Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Ross Group Creative

The right art, placed in the right spot, is an essential element of good design. Size, scale and color all must be considered to highlight the beauty of the art and to enhance the setting. Memphian Amanda Goetze, owner of Goetze Art and Design, is a master at connecting her clients with local, regional and global artists, helping them start or expand a collection of pieces that integrate with each other, and placing those works perfectly in their homes.

At Home sat down with Goetze recently to talk about the “art” of art placement and the importance of having art in a home.

After operating from the owner’s home and as a “gallery to go” since February 2019, Goetze Art & Design is going brick-and-mortar. A pop-up shop at 632 S. Perkins Rd. will be its home starting Sept. 8. Open by appointment and for special events, the shop will host New Orleans artist Ida Floreak for its first show. “The thought of having art shouldn't be intimidating,” says Amanda Goetze. “I want to create a space and an environment that makes art feel accessible and makes people feel comfortable to explore art.” For more information visit goetzeartanddesign.com.

“I love educating people about collecting art and realizing that it is a worthy investment—and one that you can enjoy in your home every day,” says Goetze. “I encourage clients to think about collecting art for the long term, that can be passed on to the next generation or sold if you want to go in a different direction. It will have value.”

One of Goetze’s favorite aspects of her work is introducing clients to artists she represents from outside the Mid South and sharing their background. “That’s a lot of fun for me, to educate the client about the artist, and why they’re looking at the product in front of them. How it came to be. There’s always a great story.”

Goetze placed these two very different paintings in adjacent rooms in the home of a young couple just starting their collection. Over the sofa an almost-abstract natural work by California-based painter Elise Morris evokes a soft, serene feel. Next door, however, a piece titled “Times Vines” by Queens, NY, street artist LeCrue Eyebrows sets a party tone. Says Goetze, “We thought that piece would be a lot of fun in their bar area because it depicts food and gathering, community, celebration. It’s a really interesting piece and certainly a talking point.”

An innovative solution for a family with an extensive art collection. Homes with open floor plans and fewer walls can present a challenge when it comes to art placement. Goetze hung this Kurt Meer oil and silver leaf work on a glass wall in a sunroom. “The lighting in the room changes throughout the day and it makes the cranes really glow. And I love the movement they have across that space.”

“Art doesn’t always have to be on a wall,” says Goetze. “It can be a great way to add layers and texture to other places in a home, as well. This Ida Floreak piece creates a pretty vignette and a cozy little place to be with your art.”

Also by Memphis native Kurt Meer, this piece speaks to the versatility of the artist. Goetze placed the atmospheric oil on canvas work, inspired by the Mississippi River, in a room with a masculine vibe and black accents. “The size and scale are perfect for the spot and the softness adds contrast to the room,” she points out.

“It has great energy, it works with her fun style and it’s sophisticated at the same time,” says Goetze of the painting by New Orleans artist Mary Singleton that she placed in the home of Memphis designer Lana Zepponi Meyers. “It’s perfect with the blue and red geometrics of the pillows.”

Goetze often collaborates with other professionals. For this dining room, interior designer Caroline Smith selected a pair of Elise Morris acrylics provided by Goetze. “Works on paper, like these, are often a good entry point for a beginning art collector, and they look fabulous in this well-appointed room!” says Goetze.