Gallery Woes Stem From Failed Business Plans

As a current Signature Gallery owner, I disagree with statements made by disgruntled dealers. I have not experienced the poor customer/dealer support that Michael Hiltzik described in “Future Clouded for ‘Painter of Light’s’ Galleries” (Golden State, Feb. 3).

Although the success of Thomas Kinkade is undisputed, I think the story that should be told is the great effort that Media Arts Group Inc. and its management have made to support the Signature Galleries.

In any type of business, retail or otherwise, a business plan is a goal established by the entrepreneur. The success of the owner is contingent on the use of sound business practices.

Although numerous gallery owners applied these sound business practices and conducted business in a manner that is supportive of the Thomas Kinkade brand, others have let different principles guide their actions, resulting in their poor business decisions. Some are now blaming Media Arts Group and others for their downfall.

Nick Ghosoph

Fresno

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We own two Thomas Kinkade Signature Galleries and are the sole authorized dealers in the San Fernando and Conejo valleys.

As the article mentions, there are 300 Signature Galleries throughout the country. The majority of owners are relatively happy with the current situation (though difficult economic times make it rough).

The two disgruntled gallery owners have a vendetta against Kinkade and Media Arts, have pending lawsuits against the company and are seeking to “expose” Kinkade’s problems.

Their motivation is simply to help their personal causes and hurt the company. They are not representative of the other 150 hard-working gallery owners.

Andrea Green

Shirley Cowen

Northridge