In today’s competitive art world, being a professional artist involves more than just creating exceptional work—it requires a range of skills that extend far beyond the studio. This daunting reality is what inspired Alesy Ortiz to launch Ortiz Art Management, LLC, a company dedicated to simplifying the business side of being a working artist. With a mission to "streamline the business of being a working artist," Ortiz and her company are making waves in the New York City and tri-state art scenes, helping artists focus on what they love most: creating art.
Alesy Ortiz’s journey began with the struggles she witnessed in her own family of artists. The constant demands of applying to exhibitions, designing promotional materials, and attending events left little room for creativity. Artists would spend months, sometimes years, promoting a single project, unable to dive into new work due to the administrative burden of their careers. Ortiz saw the toll this took on their ability to create and knew there had to be a better way.
In 2021, Ortiz took her first step into the art management world, partnering with artist Alejandra Vasquez (@alejandravasquez8222). Immersed in the vibrant tri-state art community—particularly in NYC—Ortiz quickly recognized the potential to build something bigger. By 2024, she officially launched Ortiz Art Management, LLC, with the goal of removing the logistical obstacles that often hinder an artist’s growth. The company provides a range of services, including research, exhibition applications, website management, and in-person representation at art shows and events.
Ortiz’s roster of artists has since grown to include notable names like Tibor Matijas, a self-taught painter based in New York City, and Uptown ZOO, a rising digital artist from Hudson County, New Jersey. Ortiz Art Management has already made a mark, with its artists showcasing their work at prominent events across New York and New Jersey.
Q&A with OA
When did you start as a manager? Where did you start out? I began working with Alejandra Vasquez in 2021. She was interested in selling her paintings but had no idea where to start. The first thing I did was photograph her work and encourage her to start an Instagram page. From there we built an online presence and began applying to open calls around NYC, as well as partnering with businesses in New Jersey to display her artwork. She now has a website, vasquezarts.com, that I maintain for her.
What inspired you the most to begin your journey as an artist manager?
I grew up in the dance world, where the pressure to perform is ever present, while longevity may be a pipe dream. It is no different in the contemporary art space I find myself in now. Artists want their work to be seen and appreciated, but most importantly they want to be able to continue to make more. After speaking with professional artists from around the world I found there was a need for what I call “background work” support. I had heard from creators who were either too overwhelmed to start or too burnt out to continue, that what they really wanted was someone to do the leg work. So I rolled up my sleeves and learned about the kind of extra work artists need to do to take the leap from hobbyist to professional. My list of services is based on that early learning.
Who are some artists you work with or inspire you?
I currently represent maximalist Alejandra Vasquez, surrealist Tibor Matijas, and digital guerilla artist Uptown ZOO. They each have unique styles and approaches to how and why they make art. I am drawn to all sorts, really. I am currently a tremendous fan of abstract artist D.B. Hathaway, whose work can be seen at shows at the Pleiades Gallery in NYC, and oil painter Liz Foulks, who is a member of the RIVAA Gallery on Roosevelt Island. To be honest I am inspired by artists that must make art. Those are the kind of artists I want to work for.
Where can people find your artists’ work?
My clients participate in exhibitions and gallery events across New York and New Jersey. I also partner with private businesses to display their works in alternative venues.
What have been some of your most recent exhibitions or shows?
My clients have recently exhibited their work with Detox Gallery, Art Groove Art Experience, AWITA Studio, Greenpoint Gallery, and Brooklyn Art Cave, among others.
What do you have coming up or that you are currently working on?
In September I will be accompanying Tibor Matijas as he displays his largest painting to date at CLIO Art Fair in Manhattan. There are also several public works projects that we hope to have a hand in for the remaining months of 2024.
Where can we follow you or stay in the loop with your updates?
You can keep up with me and my clients online and via social media. Tibor Matijas’ work and projects are announced via Instagram @tibart1 and can be seen on his website tibart.site. Alejandra Vasquez’s work and projects are announced via Instagram @alejandravasquez8222 and on her website www.vasquezarts.com. I can be followed at @ortiz.art.management on Instagram.
Ortiz’s personal passion and commitment to streamlining the art business have redefined how artists navigate their careers. With her guidance and expertise, artists can now devote more time to their creative process, while she handles the administrative and promotional aspects. Ortiz Art Management, LLC is not just a company—it’s a partner in the artistic journey, empowering creators to thrive in today’s complex art world.