What makes Nicole Capozzi and Joshua Hogan with BoxHeart Gallery good neighbors?
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of an art gallery? In our latest episode, we dive deep with Nicole Capozzi and Joshua Hogan, the dynamic duo behind BoxHeart Gallery, who've spent nearly 25 years creating a vibrant art ecosystem in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood.
Nicole and Joshua shatter the myth that art galleries are exclusively for the wealthy or elite. As Nicole puts it while laughing, "I'm here mopping the floors and selling the art simultaneously." Their philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: art should be accessible to everyone and integrated into everyday life. They've crafted BoxHeart into what they call a "living, breathing gallery" where contemporary works by living artists take center stage—no mass-produced posters, only original creations by artists actively shaping our culture.
What makes BoxHeart truly special is their holistic approach to supporting the art community. Beyond exhibiting work, they offer custom framing and installation services, supporting both artists and collectors "from the studio walls into their homes." The gallery serves as both a creative incubator and a gathering place where commerce and culture intersect. Their current exhibition featuring The Pittsburgh Group—17 women artists who've supported each other since the 1970s—exemplifies their commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
Perhaps most remarkable is how Nicole and Joshua have intertwined their personal and professional lives. In 2018, they moved into their current building where they literally live above the gallery, with Joshua's painting studio occupying the third floor. "It's amazing to be able to live in the space," Joshua shares. "If I can't sleep, I just walk down the hall and could turn the lights on and start painting again." As they prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a special exhibition titled "These Walls Talk" featuring over 100 artists, they invite everyone to experience the unique energy of BoxHeart Gallery—where art isn't just displayed but truly lives and breathes.
Ready to discover original art that you'll "live with and love forever"? Visit boxheartgallery.com to explore their upcoming exhibitions and perhaps find your perfect artistic match.
To learn more about BoxHeart Gallery go to:
https://boxheartgallery.com/
BoxHeart Gallery
412-687-8858
Episode Transcript
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Lila Carter.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to the Good Neighbor Podcast.
Are you in need of an artgallery?
One might be closer than youthink.
Today I have the pleasure ofintroducing your good neighbors
Nicole Capozzi and Joshua Hoganwith Box Heart Gallery.
How are you both doing?
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Great.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Very good.
How about yourself?
Very well, thanks, so muchThanks for being here.
We're excited to learn allabout you and your business, so
please tell us more about yourcompany, whoever wants to jump
in.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Okie dokie.
Well, I guess I would say that,boxhart, we are an art gallery,
but we're not just a placewhere art hangs on the walls.
We like to think of ourselvesas very much a living, breathing
art gallery.
For almost just about 25 yearsnow, we've worked alongside our
(01:05):
own local and regional artists,as well as national and
international artists so artistsfrom all over the world to
exhibit and sell their artwork,and the main goal has always
been to give them the means tobuild sustainable careers in the
arts.
I like to think of us as artmatchmakers.
(01:27):
At the heart of what we do issell art.
We like to connect people withartwork that they'll live with
and love forever.
Everything in our gallery isvery contemporary.
It is being made right now byartists who are alive, working
in their studios, experimentingand shaping culture in real time
(01:50):
.
So, for example, the exhibitionthat we have up currently is
the Pittsburgh Group.
The Pittsburgh Group is 17women, obviously all from
Pittsburgh.
They began meeting in the late70s to just support each other
in their careers and talk abouttheir art, but they're really, I
(02:11):
like to say there's 17 womenwith one vision and countless
expressions, because they allcome from these different places
but ended up together inPittsburgh.
They're obviously all artists,but they work in very different
medias and styles and it's justquite wonderful.
So if you came to thisexhibition now, you would see
very traditional pastels byDeborah Platt, you would see
(02:35):
fiber artwork by Jane Augren orWilliams Brewer, or colored
pencil, vibrant drawings bySusan Werner.
It's just a very.
Our gallery is a very diversemix of all sorts of artists all
the time, and then we never haveposters.
Everything here is again aliveand original.
(02:56):
We also offer custom framingand art installation, so we're
able to support basically bothsides, like we could support our
artists and our art lovers fromthe studio walls into their
homes.
I like to think like we're kindof like a gathering place but
(03:17):
also an incubator, where cultureand commerce can meet in a way
that really respects our artists, and that we're different in a
museum and that a museum isshowing kind of like what
already happened, whereas ourgalleries are very much showing
what is happening right now arevery much showing what is
(03:39):
happening right now.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Very cool that you get to be a part of actively
telling the story of the artsscene in Pittsburgh as it's
happening and get to share allof the stories of these artists.
And so how did you get intothis business, both of you?
It's so unique.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
Well, we started technically in 1998, but we
established our physicallocation here in the
neighborhood of Bloomfield in2001.
This was a gallery before us.
It was John Mowder's BloomfieldArtworks.
But Josh is an artist, so hehad exhibited with John Mowder
(04:12):
at Bloomfield Artworks and atthe time I was coordinating
women's work exhibitions.
So I had an exhibition of womenall throughout the city of
Pittsburgh here back in the late90s as Bloomfield Artworks.
And when he closed and thespace was vacant, we thought
what would be better than tostart an art gallery?
and at the time we really wantedto create the type of space
(04:35):
that we didn't really feelexisted then, which was one
where the gallery could be veryapproachable but also still very
serious about the art.
We started very small.
Sometimes, I think, we're stillgrassroots.
We learned by doing.
We're still learning by doing.
We built it brick by brick.
(04:56):
Learned by doing.
We're still learning by doing.
We built it brick by brick.
We're still doing that.
And then we literally movedinto this building in 2018.
So now it's our home andgallery, and that mix of
personal investment andcommunity connection is still
what drives us today.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Very cool.
I actually grew up above mymother's stained glass studio,
so I can't really.
You said that Joshua is also anartist.
What kind of medium do?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
you like.
I'm an oil painter and it's kindof a mix of abstract and
surreal landscape and I've beenpainting for many years now and
I'm on the third floor is mystudio.
We live on the third floor, butI'm in the front half is my
studio on the third floor.
So it's just amazing to be ableto live in the space where I
(05:47):
could wake up or if I can'tsleep, I just walk down the hall
and could go back, turn thelights on and start painting
again.
Or each day and each morning Iwake up and I'm in the studio
again and it's it's a awesome.
It's an awesome experience tobe able to have your work so
close and also just be in thespace.
That's support so many otherartists and have artists coming
(06:10):
in all the time, so there's likea constant interaction.
A lot of times, as an artist,you can just be in your studio
and if you're not around, youcould feel like you're on an
island and and so it's reallynice to have some companionship
or just other artists, to seewhat they're doing, inspire each
other and talk to each other.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
So it's been for me definitely fuels creativity, and
then, when you are feelinginspired, you can just jump
right in.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
I love that yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
So what are some myths, or maybe misconceptions,
in your industry that you'd liketo talk about today?
Speaker 4 (06:48):
Well, I think, probably like a myth right off
the top is always just that,like galleries are elitist or
only for, like, very wealthypeople and collectors, that you
kind of have to, like I don'tknow, be fancy or whatever to go
into a gallery and like.
That's definitely not true.
Like, um, we were very you know, I'm here mopping the floors
(07:08):
and selling the artsimultaneously like, again, it's
a very approachable gallery.
We've always believed that artshould just be a part of
everyday life.
It it has to be able to live inthe environments that we live
in, and they're not perfect,they can be a little messy
sometimes.
And our collectors we don't evennecessarily even refer to
people that buy art as artcollectors, they're just people.
(07:30):
I mean, they range from peoplethat are buying their very first
artwork to those have been withus for decades.
But our whole mission is justto prove that art can be both
professional and accessible.
And then, probably the otherthing I would say is that, like
I mean, when we opened thegallery in 2001 here in
(07:50):
Bloomfield, people said, oh,you'll never sell art in
Pittsburgh.
That is definitely amisconception.
That is what we do for a livingis sell art in Pittsburgh.
So, and it's pretty cool that itis a misconception and that it
can't be done and that artists Imean now in the city we have,
all you know, professional artstudios and just artists that
are really um doing amazingthings with their professional
(08:13):
career.
So it's it's been neat to likewatch that um growth and
transformation over the 24 yearsthat we've been here I think as
a artist too, like we're hereto help artists make their
artwork their profession too.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
So, like Evan, there's so often artists, people
think art isn't something ahobby you do on the side, but
we're also just creating thisprofession, this livelihood.
You don't have to be in NewYork or be this famous artist.
(08:53):
There's plenty of people whojust will follow and love your
work and want to support artistsand you just love what you're
doing, doing good work.
So it's neat little outletslike our gallery and galleries
across the country and that'sit's all works hand in hand.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Absolutely, and I think people who maybe don't
know the reputation inPittsburgh is we are a very
lively artsy.
Yes, yes, yes.
There's arts festival every year.
We have, you know, fair in thepark and melon park just
happened.
I was up there.
There were tons of vendors fordifferent types of art, so you
(09:33):
can really find something foreveryone, absolutely.
As an artist looking torelocate, I highly suggest that
you check out Pittsburgh.
There's a community here foryou.
And so, as we get to the heartof every business through
marketing, who are your targetcustomers and how are you
currently attracting them to thegallery?
Speaker 4 (10:06):
art lovers, students, interior designers, but I mean
also just neighbors.
Like we love being part ofbloomfield community and just
having, um, just our localneighbors that like to come in
to see the different exhibits.
It's like gives them a chancejust for like a couple minutes
to like, just be, like oh,what's the lady have up new?
And like that's the whole pointis being able to just be here.
So people come in and like seethe space, feel a space that
feels alive with, like thesethings that are changing and
(10:29):
growing around them.
So we try to attract people byjust staying consistent and
intentional, curating ourexhibitions to spark some
conversation, but but showingartwork that we think is
relevant, lasting, buildingtrust with our clientele.
(10:49):
You know, like with the artistsand Instagram and all these
social media things these days.
Like you know, I try to tellcustomers that come in and
they're interested in artists'work like you don't have to buy
this right now.
Like you can follow this artist, like you could go visit their
studio and like see how they'reactually making this, because,
like art can be an investmentsometimes.
So, like take the time toreally go and explore what's out
(11:12):
there and find what you reallylove.
Um, I think that type of thingreally builds like connection
and trust with customers,because it's not about it's.
We're like exposing and if youfind what you love here, that's
awesome, but there's so much togo see and so many talented
people.
And then, of course, likepeople discover us online.
I mean social media platformslike instagram or marketplace
(11:35):
platforms like artsy and etsybut I think what keeps them
engaged is the experience thatthey have whenever they come
into box art because it's an artgallery.
It's literally a living roomand a bedroom.
And a box art because it's anart gallery.
It's literally a living roomand a bedroom and a showroom
upstairs.
It's an art studio.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
So it's like all these mix mash of things that
come together to show off theart it's always changing, so
just the nature of havingexhibitions, so people can come
in again the next month, becauseit'll be different art it'll be
totally different assignmentthat always kind of stays the
same, even though, uh, nicolewill rearrange it with each show
(12:10):
, probably two, but it's if youwere here once in a couple
months.
Speaker 4 (12:15):
It's totally different things, so it's a good
reason to stop back yeah, andbluefield, I tell people you
know, if you walk by our windowsand the windows are different,
it means it's all switched upinside.
So if you come back in againthe next month you'll be like,
oh, it's a totally new spacewell, have you guys ever maybe
thought about doing your ownpodcast to reach your clients?
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I know there's so many different walks of life who
are buying art.
Maybe that's something thatthey have in common is listening
to podcasts.
Speaker 4 (12:44):
Well, I mean, we definitely think about
storytelling all the time.
I kind of have to write a story, like with every post on
Instagram, about the art, and Imean art itself is a podcast.
It's how artists speak acrossmediums and generations system
(13:11):
that can track vibrancy or thevibe of a small business on a
larger scale.
Cities are doing this to trackthings like attendance and
neighborhood vitality but, oursystem is not abstract metrics.
It's a way to take those largerthings and boil them down for
small businesses, so things likesocial media, residents,
creative risk, foot traffic,maybe for an art gallery,
something specific like if yousell an art, sell a piece of art
(13:33):
where it travels to in theworld.
So, layered all together, thesepulses can behave like a
feedback loop and they respondto what we do and reflect it
back.
So in that sense, our galleryis kind of like becoming a
podcast, but in data form.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
I love listening to podcasts but I would I never
wanted to do one because it's.
I give you a lot of creditbecause it takes a lot of time
and I'd be kind of intimidatedjust with putting your face out
there and and putting theinteraction with all the people
and having it recorded.
I think that takes a lot ofcourage too and time.
I'm sure there's a lot of doing, even after the interviews and
(14:16):
all that.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Well, I think you both have a lot of great
information to share with yourclients, and I love that you
share that.
You're collecting all thosedata points.
That's so cool to me.
So what do you all do for fun?
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Well, I mean, the gallery is, I think I mean
anybody that has a smallbusiness, doesn't?
I don't think it matters, it'san art gallery or anything.
You know, it's such a huge partof your life that outside work
often is still very muchinvolves like what you do for
work.
So, like you know, it's such ahuge part of your life that
outside work often is still verymuch involves like what you do
for work.
So, like you know, we obviouslyspend time going to artist
studios, going to other people'sexhibitions Josh has
(14:57):
exhibitions and our work inother places and states in the
United States means, like we'recurrently getting ready to usher
in our 25th year with ourupcoming exhibition, these walls
talk, which will kind of gatherthe voices and artwork of
artists who have really beeninstrumental in shaping our
history over the years.
(15:17):
Um, it's a celebration of, um,just you know, having box art,
being fortunate to have box artfor all this time, but also a
hint towards kind of, like youknow, this might be the final
chapter, like we don't have 25more years left, you know, but
this way we could go andactually go do something fun
sometimes I've always wanted togo do like we're kind of living
(15:42):
in art residency for 25 yearsnow because there's people
coming here, some of the eventartists stay here, and so now I
always kind of say it would benice to go experience a
residency for real somewhereelse.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
We're kind of open for the future.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Very cool.
Well, congratulations on 25years.
That's amazing, yeah.
And so, nicole and Joshua,please tell our listeners one
thing that you want them toremember about Box Art Gallery.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
I would say that box art is where you can buy art.
If you never thought you could,you could buy art there's.
We don't have posters or massproduced decor.
It's original art paintings,sculpture, jewelry again created
by artists who are alive andreally making things and shaping
our culture right now.
So I think it's you know we'vereally built something that is
(16:39):
lasting because it's rooted inreal relationships with our
artists and our art lovers andthe people that stop in, our
neighbors, our friends, ourfamily, and that people can
trust us to connect them withart that they'll just really
love.
That's what we're about.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
No, you'd say persistence.
I mean we're definitely beenpersistent to stay here and it's
a balance of realism andpersistence where you see what
you have and what you're doingand it's not just a dream.
I think if we build it they'llcome, like you know it's going
to take time and like get alongwith each other and enjoy it,
(17:15):
but it's all.
Keep making it better as you go, but you can't have it perfect
from the beginning.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
And what a lovely thing that you both get to share
that, too, in your relationship.
Yes, yes.
I love that.
So how can our listeners learnmore about box art gallery?
I know that you said you wereon social media a little bit,
but can you share some of yourhandles and such?
Speaker 4 (17:37):
Oh, yeah, absolutely.
Um, uh, you can visit us onlineon our website,
boxartgallerycom.
We literally have on ourexhibitions page what's coming
up through all of next year soyou could be in the loop for the
whole year in advance.
You could always stop into ourspace.
We're always free and open tothe public.
On Instagram we're at box artgallery.
On Facebook I think it's boxart gallery.
(18:01):
On Tik TOK it's at box heart.
So we're definitely on all thesocial channels.
Youtube piano is heartboxProductions, where I post kind
of like walk through, like aquick thing, of every exhibition
so you can see all the spacechanges.
And then I say, if you're local, I recommend at least coming on
November 15th, from five toseven.
(18:22):
That's our 25-year kickoffcelebration Over 100 artists,
the whole building open and agreat way to really experience
the gallery and, like I said,always free and open to the
public so you could always stopin and check it out.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Over 100 artists, that's awesome.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
Yeah, it'll be a lot of artists.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Yes, I'm sure that's going to be such a notable event
for the community.
I'm really excited for you guys.
Speaker 4 (18:50):
Yes, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
Cole and Joshua, thank you so much for your time
today.
I really appreciate you guysbeing here and being guests on
the show.
We wish you and the gallery thebest moving forward.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
Thank you, same to you, thank you Thank you.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
Thank you for listening to the good neighbor
podcast.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses to be featured on
the show, go to GNPPittsburghcom.
That's GNP Pittsburghcom, orcall 412-561-9956.
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