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Kim Kieler Gallery
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So far, an eye for rarities has gotten Ms. Kieler into twenty-two countries to discover and bring back exquisite antiques, artisan-crafted furniture and the work of barely discovered fine artists. In the course of her travels she has also built three elementary schools in Vietnam and put five Balinese children through school. If that’s trouble, bring it on!
Kim Kieler Gallery is located in an airy space awash in natural light, located inside a former lemon packing building in an area of town “I call the Opportunity Zone,” says Kim. Tranquilly spacious yet filled with objects d’art, the store is an extension of Kim’s unerring taste and multi-faceted personality. Behind her desk is a wall lined with books from her travels, among which sit photos of Kim with the Dalai Lama and with Desmond Tutu.
“I’m an Asian specialist who has collected antiques and fine objects from countries including Burma, Thailand, China, Indonesia, India and the Philippines,” Kim explains. She shows me some 17th-century, museum-quality Tibetan furniture that leaves me gasping at its beauty. “I also carry more basic Asian antiques. I have worked with artists and artisans in many small villages and small factories in Asia. I especially like to work with women helping other women.”
“Now I am going to focus on art and artists, and furniture in art form. I’m promoting new, up-and-coming artists. I had the largest collection of Vietnamese artists in the USA, but now represent mostly one painter, Mai Anh. We’ve had six exhibits of her work. I also carry a male artist, Dang Xuan Hoa, leader of a group known as “The Gang of Seven.” (One of his paintings recently sold at Sotheby’s for $100,000.) I also want to represent local artists who haven’t had their talent promoted.” Local artist Cristy Thom’s exhibit of crystal objects, “The Facets of Life” will take place December 3 – 13.
The logo of Kim Kieler Gallery is a lotus symbolizing me facing myself. I’m back to doing the business the way I want to do it. It’s really freeing. I’m not going to carry a lot of stock, but will feature smaller lots more often. I can show my clients unfinished antique furniture and they can decide what finishes they want. I can work in peoples’ homes and also directly with designers. I feel inspired and it’s fun to be curious about people. I’ve decided that I want to be my own boss, not have a lot of employees, have a lot of fun and sell beautiful things.”
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