Dayle Dunn
Proprietor of Dayle Dunn Gallery
“I adore what I do,” smiles Dayle. “I’m surrounded by extraordinary art in a rich architectural setting on the oceanfront. This is an absolute dream come true for me.”
A lifelong artist in spirit, Dayle won her first art competition in drawing at the age of 10. Although her education and career initially led her into banking and human resources, her heart and soul has always been solidified in the world of art.
Her inspired gallery, which was custom-built from the ground up in 1993 along Miramar Beach’s breath-taking oceanfront, provides customers a unique, Zen-like experience that’s as calming to the senses as it is stimulating and enriching. “I am honored to have the opportunity to enjoy the personal relationships I have with such talented artists and the wonderful customers who come in.”
While she doesn’t have much time to devote to her own conventional artistry these days, Dayle happily uses her talents in creating aesthetic displays of the one-of-a-kind contemporary art, jewelry, quilts, and furnishings that are constantly changing as pieces are sold and new ones brought in.
The gallery represents over 100 American artisans from disciplines that include ceramics, jewelry, wood, fiber, glass, painting, stone, and metal. She enjoys getting to know the artists personally, and in many cases, has visited the artist in his or her studio where she has learned how each particular artist’s work is crafted.
Katie Carrin, Dayle’s daughter, is among the gallery’s talented jewelry designers, making this a family affair. “When Katie was young, she would always hand-make the gifts she gave to me, her family and friends. I always loved those presents the most because they were heartfelt. The same is true with all of the artists I represent—their work is all hand-made and I know they put the best of what they have into each piece they create.”
One of the criteria for selecting a piece of work that will be showcased in her gallery, aside from its premium quality, is the complexity of each piece. “The art that I choose must have its own voice. It can’t disappear into its own space and simply be a space holder. Each piece must draw me in every time I look at it and offer something different to take in and enjoy. As individuals, we are all multi-faceted and our homes reflect who we are. To that end, when a person brings a piece of art into the home, over time it should feel like an old friend.”