Local painter Christian Klingeler will give collectors another way to shop his abstract works when Klingeler Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale opens on Oct. 4. The Marine Corps veteran gravitated toward painting as a therapeutic outlet for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and his work led to partnerships with major brands such as RH. In addition to displaying his pieces, the gallery will offer an art design service to commission works that integrate with any home’s style and decor. “We are going to break the mold of what an art gallery is,” Klingeler shares. “There is a need for an interior design focus on art. Clients struggle to find the right style in the correct size and color palette.”

Q&A With Christian Klingeler

Tell readers about the gallery space and what motivated you to open it.

The Klingeler Gallery will showcase abstract art and offer commissioned artwork and art design services.

I am honored to be featured with RH. My sonographs are available in all their galleries worldwide. RH launched a modern spring 2024 campaign featuring my artwork “Coffee on Canvas.” Since then, I’ve been getting a lot of traffic and requests to view my art through my website. Therefore, I needed to get a brick-and-mortar store to host my clients and feature my original artwork.

We are going to break the mold of what an art gallery is. The Klingeler Gallery art design service will help clients submit their commission artwork with certainty. Our interior design team will provide them with a comprehensive art proposal that will include AutoCAD art elevations to ensure their art size is in harmony with their space, as well as a color palette guide. We want to create artwork that will elevate their existing interior design style.

How will you curate the gallery?

I will curate the gallery by theme, selecting works that embody the concept and convey a meaningful message. I will have a new exhibit every three months. The opening exhibit will feature my RH originals, which are offered by RH worldwide.

Your gallery will be in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Why did you want to be there?

Old Town Scottsdale is known for its beautiful art galleries on Main Street and the weekly ArtWalk on Thursdays dating back to 1975. I have experienced the ArtWalk many times and found the galleries inspiring. I never thought I would be opening a gallery in this historic location. It’s a dream come true.

Do you have any opening events planned that you’d like to share with readers?

My grand opening will take place on Oct. 4 (at 7117 E Main St. in Scottsdale), open to the public from 7 to 9 p.m. I will be showcasing my RH originals and raffling an art piece.

What’s your process like?

I like to go into the studio every day. I play with different mediums, create new textures, and apply new techniques that feed my creativity and get me started on a project. I also partner with my interior designer, who inspires me with what’s out there in the design industry. I get inspiration from furniture design, color palettes and textures in nature. Our business model is to create artwork that elevates the current trends in interior design.

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Art is therapeutic for you as well. How does making art help with your anxiety and PTSD?

I found a healthy routine is essential for anxiety and PTSD. Painting every day is therapeutic because it allows me to express my feelings, emotions, and passion through the techniques and paints that I use. It allows me to let go and be creative.

How does music factor into your work?

Music is one of my passions and another creative outlet. While painting, I like to listen to music, and it often influences the creative flow of the art piece. I sometimes name art pieces using the lyrics of the songs I was inspired by.

What excites you about the Valley’s gallery and art scene right now?

I love the weekly ArtWalks because I can meet artists from around the globe and explore their mediums and what inspires them. However, I do see the need to have an interior design focus on art. Clients struggle to find the right style of art in the right size and color palette.