The Gallery at Bowie House, within Bowie House Auberge Resorts Collection, features a curated art collection blending Texas’s western charm with modern sophistication. Owner Jo Ellard’s 20-year collection enriches the hotel’s spaces, reflecting Fort Worth’s cultural heritage. The hotel also hosts exhibitions, live performances, and Artist Talks. I’m excited that Emily Gregoire, Director of the Gallery, has decided to sit down and discuss her work with these exhibitions.
Q: Emily, to start off, can you tell us about your background before getting involved with the gallery? Did you always know you wanted to be involved with art and its business side?
A: Yes and no. My dad is a stonemason, and as a kid, I saw him as a sort of sculptor. We grew up drawing together, and he always encouraged me to pursue my creative side. When I went to college and eventually started pursuing an art history degree, followed by my master’s, I didn’t initially think I would end up in sales. But I’m happy I did, as the fast-paced, future-focused environment is something I believe the art world really needs right now.
Q: I noticed you started in the Tampa area during your college and internships. For those unfamiliar with the area, what makes the art or cultural scene in Tampa unique?
A: Oh, absolutely! What’s great about strong cultural areas is that they start to shape their identity through art in unique ways. In Texas, you might see serene landscapes, but in Tampa and Miami, the art scene finds its identity in bright colors and bold, energetic marks. Interestingly, a lot of the art in our gallery at Bowie House was sourced from shows in Miami, so we’ve created a bridge between these different art worlds at Bowie House.
Q: How does the gallery balance offering original Texas-style art while also bringing in pieces from other regions?
A: That is a key aspect of what we do. The Gallery at Bowie House pays tribute to the rich local art scene. We’re located in a cultural district with institutions like the Kimbell, the Cowgirl Museum, and the Amon Carter Museum. However, we also aim to capture global attention. Our guests come from all over the world, and the art reflects that – Bowie House’s art collection doesn’t fit into a single box. It’s a balance of local pride and global reach, ensuring we have something for everyone.
Q: I heard that the gallery at Bowie House started with the owner’s personal collection. Is that true?
A: Yes, that’s true! It all started about 15 years ago when our owner, Jo Ellard, began seriously collecting art. Like many collectors, there eventually weren’t enough walls for all the pieces, and some went into storage. When the idea of opening Bowie House came to life, it was the perfect opportunity for Jo to showcase her collection and support the artists in a more public way. Now, instead of just collecting privately, she can support these artists through the gallery. We’ve built and strengthened relationships with many of the artists she’s known for years.
Q: As the director of the gallery, what can you tell us about the typical client visiting Bowie House? Are they seasoned art collectors or newcomers to the art world?
A: It’s really a mix. Some of our clients are deeply knowledgeable and come in with specific styles in mind, while others are just starting their journey into the art world. What’s exciting is that we cater to both – whether someone is looking for a particular piece or just beginning to explore art, we have something that speaks to them.
Q: Can you describe the variety of people who visit Bowie House and the gallery? Are they typically experienced collectors or newcomers to the art world?
A: That’s such a great question, and it really reflects what Bowie House brings to the table—an exciting mix of people from all walks of life. When you walk into our lounge, you’ll see people of all ages, backgrounds, and careers, and that’s what makes the space so inviting. We have first-time collectors who are excited to get guidance, and we’re here to help with consultations, home visits, digital mock-ups, whatever they need to start their journey. On the other hand, we have seasoned collectors who have been collecting for decades and know exactly what they want. Our collection isn’t about prestige or price tags; it’s about art that drives emotion, with pieces ranging from a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand. This makes it possible for collectors at any stage to find something meaningful.
Q: When it comes to building relationships with artists, do artists typically reach out to Bowie House, or do you actively seek them out?
A: We have a fantastic roster of artists, many of whom were previously collected by Jo Ellard, our owner. However, we’ve also been fortunate to have both local and international artists reach out to us for representation. This year, we’re proud to have taken on new talents like Abigail Jackson, a local artist whose works feature 24-karat gold and oil paint. Instead of painting celebrities, she focuses on the legends of our city—people from Fort Worth, which adds an emotional depth to her work. We’re also thrilled to represent Jacob Leavitt, a Texas-based artist who combines traditional landscapes with contemporary interpretations. These relationships are part of our mission to bridge traditional sensibilities with contemporary ideas, always keeping an eye toward the future.
Q: You recently had an Ashley Collins exhibition. For those unfamiliar, can you tell us more about the pieces showcased and any key takeaways from the event?
A: Absolutely. When Jo first had the brilliant idea to reinvent the gallery model and integrate it into hospitality, Ashley Collins was one of the first artists I knew we had to feature. Her reach is global—she’s collected by figures like Lady Gaga and Doc Rivers, but also by local legends like Kit Monkreef and Mary Ralph Lowe. She has a special place in Fort Worth, and it felt perfect to showcase her work at the Cowgirl Museum.
When I first spoke with Ashley, she hadn’t had an exhibition in about a decade. We wanted to make this moment special. One day, she called me and suggested unveiling a piece she had been working on for 26 years. It was a masterpiece called 11, and it had quite literally been through storms in California, with Ashley dragging it outside to weather the elements alongside her. We hid the piece behind a large red curtain at Bowie House before the exhibition. When we finally unveiled it to the crowd, the reaction was electric—people were in awe. The emotion and energy that radiate from her work, especially something crafted over 26 years, is just incredible.
Q: As a last question, is there anything you’re particularly excited about for the future of the gallery? I noticed you have an event in November and another coming up in January.
A: There’s a lot to be excited about, especially in this first year. Our next big event is highly anticipated. On November 10th and 11th, Ingrid Maggotson, one of our most featured artists at Bowie House, is coming all the way from Colorado for an exhibition. She’ll be hosting an artist talk, and the event will be open to the public. Ingrid’s work is all about layering—symbols, items, compositions, and even emotions—so we’re really looking forward to seeing her new masterworks.
Looking ahead to January, we’re thrilled to be hosting John Marshall Stubbs. He’s become a beloved artist among our collectors and has earned a bit of a reputation as the “bad boy” of Western art, which he fully embraces! He’s a total rule-breaker, blending acrylic and oil in unconventional ways, pushing boundaries even in Western art. You never quite know what to expect from him, and that’s what makes him so exciting. Many of our collectors already own his pieces but haven’t had the chance to meet him yet, so it’s going to feel like a grand reunion.
