Meet Arabella Von Arx

 

We recently connected with Arabella Von Arx and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Arabella, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

I’ve learned to trust my instincts — they’ve served me well so far. When I was working for other people, I’ll admit I sometimes found myself quietly judging their decisions, thinking: Hmm, I wouldn’t have done it that way. But over time, I realized that even if a decision isn’t perfect, the act of making a decision and seeing it through is how things actually move forward. You figure out what works and what doesn’t along the way. I’ve come to appreciate that it’s not about always getting it right — it’s about learning, adjusting, and celebrating the wins when they come.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I founded Gallery Particulier (galleryparticulier.org / @gallery.parti) three years ago. There’s a real gap in NYC — and in many places, really — between artists and the majority of people who never step foot in galleries or museums.
Gallery Particulier’s mission is to bridge that gap by innovating with new ways to share art, especially by having people host artworks in their homes for free.

It’s a unique approach, and it’s been successful and rewarding for everyone involved — the hosts, the artists, and us. We also host intimate, inclusive events where different art forms cross-pollinate.

That said, raising money is a constant challenge. Getting nonprofit status so quickly was exhilarating, but securing grants and encouraging donations is still a work in progress. We’re hoping to take things to the next level by organizing think tank sessions with people involved in shaping the city’s cultural landscape — educators, librarians, curators, artists, and more.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For me, maintaining a childlike quality has been invaluable — I don’t overthink everything, and I have a natural optimism that helps me keep going. My background as a producer means I’m wired to get things done, and when problems come up, I focus on finding solutions, not getting stuck. And, of course, my lifelong love of visual arts has been a huge asset — that passion fuels everything I do.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Running our organization is really exciting, but it’s also easy to burn out — there’s always so much I want to try, so many ideas to experiment with. That creative energy is a gift, but I’m learning to choose wisely and not take on more than I can handle. If this were my last decade, I’d want to keep building something meaningful while making sure I still have time to enjoy the art, the people, and the moments that make it all worth it.

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