Why Hotels Are Getting Commercial Art Wrong: The Case for Local Artists

By Corey Wesley, Harlem-based Contemporary Artist

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I recently had a realization that changed how I think about commercial art. After struggling to get my work into galleries and dealing with the fear of rejection that every artist knows, I started looking around at the hotels and restaurants I visit in New York. What I saw was a massive missed opportunity.

Most hotels are getting commercial art completely wrong, and it's hurting both their business and the incredible artist community that exists right in their backyard.

The Real Problem: Missing the Community Connection

Here's what I've noticed: hotels and restaurants invest in generic art that could be hanging anywhere in the world. But "people love that businesses and small businesses, commercial restaurants, hotels, celebrate local artists because it gives enriched a spirit that year, not just investing in their stay or experience in regards to hotels or even restaurants, but you're investing in the community."

When I walk into a Manhattan hotel and see the same mass-produced prints I could find in Dallas or Denver, I know they're missing the point. They're not creating an authentic New York experience—they're creating a sterile, forgettable space.

Why Supporting Local Artists Actually Makes Business Sense

As someone who grew up on the Lower East Side and now works from Harlem, I understand both sides of this equation. Artists need exhibition opportunities, and businesses need authentic ways to connect with their communities.

"It's important to recognize those artists from Brooklyn Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, and having our artwork displayed in local establishments hotels restaurants it adds value because what it does is the artist is going to bring in caliber people that are celebrating them as an artist that their artwork is up."

Think about it: when you feature a local artist, that artist's network becomes invested in your space. Friends, family, collectors, and fellow artists become aware of your business as a community supporter. That's organic marketing you can't buy.

"Then people who are visiting are going to then be excited that they're getting authentic art created by artist within the region." Tourists want authentic local experiences, not generic hotel chain aesthetics.

The Gallery Reality: Why Artists Need Alternative Spaces

Let me be honest about something most people don't understand about the art world. "Rejection is also fierce and hurtful when especially you were an artist because I was an artist you're connected to the work that you've developed some of us have spent hours and hours sometimes it's taking me 15 to 20 hours just to do one piece until I'm satisfied to even make it available for purchase."

Gallery representation is incredibly difficult to secure. I've experienced this firsthand, and I know countless talented artists who create powerful work that remains unseen simply because they can't break into the traditional gallery system.

"Can you imagine the mini artist who even are more delve into emotion into their artwork? However, rejection beats them down... artist are their works are personal. They spent hours alone in dark room sometimes or in a depression state or even in a happy state and there are alone when they're creating this and then they want the world to see it and being rejected just devastate them."

This is where hotels and restaurants can make a real difference. You can provide exhibition opportunities for artists who are creating gallery-quality work but haven't yet secured traditional representation.

The Collector Opportunity

Here's something hotel owners might not realize: "You have the collectors of art they eat out all the time, but they may not have the time to go to a gallery, but this gives artists local artist the opportunity to sell and get their their art scene."

Art collectors are regular restaurant and hotel guests. They're busy people who often don't have time for gallery visits but are always looking for new work. When you feature quality local art, you're creating an unexpected opportunity for sales and discovery.

Beyond Charity: This is Business Supporting Business

"When you have support of the community like artist, and then you are seen as someone who supporting other businesses because artists are businesses it's a win-win for everyone."

This isn't about feeling sorry for struggling artists. This is about recognizing that artists are small business owners, just like restaurant and hotel operators. When businesses support each other, the entire community benefits.

"Your community that their community everything yes tourist come and go but the community who lives in that city is what allows them to grow continue being in business."

My Personal Journey: From Paralysis to Action

I'll be honest—"I recently learned that I'm suffering from a paralysis, a classic paralysis that I just focus on the technical side of my business without building the relationship." As artists, we often get caught up in perfecting our work or our websites instead of building the relationships that actually drive sales.

But I realized that rejection, while painful, is part of the process. "As I was reminded Picasso sold one picture, Basquiat was homeless so our challenges when artists are able to celebrate themselves in small wins." Even the greatest artists faced rejection and financial struggles.

The key is finding alternative pathways to connect with audiences, and commercial spaces like hotels and restaurants can be those pathways.

The Authentic Solution

For hotels and restaurants in New York (or any city), the solution is simple: look around your neighborhood. Find the artists creating work in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Build relationships with them.

You're not just buying decoration—you're investing in your community's creative economy. You're giving guests authentic local experiences. You're providing exhibition opportunities for talented artists who might otherwise remain unseen.

And you're creating spaces that people remember, talk about, and return to.

Ready to Make the Change?

As someone creating contemporary aluminum portraits that represent something entirely new in the art world, I understand both the artistic vision and the business requirements. If you're a hotel or restaurant owner ready to move beyond generic art toward authentic community connection, let's start a conversation.

Because at the end of the day, supporting local artists isn't just good for artists—it's good for business.

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Corey Wesley creates one-of-a-kind aluminum portraits from his Harlem studio. Connect at corey@miltonwesart.com or explore his work at miltonwesart.com.