Jack Morris and Alexandra Weathers, new owners of Robert Paul Galleries in Stowe. Courtesy photo.
Young entrepreneurs connect artists from around the world to Stowe
by Vermont Small Business Development Center For nearly 35 years, Robert Paul Galleries has been at the heart of Stowe’s thriving community of artists. So when the original owners, Robert and Gail O'Toole, retired last May, residents Jack Morris and Alexandra Weathers embraced the opportunity to purchase the business and build upon the O'Tooles’ decades-long legacy of connecting artists from around the world to Vermont’s largest town.
At only 22 and 23 years old, respectively, Morris and Weathers set out to operate the gallery with three specific goals in mind: to bring people together through art; to have a strong presence in Vermont’s developing art scene; and to create an experiential gallery featuring the works of both emerging and seasoned artists.
“I was inspired to purchase our own business so that I could be independent,” Morris said. “I strive to achieve the most that I can when it involves the things that I love, like art and photography. Owning our own gallery enables us to implement our own innovative ideas while being social and engaging with the community.”
Morris, a professional photographer, and Weathers, an art history enthusiast, were confident in their knowledge of the creative side of the business, but wanted to learn more about the financial aspects of the profession.
That’s when they decided to connect with the Vermont Small Business Development Center and Charles Ininger, the center’s business adviser for Lamoille and Washington counties.
“We had heard about (the center) from a family friend and thought it would make sense to have guidance as we navigated the purchasing process,” Morris explained. “Charley was helpful, knowledgeable and always responsive to us.”
“It was a pleasure to work with Jack on the project,” Ininger said. “He was open to advice and very thorough in negotiating their lease. Together, we worked through establishing an interconnection between the lease term needed to satisfy the lender’s terms, moving the purchase forward.”
Since taking ownership of the gallery at 394 Mountain Road, Morris and Weathers have honed their business skills and expanded their Rolodex of artists whose works would be appropriate for gallery showings. Exhibits encompass fine art photography, original paintings and sculpture.
The gallery also hosts a wide range of exhibitions, events and classes that are open to the community.
Morris plans and directs events and exhibitions, using his experience in client relations to reinforce their reputation for exceptional client service. Weathers leverages her extensive knowledge of the art world to discover new artists and manage the inner workings of the gallery.
What does the future hold for these budding entrepreneurs?
“My family background is in the art world,” Weathers said. “I learned early on the challenges of owning and running an art gallery, and I am so excited that we get to do this our way.
“We have a great foundation that we can mold into our own space, breathing new life into the business. We are really looking forward to adding more interesting, contemporary art into the gallery for the community and visitors to enjoy.”
And, we're told, debuting a new name that befits its new owners.
Learn more at robertpaulgalleries.com or follow on Facebook or Instagram.
For more information and resources for small business owners, visit vtsbdc.org.
