Summary
I'm Dulce Stein. I am curator in chief at The Neutra Museum Gallery . The space was originally created by Richard Neutra, one of the architectural greats of the Twentieth Century as his place of business. Richard's son, Dion Neutra, is a world renowned architect in his own right and is the Project Director for the Neutra Institute and also created and oversees the museum.
Describe your business
The Neutra Museum Gallery is a contemporary art space where we present Solo and group exhibits once a month as well as special events including Theater plays and readings, poetry events,Movie night, Comedy events, Music nights and more. We have an art boutique where we offer original art greeting cards, original prints, handmade craft gifts and architecture books, furniture and jewelry. This space has built a solid artist community and is open to the public to visit and open to local musicians and artists to make use of this amazing historical venue.
What made you decide to open this business?
I was invited as a guest curator in September 2015 by Dion Neutra as Dulce Stein Presents, quickly joining forces with Dion Neutra we have become Dion Neutra and Dulce Stein Presents at The Neutra. I curated 15 shows in 2016, booked the gallery solid for 2017 and already booked 2018.
What was it like when you first started?
I have been curating as an independent curator since April 2015. It all started with Mat Gleason, my curatorial adviser and teacher, curating from Hawthorne city sponsored galleries as curator in chief to Chinatown Red Pipe gallery as guest curator to Ventura as guest judge in Arts for Earth annual art event to Curator in chief at The Neutra Museum Gallery. It has been the greatest adventure of my life to find my passion. Ever since that first show, I was hooked for life.
What has surprised you most when owning a business?
The most amazing surprise is to find my passion in life. Curating and working with artists is my happy place.
What would your customers say they love most about your business?
My point of view. I am way out of the standard curatorial practice and institution school of thought and I bring a fresh point of view, making it my own.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?
In Curatorial practice, it will always be the the happiness of our guests as they enjoy the way the exhibit is curated and the Red dots are also welcome and indeed a memorable and happy occasion.
Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?
Many exciting plans in the future and always looking forward to extend the art space invitation to local artists, vendors and musicians as well as a brand new 9 panels art wall space on the side of the building facing the Rock away records parking lot
What is something most people don't know about the business?
Most Silver Lake residents are not aware that The Neutra Museum Gallery is open for business. Every day someone in the neighborhood discovers our contemporary gallery!
Who are some of your business idols and role models? And why?
Mat Gleason for knowing and seeing my passion even before I knew I had it letting me curate that first show that changed my life and Dion Neutra for giving me the most amazing venue where we work hard and build community everyday curating some of the best artists Los Angeles have to offer.
What do you like most about being a Curator?
I love being independent. Being an independent curator gives me the freedom to explore and discover everything anew.
Do you have any advice that you want to share with other Curators?
For those beginning their curatorial practices the only advice I would give is to always be yourself.
What do you love most about the neighborhood?
Dion Neutra is the oldest resident of the city of Silver Lake , meaning he has lived here the longest of any resident. I am lucky to learn the history of Silver Lake from Dion himself. It is very easy to fall in love with this place.
Anything exciting going on that customers should know about?
Yes, we have a show coming up July 15th and please stay tuned to all the upcoming events at https://www.facebook.com/theneutranewart/
Where are your favorite places to go in the neighborhood?
The Neutra tour is my favorite place where you visit all the Neutra houses all over Silver Lake.
What are your favorite things to do in the neighborhood?
I love to eat at Gingergrass across the street from the Neutra and Leela Thai on Silver Lake bl, Gus' lunchbox for a good Mexican food craving, Senior Fish, and Silver Lake Coffee again, across from the Neutra where we also curate the art.
Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?
I think it is very important to support your community. Silver Lake has great places to offer including our little art gallery, where you can find everything art!