In the heart of Boston’s SoWa Arts and Design District, a vibrant creative dialogue unfolded on May 6 at the much-anticipated event, “Start with the Art.”
Hosted by Sitka Home Art Gallery and Mr. Z Art in collaboration with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the evening brought together a powerful fusion of visual art and interior design, spotlighting the ways in which these two disciplines inform and elevate each other.
The event, set in the stunning shared gallery space of Sitka and Mr. Z, was a sensory experience from the start. The gallery itself was a visual statement, curated with Sitka’s expressive, color-rich paintings and the refined elegance of Mr. Z’s handcrafted furniture pieces. The space buzzed with energy as guests, ranging from artists and collectors to designers and design enthusiasts, gathered in anticipation of the evening’s conversation.
It is important to recognize that this seamless evening was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts and passionate coordination by the event’s organizer, Helaine Gulergun, who worked behind the scenes from initial concept to final execution. From early planning conversations, especially with designer Dane Austin, to constant communications with ASID and panelists, advertising, and logistical arrangements, every detail was thoughtfully managed.
Gulergun sourced support directly from Boston’s South End community, going door-to-door to invite collaboration, ultimately securing generous contributions from SoWa neighbors, including handcrafted chocolates gifted by Bittersweet Violet, Cadeau Boutique contributed an elegant gift basket for the raffle, and April 23 that added to the ambiance with a stunning floral display. ASID engaged sponsors that included Landry & Arcari and Venegas & Company, who provided food platters and refreshments. The warmth and unity of the SoWa and South End communities and beyond, were instrumental in making the event not just successful, but truly memorable.
As ASID marks its 50th anniversary in 2025, the organization continues to emphasize the critical role design plays in shaping the human experience. The evening’s panel discussion reflected that mission perfectly. Moderated by Marni Katz, a respected design journalist, curator, and seasoned art collector, the panel featured a standout roster of Boston’s top interior designers: Trevor Fulmer, Kate Maloney, Tiffany LeBlanc, Dane Austin, and fine arts consultant Jacqui Becker.
Marni Katz opened the evening with warmth and wit, setting the tone for an engaging and meaningful exchange. Her call for designers to “start with the art” resonated deeply, underscoring how a single piece of art can ignite the creative direction of an entire room. Drawing on her experience writing for publications like The Boston Globe and Interior Design Magazine, she spoke about art not merely as decoration but as emotional architecture.
Jacqui Becker, a veteran art consultant with decades of experience, offered rich insights into the client-art relationship. She shared how often people are unsure of where to begin when it comes to buying art. With a combination of storytelling, observation, and gentle guidance, she helps clients connect emotionally with pieces, photographing art in their space or narrowing options until the moment of recognition clicks. She also emphasized the importance of how artists present themselves; titles, dimensions, websites, and professionalism are not just details, they are tools that build bridges between creators and collectors.
Kate Maloney of Kate Mahoney Interior Design spoke about the subtle art of observation. She described how watching clients interact with artwork, how they pause, react, and engage, provides valuable insight into their taste and emotional language. Her design philosophy centers on creating understated yet bold spaces that reflect her clients’ lives, often beginning with the emotional connection to a work of art.
Trevor Fulmer, known for his livable modern aesthetic and sculptural, geometric forms, shared how his design process thrives on collaboration and relationship-building. For him, design and art exist in a dialogue, sometimes the art anchors a room’s design, and sometimes it completes it. Either way, the connection between designer, client, and artwork is foundational.
Tiffany LeBlanc of LeBlanc Design emphasized the importance of detail and professionalism when it comes to integrating artwork into interior projects. She spoke candidly about how well-documented and clearly presented art can make all the difference. For artists hoping to be included in sourcing binders and mood boards, clarity is key: complete information, strong imagery, and easy communication are non-negotiables.
Dane Austin brought warmth and a touch of philosophy to the conversation. His approach to design embraces both the practical and the poetic. He encouraged designers and collectors alike to explore beyond the expected, mixing high and low, contemporary and antique, found objects and fine art. For him, creativity doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Sometimes the most meaningful piece is something discovered in an attic or picked up at a vintage market. His guiding belief is that design has the power to transform lives, and that transformation often begins with a single, meaningful object, often, a piece of art.
The evening wrapped with a thoughtful surprise: hand painted gift bags by Sitka himself, which added a personal and joyful note to an already inspiring evening. These one-of-a-kind bags symbolized the event’s spirit of creativity and generosity, offering guests a keepsake that was as artistic as the event itself.
“Start with the Art” was more than a panel discussion; it was a celebration of the shared language between artists and designers. It marked a moment where ideas flowed freely, connections were made, and everyone walked away with a renewed sense of how creativity can — and should — begin with art.
(For more information on upcoming Sitka Home special events and exhibitions, visit sitkahome.com.)