Collector Q&A with Steve Shane

My passion for art began in my senior year of high school in a Detroit suburb. I decided to take a humanities class, and there I met a teacher, Nancy Updegraff, who would be one of the most influential in my life. She introduced me to the world of art. She challenged me to examine art to look beyond what I saw, discover what the artist was trying to say, and how the art spoke to my heart.

My “claim to fame” is that I worked at Annina Nosei Gallery in 1982 when Jean-Michel Basquiat was using the basement of the gallery as his studio, so I knew him very, very well.  I do regret that I didn’t buy a painting by him then. 

I dislike the word “collector” as it applies to me. I see myself as an art historian and an art lover. Most of my leisure time is spent immersed in the world of contemporary art. I visit galleries and museums. I attend conferences and art fairs. As a way of expanding my art perceptions, I present lectures on art to many diverse audiences. My greatest joy comes from hosting groups in my home in “salon style” visits. During these visits, which are designed to be interactive, I share anecdotes and special insights into my curated selection of artwork. 

Even though my career as an anesthesiologist was not in the art world, art has been part of my life that has sustained me and helped me grow as an individual. 

What is your absolute favorite thing you do within the art world?

My absolute favorite thing to do in the art world is to host the Steve Shane art salons (a la Gertrude Stein). This is my way of … Click here to read more