ANDY Dinan is a self-confessed art addict. Starting out as an art collector 25 years ago, the founder – and force – behind the hugely successful Melbourne Art Rooms is now happily entrenched as a gallerist.
I first met Andy in the mid 1990s when she was forging a reputation as one of Australia’s most dynamic PR consultants. So it was only natural she establish her own agency, PR Works, a creative shop that quickly gained a reputation. But after 10 years at the helm, she sold her company to focus on her penchant for the arts.
“Knowing what she definitely didn’t want a gallery to be”, Andy founded the Melbourne Art Rooms (commonly known as MARS Gallery) in Port Melbourne in 2005. She transformed an old dairy into a magnificent, two-level contemporary gallery specialising in mid-career Australian artists.
With a savvy eye for emerging talent and a steadfast resolve for promoting Australian artists, Andy Dinan has been quietly getting their work out into the public domain, into private collections and other forums.
How to age gracefully
How to look fabulous at 50 (and beyond)
What every stylish woman knows
Andy enjoys a unique position in the arts world staging regular exhibitions, attending international art fairs, curating special events and consulting on major public art commissions. She also co-ordinates an art rental scheme which encourages others to live with great art.
While she loves to advance the careers of her artists, she considers her most important job is as a mother of three, wife, daughter and sister to all.
A STYLISH LIFE WITH ANDY DINAN
Where are you right now?
Exactly where I want to be – gallerist, mother and happy to be alive and well.
Where do you feel most at home?
In MARS gallery – usually in bare feet talking to people with a glass of wine in my hand and artists who I adore around me.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Think before you speak – I just wish I could practise that.
You are most proud of …
My children, my gallery and my wicked sense of humour (in that order).
People are surprised that …
I’m so naughty.
You have an irrational fear of …
Failure.
Your dream lunch date?
A man who makes me laugh.
Which five people would you invite to dinner?
Woody Allen to make me laugh, Brad Pitt to stare at, Barack Obama to help me understand world issues, Nelson Mandela to help me solve them, the Dalai Lama to make peace through the dinner, and David Attenborough to help me save the planet and plan my next holiday to Costa Rica.
Your favourite tipple?
Vintage Krug thanks!
Your favourite destination/holiday?
Zanzibar every time.
“If you could be anyone, who would you be? Me, I’m the luckiest person in the world!”
If you could be anyone, who would you be?
Me, I’m the luckiest person in the world.
What is your go-to outfit/your signature style?
Happiest in a black Eugenie cashmere round-neck jumper, black leggings, black suede knee-high riding boots, Hermes vintage bird scarf and my jacket depends on weather – at the moment it’s a Max Mara leather. Diamond studs, Rolex watch, pure cotton underwear from GAP and a black lace bra from La Perla!
What does every woman need?
1: A sense of humour
2: To know how to make a martini
3: Know when to walk out on a man and when to stay
4: The perfect black dress (I recommend Valentino; you will only need one your whole life)
5: To waltz well
6: To be able to cook a signature dish (I’ll need to understand what the icons on a zanussi oven mean first)
7: To believe in herself and know how loved she is
8: Good health
9: A friend who would ride shot gun for you, hold your hair when you’re throwing up and take a bullet for you.
What was the last thing you bought?
A Daniel Agdag sculpture. It’s made with a cardboard box and an 11 scalpel and took him four months to carve.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Time thinking alone – it costs nothing but is the hardest thing for me to get.
If money was no object, what would your dream purchase be?
A small private island in the Caribbean.
Three things you can’t live without?
So easy. Viki, Ali and Will – they are my three children.
What 10 things are in your handbag?
Red Chanel lipstick, credit card in Hermes mustard wallet, mints, Chanel sunglasses, lots of business cards, my iPhone, tissues and postcards to my next exhibition. That’s all I need!
Success is …?
How you take each day.
Beauty is …?
My daughters’ smiles.
Style is …?
Subjective – you either have it or you don’t.
To find out more and to see what’s on, go to MARS Gallery or email andy@marsgallery.com.au
Do you know a stylish woman with a stylish life? Maybe a leader in her field you would love to read about? Would love to hear from you. Ever stylishly yours …
