atHOME with Monadnock Table A Home Life Enveloped in Art

PULL QUOTE: "I am living with the most spectacular art … I wake up in the morning. I make my coffee. I sit down, and I am enveloped. For me, it's a wonderful, spiritual way to start my day." — Taryn Fisher Imagine having a boutique art gallery right in your very own living room. That's everyday life for Keene's Taryn Fisher, who has transformed her home into not only a living space she revels in but also an immersive gallery space where she welcomes art lovers for appointments and events. &emsp;The Taryn Fisher Fine Art Gallery at 302 Court Street in Keene is a bold, creative move that came after much soul-searching during the pandemic. Before COVID hit, Fisher had launched The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen/Keene Fine Craft Gallery downtown. But after being forced to close when the world shut down, it took time for her to heal and to imagine the next iteration of her gallery space. &emsp;The spark to make it happen right inside her home was practical because affording a downtown rental space again wasn't on the table. Instead, she drew inspiration from a common model she'd seen in New York City. &emsp;"You might come into a 40-floor complex, go up to the 23rd floor to somebody's apartment, and they've got an art gallery," she says. &emsp;Both intimate and unexpected, it's an entirely unique way to experience art and one that the region's locals are quickly developing an affinity for. Across Keene, there are numerous venues that display the work of area artists, from popular cafes to local shops. And that plays an essential role in exposure for those creators. &emsp;"But from an artist's point of view, there's this idea of exhibiting their work in a setting that minimizes distraction and optimizes the ability to view the work," Fisher says. &emsp;That's where Fisher comes in. She showcases a focused number of pieces in her gallery during each exhibition — about 10 to 20 depending on size. And even the artists are taken aback by the striking result. &emsp;Fisher recently had an artist deliver some work, "one who is extremely accomplished and someone I deeply respect," she says. He agreed to exhibit on faith because of their longstanding, positive relationship as collaborators. "When he came in, he was like, 'Oh, this is fantastic,'" Fisher says with a smile. &emsp;Every decision is intentional, from the thoughtfully placed lighting to the professional art-hanging system. The walls are muted white with stretches of open space, and there's a brightness to the room that draws the eye. &emsp;Though the house may appear unassuming on arrival, guests all have a similar reaction when they step inside. In the entryway, there's a place to easily hang up your coat. And "people know immediately that something special is going to happen because there's usually a little sign and maybe a painting or two," Fisher says. &emsp;Turn right from the mud room, and it's into the kitchen, an open-concept space with a counter, dining table and a settee where a small group can sit and relax. The kitchen is spread with wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and light refreshments during events. &emsp;"The tone is: 'Come on in. Make yourself comfortable,'" Fisher says. &emsp;After getting settled, it's the moment that always results in a bit of awe. Turn right again, and there's the gallery. It's free from furniture except for a single upholstered bench with large and small works of art meticulously arranged along the walls and pedestals for sculptures and carvings. There's always a pause just to take it in before the guests begin to move from one piece to another. &emsp;You might wonder if having a home gallery loses its luster for Fisher, who lives there daily. However, the enthusiasm on her face shows it certainly does not. &emsp;"I am living with the most spectacular art," she says. "I wake up in the morning. I make my coffee. I sit down, and I am enveloped. For me, it's a wonderful, spiritual way to start my day." &emsp;When she entertains outside of gallery evenings — say just having a few friends over for dinner — it's a singular experience for all. &emsp;"We could be going to a restaurant with a spectacular atmosphere and all of that. But here we are in my kitchen or my living room with that same ambiance. I'm not saying the cooking is the same level, but we're talking ambiance," she says with a laugh. &emsp;She spends a lot of time thinking about her living situation, making sure it's the place she loves to come to most. &emsp;"So, when I can invite people into my home to share that experience, it's lovely," she says. &emsp;For Fisher, this gallery is the culmination of her strong sense of entrepreneurship, creative vision and commitment to the local arts community. &emsp;The journey hasn't been a straight path. Now in its fifth form, her gallery has become a refined exhibition venue and a platform for Monadnock Region artists to connect with collectors. &emsp;But it's just one part of the equation. Fisher is also a professor in the Department of Management at Keene State College, a certified Growth Wheel business advisor, president of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music board of trustees, and a key member of the advisory boards for Friends of Public Art and the Keene Multicultural Center. &emsp;As if her days weren't full enough, she's also an actor, playwright, and stage manager with The Edge Ensemble Theater Company, recently completing her own play. &emsp;In her mind, it comes down to a relentless sense of organization, a deep well of energy, and an unshakable passion for making a difference — with the gallery at the heart of it all. &emsp;For each exhibit, "The artworks are curated intentionally to optimize or amplify the synchronicity of what's happening outside and what's happening inside," Fisher describes. &emsp;For instance, her home was part of Monadnock Music's Holiday Home Tour on Court Street during the holidays. &emsp;Adorned with twinkle lights, about 200 visitors took in the "Let There Be Light" exhibition during the evening. As Fisher watched people move through the gallery, with its air of hope and warmth, she witnessed again that expression of "wow." &emsp;February saw the opening reception for a new show titled "Contours of Love," featuring figure and life drawings and paintings. In March, Fisher is holding "Verdant Vivification," an exhibition showcasing artworks that celebrate the renewal of spring. BOX: Learn more at TarynFisherFineArt.com. And mark your calendars for an opening event on Saturday, March 29, from 5-7 p.m. and experience the gallery yourself!