Currently Arizona’s largest gallery, Exposures International’s journey from a tiny business to the city’s artistic center is incredible. Marty Herman was named a Top 100 Executive by the Los Angeles Times, and Diane Herman had already accumulated years of experience in performing and visual arts. Together, their efforts combined with positive energy and enthusiasm for life led to Exposures International’s explosion onto the Southwest art scene. The dynamic owners are quick to point out that their gallery began as a labor of love for the arts, a “mom and pop” business whose success has been 19 years in the making.

“We built the gallery on a foundation of honesty, integrity, hard work and love,” said the Hermans.

“We share a passion for the fine arts, and the gallery was our opportunity to create a venue showcasing art that would affect the world in a really positive way. A ‘labor of love’ is the expression people use when their passion becomes their life’s work. We genuinely care about our artists, our staff and our wonderful clients who always inspire us to do our very best.”

In addition to collectors, world-renowned artists are also taking notice. As Exposures International gains more esteem, many artists seek to be a part of this special and evolving gallery. “We estimate that we receive over 2,000 artist submissions each year from around the globe,” commented the Hermans, “and we narrow the selection yearly to only two or three artists for inclusion in the gallery’s ever-expanding collection. Many of our artists are the most talented in the world.”

Exposures International’s journey to worldwide recognition began in 1996 when the Hermans united their passion for the arts with their desire to continue to make Sedona an “Art Mecca” for the world.

Through perseverance and dedication, their dream evolved into a veritable “oasis of art.” Over time the gallery collection grew from six artists to more than 100, and the gallery’s space experienced multiple expansions transitioning from 1,700 square feet of art display to over 20,000.

“When we first opened in the mid 1990’s, the leading art galleries in this community were less than enthusiastic about another gallery opening,” the Hermans said. “At the time it seemed that a gallery was closing every four months. We wanted to bring a gallery of a different kind to Sedona. One with fun, enthusiasm and professionalism with good old-fashioned values incorporated in a contemporary way. We were looking for artists with the talent and integrity to make this dream a reality.”

The Hermans say that Exposures International’s early years were filled with wonderful experiences, good memories and on-going discoveries. At the heart of their gallery, they held onto the belief that the arts are, and should be, an essential part of every person’s life. “As we dedicated our efforts to promoting established and emerging artists alike, more and more people began to discover the integrity of our gallery.

We expanded twice and doubled our floor space, and still we did not have enough room!”

Currently, there is only one Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, yet every day the Hermans are asked if they have locations in other parts of the world. Visitors are amazed by what they see and experience when they walk through the gallery doors and their accolades can be heard each day: “Thank you for being here!” “This is the most beautiful gallery I have ever seen!” “How can there be this much talent in the world!” “This is extraordinary! Thank you, Marty and Diane!”

Together, hand in hand, the Hermans are enthusiastic about the future of their gallery and the future friendships that await them.