Community Highlights: Meet Bridgette Shaw of Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridgette Shaw.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
You hear that you should follow your passion to gain success in your life. But, what if it takes you a while to figure out exactly what that is?

I have been a creative my entire life. Making crafts, painting, and participating in art shows. I loved it at the moment, but I treated it more as a hobby. I studied Art History and received a BA in Liberal Arts. After years of nontraditional living, I became a Real Estate agent, for 13 years, in Laguna Beach, CA where I grew up. This town is a beautiful landscape on its own. It was the 90s and a good time to be selling Real Estate.

The crazy thing I learned about myself (other than the horrifying fear of heights, from the nosebleed section of ocean views) is that I didn’t relate to the homes. I related to the art collection or the wall space that could support a collection.

At that time I started representing an artist that was based in Laguna Beach. I sold one house after I sold the clients a painting, and sold a painting to clients that purchased a home. It was a match..almost!

I realized that I did not like being in Real Estate, but I loved the part of bringing people together with what it was they desired. That was the IT factor, the joy of making it happen! Then I knew. I am good at sales. That is a positive when you believe in what you are presenting to your clients. Art was calling me.

My gallery has been a gallery space for over 30 years in Laguna Beach. I have owned this business since 2016. The previous owner, whom I briefly helped before taking over the business, did not have the knowledge or passion for this type of business.

It is hands-on every day and you have to love it! I choose and curate all artwork and I get to come into my gallery and enjoy all its beauty! My artists are like family and we treat each other that way. We have so many satisfied clients all over the world. No bad vibes here!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t know if any business has a smooth road.

There are learning curves. There is the never-ending paperwork and bills that zap some of your energy for doing what you are here to do! But if you are doing this on your terms, you just have to take that on and feel accomplished for doing that at the end of the day.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Laguna Gallery Of Contemporary Art?
Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art specializes in larger, statement pieces, including sculpture, for homes and commercials. Most of it is abstract and very contemporary. Of course, we have smaller pieces, but when looking for something to stand out, we can deliver that.

Most of the artists can do custom pieces for clients in the dimensions they need. I keep in touch with every client to make sure from the beginning to the shipping, that there is clear communication. I am always available on my cell phone.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
It is the personal touch and making every client feel special because they are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lgoca.com
• Instagram: @lgoca