The Gallery

My name is Luz Arteaga Pray. I was born in Medellin, Colombia and now I am owner of Hairspray Salon Spa And Gallery in the city of Providence. I've been a hairstylist for 20 plus years and still going strong! I have owned the salon for 6 1/2 years and should add that they have been the most eye opening years i've ever experienced, good and bad. As I learn to run a business and help it grow in a time that has been so bleak for Providence small business owners, I am optimistic that the fact that we are still standing,is itself success. I love what I do mostly because it's very social. I love to TALK! The creative part didn't come easy for me. Dressing hair and becoming an expert at it,takes time,patience and resilience. Coincidently, three things that are instrumental in order for a business to endure. At times like these when people are cutting back on EVERYTHING,how does a salon maintain a constant flow? When we DEPEND on people to PHYSICALLY walk through our doors...

What started as simple way to network, became a brilliant concept! Hairspray Salon hosts seasonal art exhibits. Once every 6-8 weeks,we lend our walls and location to local artists who are open to a unique venue. I select 3-4 artists,contract them to bring 6 or more people, we invite our clients friends and family, THEY tend to bring friends and family,and the rest....is history. Artists always seem to be looking for a new way to get seen. This situation allows for people who wouldn't ordinarily go to an official gallery, to see rich local work. Not only do we make new clients, within the season, the art sells! At this point, we are booked until Summer 2012. I no longer go out looking for artists, they come to me.

I wish I could say that this is how I saw it playing itself out. The truth of the matter is that,in my opinion,most valuable things and rich experiences that turn out to be magical,are usually never planned.

I am VERY proud to be guiding this,now, community event every season! It has created an environment for me and my staff where we are constantly surrounded by inspiration. Maybe this is why our clients have come to trust us all these years. We know "true beauty" comes in all forms. Just like our very loyal clients through the years. In a way it's all tied together. A beautiful collaboration of business and art. It just makes so much sense to me. Dressing hair is just another art form......

Luz Arteaga Pray
259 Wickenden St.
Providence,R.I. 02903
401-273-9210

Hairspray

Written by Webmaster on 05 October 2011

http://get-ri.com/magazine/2011/10/hairspray/

IMAGINE, going to a salon and coming home looking good, carrying something good to look at.

You heard it here. Come to HairSpray for an innovative cut, spectacular color, miracle conditioning while relaxing in an art gallery, where creative work from local artists is displayed for purchase.

A brilliant concept, expanded into fabulous mixed media, community events. Each season, HairSpray selects a new artist to feature and celebrates the launch with an open house party. Live DJ’s spin the entire night, and Rhode Island residents, clients and their friends and families are invited to take a first peek at the new artwork and share in the complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. The opening nights are a wonderful opportunity to meet the Hairspray family as well as other folks who enjoy fine art and beautification.Our next show is our biggest yet! Southern New England Artist Community (S.N.A.C.) will be showing this Fall. Opening Reception is October 22nd from 7 to 9pm at HairSpray at 259 Wickenden Street in Providence. (401.273.9210)

Come and enjoy new art and music as well as an unconventional way to network and mix business with arts. Stylin’!