At Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, we believe that home is more than a physical space—it’s a reflection of who you are. That belief prompted our partnership with the Portland Art Gallery, a vibrant Maine-based gallery that shares our vision for creating environments that inspire. Now on display in our Newburyport office, the gallery’s curated collection blends local spirit, timeless beauty, and artistic connection.
We sat down with Gallery Director Emma Wilson to learn more about the collaboration, the selection process, and the transformative role of art in the places we live and work.
1. Tell us about the Portland Art Gallery! How did this partnership with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty begin?
Located in the heart of Portland’s historic Old Port, the Portland Art Gallery represents more than 60 contemporary artists and serves a loyal clientele of serious collectors throughout Maine, New England, and the United States. Our diverse collection spans a wide range of mediums, styles, and price points, offering something for both new and seasoned collectors alike.
Our partnership with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty grew naturally from a conversation with Colleen Barry, CEO of the brokerage, about the meaning of “home.” We quickly discovered a shared belief: that the spaces we live in—and the art we choose to surround ourselves with—should bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to everyday life.
Just as selecting a home is a deeply personal decision, choosing artwork is an intimate expression of individual taste and style. Both choices reflect who we are and transform a space into something uniquely our own.
2. As Gallery Director of the Portland Art Gallery, what inspires you most about the artists you represent? How do you curate pieces that speak to different communities, like Newburyport?
Artists inspire me every day with their talent, vulnerability, and grace.
When we began discussing the Newburyport location, we were immediately struck by the architectural and emotional parallels to the Portland Art Gallery—both spaces invite community connection. The Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty team was looking to expand their space into something more versatile, welcoming, and art-centered. Together, our shared vision was clear: to create an environment where art doesn’t just decorate a space, but brings people together.
In curating for Newburyport, we chose pieces that reflect the spirit of the community—coastal, creative, and deeply rooted in a sense of place—while also introducing fresh voices that spark conversation and inspiration.
3. Can you tell us about the selection process for the works currently displayed in our Newburyport office? What kind of atmosphere were you hoping to create?
Selections for the Newburyport location highlight work from some of our most highly regarded and widely collected artists. In curating this collection, we focused on capturing the timeless beauty and spirit of New England—from coastal landscapes to textured mixed media pieces that invite closer exploration.
Our goal was to create an atmosphere that feels both inspiring and welcoming, where art enhances the character of the space and sparks connection. By blending a variety of styles and mediums, we wanted the collection to resonate equally in a professional environment and in the kinds of homes where our collectors live—spaces that reflect creativity, warmth, and a strong sense of place.
4. In your view, how does living and working around art—whether in a home, an office, or a public gallery—enhance and impact daily life?
Art has a remarkable ability to connect us—not just to beauty, but to each other. It reveals how others see the world, opening our hearts and minds to new perspectives. In a fast-moving, technology-driven world, living and working around original art invites us to slow down, look more closely, and feel more deeply.
Original artwork also brings something truly personal into a space. Unlike mass-produced décor, each piece is unique—a reflection of the artist’s hand and vision, and, just as importantly, a reflection of the person who chooses it. In a home or office, original art makes a statement about individual taste, values, and connection to place.
More than anything, art reconnects us to what truly matters—a love of nature, a sense of belonging, and the people and places we hold dear.
5. What has this collaboration with our company meant to you and the Gallery, and what are you most excited about as the partnership continues to evolve?
I couldn’t be more excited to introduce the Portland Art Gallery to the Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty community. This collaboration allows us to support brokers and their clients in new and inspiring ways—through personalized art consultations, exclusive pricing, and coordinated delivery and installation services.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to deepen these connections by hosting dynamic events—starting with our June 26 gathering—that bring clients and artists together in truly meaningful ways. We see this as just the beginning of a partnership built on creativity, community, and the shared belief that art has the power to transform spaces and lives.
As this partnership continues to evolve, we look forward to more opportunities to connect clients, artists, and communities through meaningful experiences. From gallery-inspired spaces to thoughtfully curated events, our collaboration with the Portland Art Gallery is just beginning. We can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
To learn more about Portland Art Gallery’s featured artists and explore its current exhibition, visit portlandartgallery.com.