St. Louis, MO – August 2021 – Dr. Quahana Hendree, ThD is an Art Consultant that helps corporate and commercial clients transform their spaces with artwork curated by an experienced professional.

“I help companies transform their spaces into something that is glorious by using artwork,” Doctor Quahana Hendree, ThD, the owner of Q. Hendree Art Consulting says. “I do that by advising on artwork, helping them acquire that artwork, getting it installed for them, and then curating and managing those artwork collections for them.”

Dr. Quahana specializes in helping clients select artwork that can transform a space to reflect the personality of the company, brand and space.

“It's really just transforming that space in a way that reflects their culture, their personality, and their community,” Dr. Quahana says. It is all about making the most of the space “for the customers that visit them, as well as for the employees that are there.”

Her process starts with getting to know each client.

“We do an initial consultation with the client to get started,” Dr. Quahana says. “That is really just for me to get to know them.  It is really about developing that relationship at the beginning so that I can determine what's good in that space for that particular person.”

“The initial phase is getting to know the customer, getting to know what that space needs and what they want,” Dr. Quahana says. “And then I go about shopping. I present them with several different options, so [with the] customer [we] can decide what works for them.”

While the formal process is similar for each client, the end result is unique to each client. Dr. Quahana shared an example about a small private college she helped with updating an educational space for students.

“The walls were completely blank,” Dr. Quahana says. “It was very sterile.”

“They wanted something that spoke to students,” Dr. Quahana says. “They really didn't want any kind of crazy artwork. They wanted something that spoke to learning and trust.”

“We selected artwork that inspired learning,” Dr. Quahana says. “So, when you walked in, you knew this was a place for learning.”

Working with Dr. Quahana’s firm can be a complete turnkey process for clients as she uses a network of third-party professional framers and installation experts throughout the US.   Her firm’s service is tailored to the individualized needs of the clients.

“We make sure that these things are not only creating visual interest forever, but we also make sure that the artwork is safe,” Dr. Quahana says. “We advise on proper ways to preserve and maintain the art.”

“I'm all about longevity,” Dr. Quahana says. “We don't want you to toss it in the trash five years from now.”

“Usually, if you're building an artwork collection, you want to be leaving it for someone behind you,” Dr. Quahana says. “Collections can appreciate in value for you, which is wonderful.”

“But we don't always buy art because it is going to appreciate in value,” Dr. Quahana says. “We are going to buy it because it fits your space. But if it does appreciate in value, you want to preserve it as best you can.”

Dr. Quahana says her ideal clients are those who have three things: A need for artwork, a desire for artwork and the resources to acquire the artwork.

“I am finding there are certain industries that have the discretionary income right now to invest in [use] our consulting [and thereby invest in artwork],” Dr. Quahana says. “I am seeing that with financial institutions, health institutions, commercial and corporate clients.”

She said it is best to find clients who are early in the process of building, creating or redoing a space or location.

“It is a good thing for me is to get in on the ground floor,” Dr. Quahana says. “Once a building is established, it's a little hard to kind of come in, because more than likely they've had a designer buy mass produced poster art, which is fine, if that's what you want, but I'm going to be bringing you fine art [whenever possible and appropriate].”

Dr. Quahana’s company will work with clients throughout the United States. She says technology and telecommunication have modernized how art is found and distributed. That process has accelerated during the pandemic.

“The thing is, with technology and with third party affiliates, you can work anywhere,” Dr. Quahana says.

“I can buy artwork from anywhere and get it shipped,” Dr. Quahana says. “And then we can get it installed in your space” using a network of 3rd party installers.   

Dr. Quahana says that an Art Consultant can enable a client to obtain artwork within their budget from artists all around the world. They can help them make wise, informed decisions about their collection.

“I love the international art scene,” Dr. Quahana said. “I have found wonderful artists in the Netherlands, New Zealand and London.”

“There are also lovely artists that are doing things stateside too,” Dr. Quahana said. “We can see them all online because a lot of them are selling more online (because of Covid).  So, getting artwork from everywhere is a huge plus.”

Dr. Quahana followed a unique path to her work as an Art Consultant. Her journey began as a child.

“I've been an artist since I was five years old,” Dr. Quahana says. “My family is very artistic …musically, visually… we run the gamut.”

“I've been in art my whole life and I love it,” Dr. Quahana says. “I never wanted to sell my art. It was just really for my edification.”

Art was still calling her when she went to college.

“I actually started off in architecture,” Dr. Quahana says. “But I found that a little too constricting.”

“I switched to business with an art history minor because art is in my blood,” Dr. Quahana says. “And I wanted to keep my foot in it.”

Dr. Quahana has a Master's degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. She also has her PhD in Theology and is a Minister, in addition to being a Theological Art Historian.

“Adding the theological aspect to my art history allowed me to explore options and religious art that I had never known before,” Dr. Quahana says. “Behind my fine art advisement comes my education, my experience, my passion, and my expertise for art.”

“I am all about increasing people's art IQ and decreasing their art anxiety and making it as fun and enjoyable as possible,” Dr. Quahana says.  “Because art is essential and it is glorious!”