appreciation Practices

30:48 The Role of Art in Everyday Life

32:51 Generational Shifts in Art Collecting

33:50 The Impact of AI on Art and Collecting

39:03 Navigating the Art Consulting Business

40:10 The Importance of Art in Personal and Professional Spaces

43:17 Balancing Multiple Roles in the Art World

46:36 Supporting Artists as Business Owners

53:39 Frequently Asked Questions and Final Thoughts

#MuseumBackstage #ArtCollecting #DenverArt #SupportLivingArtists #ArtWorld #ContemporaryArt #ArtConsultant #ArtAppreciation #InteriorDesign #AIandArt

In this episode of Museum Backstage, host Samantha Hunt Duran pulls back the curtain with Denver-based contemporary artist and arts leader Carrie MaKenna—co-founder of Dart Gallery and founder/president of the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum (CWAM).

Carrie shares what inspired her to help build a women’s art museum from the ground up, why museum representation still matters (especially for women artists), and what it takes to curate meaningful exhibitions without a permanent building. You’ll hear the real-world, behind-the-scenes logistics—calls for submissions, loan agreements, installation crunch time, and the creative strategy behind designing an experience people actually want to explore.

They also zoom out to the bigger mission: preserving the legacies of Colorado women artists, strengthening local culture, and creating a community-powered museum model supported by artists, members, and grassroots momentum.

Plus: a preview of CWAM’s upcoming Self-Portrait Exhibition and ways to get involved.

00:00 Welcome to Museum Backstage

00:42 Meet Carrie McKenna: Artist and Museum Founder

02:06 The Birth of the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum

05:15 The Denver Art Scene: A Unique Perspective

10:07 Challenges and Triumphs for Women Artists

19:25 Curating in Temporary Spaces

35:00 The Excitement (and Momentum) Behind CWAM

36:07 Why Denver Is the Right Home

36:49 A Growing Groundswell of Colorado Women Artists

37:47 Gender Representation in the Arts

41:54 Membership, Community, and Support

42:45 The Museum’s Vision for the Future

45:24 Building a Permanent Collection

50:59 Carrie’s Personal Journey + Family Influence

59:38 Upcoming Exhibitions and Events

01:02:07 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

If this episode resonated with you, there are a few ways you can support the work being done at the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum:

🌱 Learn more or become a member: CWAMUS.org

🎨 Attend an exhibition or event if you’re in or near Colorado

💬 Join the conversation — share this episode with an artist, curator, or museum professional

⭐ Subscribe, rate, and review Museum Backstage to help more people discover these stories

Your support helps amplify women artists, preserve cultural legacies, and shape the future of museums.

#MuseumBackstage #Museums #ArtMuseum #WomenArtists #WomenInTheArts #ColoradoArt #DenverArts #ContemporaryArt #Curating #ArtExhibition #MuseumWork #ArtsLeadership #CulturalPreservation #ArtsAdvocacy #ArtCommunity

In this episode of Museum Backstage, host Samantha Hunt Duran sits down with Luis Yllanes, founder of LRY Art Collection Management, for an in-depth look at the evolving dynamics of today’s art world. Together, they explore the intricate relationships between artists, galleries, museums, and private collectors—and how these connections shape the journey of an artwork.

Luis shares what makes an exhibition truly resonate, why proactive collection care is essential, and how collector responsibilities are shifting in a rapidly changing art landscape. He also reflects on his path from gallery and museum leadership to launching his own art management firm, offering practical advice for new collectors and those considering a transition into the art services field.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the art ecosystem and actionable insights for managing and preserving collections.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Museum Backstage

00:42 — Introducing Luis Giannis

01:37 — The Art Ecosystem

04:38 — The Journey of Artwork

07:36 — Collectors and Their Responsibilities

20:16 — Exhibition Impact

23:19 — Immersive Art Experiences

30:47 — The Impact of Unpolished Art

32:15 — Starting a New Business in the Art World

34:20 — Advice for Aspiring Art Entrepreneurs

36:00 — A Journey Through the Art World

43:03 — Daily Life of an Art Business Owner

51:00 — Rapid-Fire Q&A

52:40 — Conclusion and Contact Information

🔗Watch full episode:

#MuseumBackstage #ArtCollections #ArtManagement #ArtEcosystem #ArtCare #ArtConservation #ExhibitionDesign #ArtCollectors #Galleries #Museums #ArtEntrepreneurs #ArtBusiness #CulturalHeritage #CreativeIndustries #ArtLeadership #ArtInnovation #CollectionCare #ArtsAndCulture #BehindTheScenes #FutureOfArt #ArtWorldInsights