Meet Brandon Owen | Artist, Framer, Curator, and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Owen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I have always been good at time management and self-discipline. For better or worse, I’m a workaholic. When I’m not “working,” I’m painting at home, pursuing other hobbies, developing additional revenue streams, searching for art connections, and above all, consistently learning.

I’m young (26 when I took over Irving Park Art & Frame) and reaching this point has required tremendous effort—not just from me, but from my family, friends, team, and incredible customers. Though I’m a workaholic, this year has taught me the importance of relying more on my people. I truly would not be here without all the help I have received.

My best habits? Time management is key—I excel at planning, managing my time, and holding myself accountable. I study art daily, spending at least 10 minutes observing works I admire, though it usually extends longer. For nearly a decade, I drew or painted every single day, filling hundreds of sketchbooks. While this diligence might not be sustainable long-term, I believe it’s crucial to stay consistent and engaged with your work. Finally, I always stretch and warm up before painting or drawing. This preparation helps tremendously with my work, especially in loosening my arm and encouraging me to paint with my whole arm and shoulder rather than just my wrist—a technique I consider essential.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Irving Park Art & Frame is a contemporary fine art gallery and custom frame shop. There are many other aspects of the business though, such as our sister company Questing Beast: fine art prints, and the art consultancy side of the business that I am working on starting up in conjunction with the gallery. Professional art handling and conservation is another service I am wanting to start offering. We are already a 100% conservation shop, but I am currently taking a college-level course on art handling and gallery management.

We have a focus on local artists—all of the artists we currently represent are from or currently practicing in NC, and about 90% of those from the Triad specifically. One of my biggest goals is to help grow our art community and support local artists. As an artist myself, I know how hard it is to make a living off your work, and as such, we offer some of the best gallery rates for artists in the area.

I went to school for entrepreneurship. In my program, I always felt a bit like the black sheep; while my professors and peers all wanted to “make the next big thing” and then sell it to a big corp for millions, my plan was always to work on small local businesses and generate multiple revenue sources that might not be much on their own but together could be something I could live off of.

No, I would not say the path I took was easy, haha. I fell in love with a business right out of college that was paying me not nearly enough for way too many hours a week. I worked that job passionately until I just couldn’t do it anymore. My doctor put me on emergency work leave, and I handed in my two weeks the day I got back from leave. With that being said, that job did train me to run my own business. I practically was running it for the owner, as well as handling a dozen other odd jobs that fell under my responsibilities.

Just because I own my own business does not mean I work any less. As I said before, I am a pretty extreme workaholic and have run myself into the ground several times over the years. So the lessons I learned? Take breaks, rely on others, consistent work is more important than hard work.

We are a gallery focused on contemporary works, emerging artists, limited-run prints, and originals in the $5,000 and under market. We are a gallery that cares about the artist and about our community.

As a frame shop, we have a focus on fun, colorful, and contemporary frames. We want to make sure you are just as excited to frame your work as we are. We want to go above and beyond in terms of custom and quality. Whether you want hand-painted frames, airbrushed mats, tie-dyed linen liners, patterned glass, or something else, we will figure out a way to do it!

As a brand, IPAF is one that chases passion, one that builds true meaningful connections, one that takes care of their own, and finally one that is there to stand behind the underrepresented.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Art:
Well after showing them my favorite gallery (IPAF of course) we would go to all my favorite local spots.

Greenhill, Greensboro Project Space, Visual Index, and Delurk.

Food and Drink:
– Neighbors, for the best food and drinks in the city
– Pangea, if we are feeling fancy
– Dolce & Amaro, for the best baked goods.
– and either Arrowhead or Thrive for coffee. If its a week long trip then we will be going to both plenty haha.

Attractions:
– First and last stop is the Greensboro Science Center. This is just for me, my friend can get over it. I am a long time supporter of the Science Center having an annual pass and going often. It is one of my happy places to be honest, just put in some earbuds, listen to some ambient music, and watch the fish.

– We would also sign up for a visit to Crooked Tail Cat Cafe AND make a donation in addition to scheduling. we’d get a drink or two as well.

Shops:

– Scuppernongs, my favorite bookstore and while there we can go to…
– Hudson Hill’s new location! They are a shop focused on quality and craftsmanship, so we have to stop by for a hoodie, bag, shoes, you name it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would like to thank my mother for always supporting me. Additionally my friends, my incredible employees, and of course my stellar customers.

I would also like to shout out ‘The Creative Act’ by: Rick Rubin. This book has entirely changed my art practice, and I have never been a self help book kind of guy. I would argue that this book is not self help, but a guide on the fundamentals of creating art.

Website: https://irvingparkartandframe.com/

Instagram: @irvingparkartandframe

Image Credits
Brandon Owen, KT Wilson, and Kristen Henry