Michael A Skerrett, member

Professional Experience
Ebony Treasures, Toronto, Canada 1989-2004 Curator for an Art Gallery Specializing in African Art

• Purchased art from hundreds of different artists while travelling throughout Africa for work • Managed 2 retail locations in Toronto’s Yorkville district
• Developed relationships with prospective and existing institutional and private investors

Bay of Spirits Gallery Toronto, Canada 2004-Present Curator for an Art Gallery Specializing in Canadian Art

• Worked as an art agent to facilitate deals with large corporations
• Formulated, directed, and coordinated marketing activities to promote First Nations art
• Developed a cohesive pricing strategy, balancing the firm’s financial objectives with customer value • Negotiated contracts with vendors and distributors to manage product distribution
• Acquired and appraised many First Nations art collections
• Inuit Art Foundation; Igloo tag program member

Professional Profile

I have been in the art industry as a curator, collector, and agent for nearly 35 years. I first started out in 1989 by establishing an African Art business, Ebony Treasures. During my 15 years with Ebony Treasures, I travelled around over 15 African countries collecting and purchasing art. While at Ebony Treasures, I participated in 7 National Fine Art Shows throughout North America. Since 2004 I have been a curator and manager of Bay of Spirits Gallery, a First Nations gallery supporting and promoting local art produced by Indigenous artists.(52)