Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Connelly.
Hi Bailey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Connelly Martin was founded by myself and my business partner, Lily Martin, after years of working in and around the contemporary art world and realizing we shared a very similar vision for what a gallery could be.
We both came from complementary backgrounds with extensive experience in the contemporary art market, and over time we found ourselves increasingly drawn to the idea of building a gallery that felt thoughtful, welcoming, and deeply artist-focused. From the beginning, we shared a belief that contemporary art spaces can be rigorous and ambitious while still feeling approachable and personal.
That ultimately led to the launch of Connelly Martin in 2026, with locations in Austin, Texas and Sun Valley, Idaho. While the two communities are very different, they each have a strong sense of culture, creativity, and connection, which made them exciting places for us to build a program. Our goal has always been to create a gallery that feels warm and residential rather than intimidating, where people can spend time with the work and form genuine relationships with the artists and ideas behind it.
Our program focuses on emerging and mid-career artists whose work is narrative-driven, conceptually rigorous, and emotionally resonant. We’re especially drawn to artists whose practices reward deeper looking and continue unfolding over time. We represent artists we want to collect ourselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a gallery from the ground up comes with a a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Developing a strong program, earning artists’ trust, building meaningful relationships with collectors, and balancing the creative vision with the realities of running a business all require time and intention.
I think one of the biggest challenges has been the pace and uncertainty that comes with building something from the ground up. There’s no exact blueprint for creating a gallery the way you envision it, so a lot of it requires patience and a willingness to evolve and learn. At the same time, those challenges have been incredibly rewarding and have reinforced the importance of staying aligned in our vision and focused on long-term relationships and growth. We are so fortunate to have one another to bounce ideas off of making it a true collaboration all around.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Connelly Martin Gallery?
Established in 2026 by Bailey Connelly and Lily Martin, Connelly Martin is a dual-location contemporary art gallery in Austin, Texas and Sun Valley, Idaho dedicated to championing emerging and mid-career artists through curated exhibitions, strategic partnerships, and innovative programming. Our mission is to serve as a cultural hub showcasing innovative artists and cultivating authentic connections between artists and collectors.
We present emotive, narrative-driven, and enduring works of art that are not only aesthetically compelling, but also deeply conceptual. We welcome both new and seasoned collectors into the fold, offering a range of price points, as well as an educational environment where collectors can grow in tandem with the creative voices we support. Our program has been built around artists whose work we truly believe in and would personally strive to collect ourselves.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck plays a role in any business, but I think you have to welcome those opportunities when they come. We’ve been very fortunate to have crossed paths with one another, as well as incredible artists and collectors who believe in what we are building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://connellymartin.com
- Instagram: @connellymartingallery
