‘If I love something, I buy it’: Los Angeles-based Rina Mark on the art she collects and why

October Gallery Museum
Connecting People with Art since 1985
Rina Mark’s collection reflects her relationship to her home city of Los Angeles
Photo: Courtesy of Rina Mark
The collector Rina Mark is as Angeleno as they come. She grew up in Los Angeles, attended Hamilton High School and California State University, Northridge, and was a docent for ten years at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Mark also has a longstanding relationship with Gemini G.E.L., which is celebrating 60 years of providing space for and championing local artists and printmakers. Over the past 40 years, Mark has bought numerous works of art from the legendary printmaking studio—by John Baldessari, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha and many others. (Gemini’s stand at Frieze Los Angeles this year presents significant works spanning the entirety of the gallery and studio’s existence, with pieces by Tacita Dean, Frank Gehry, Jasper Johns, Julie Mehretu and Analia Saban.)
A room in Rina Mark’s home, with her dog Pippa and some of her purchases
Photo: Courtesy of Rina Mark
The Art Newspaper: What are you looking forward to during Frieze Los Angeles this year?
Rina Mark: I have attended Frieze over the years in Los Angeles, as well as in New York. When you enter the venue—be it a tent, airport hangar or convention centre—there is the feeling of anticipation and excitement of what you will see that is new, thought-provoking and unexpected. It’s an experience for the senses. I’m looking forward to this year’s Frieze and new discoveries!
What was the first work of art you bought?
I’ve been collecting art for many years. The first “serious” piece I bought was at an art auction at the Century Plaza Hotel when I was in high school. I went with my dad and bought an Alexander Calder signed print for $200! It’s still hanging in my house. Little did I know what was to come.
What was the most recent work you bought?
Ed Ruscha’s Pico and Sepulveda (2001). Why? Well, during college I worked at the old Scotch & Sirloin restaurant, which was located on the corner of—you guessed it!—Pico and Sepulveda.
On display in Rina Mark’s dining room are Roy Lichtenstein’s Modern Room and Thinking Nude
Photo: Courtesy of Rina Mark
How quickly do you decide to buy a work of art?
I’m a quick-decision collector. I don’t go home and think it over. If I love something, I buy it. Not sure if that is bad or good, but I enjoy every piece that I live with.
How did you come to collect so many works from Gemini G.E.L.?
In 1987, I bought my first “major” piece by Ellsworth Kelly, Blue Curve (State I) (1988). I couldn’t afford it, but Gemini G.E.L. was kind enough to let me pay it off, which I eventually did. Since then, I’ve made numerous purchases from Gemini—including works by Kelly, Lichtenstein, Ruscha, Baldessari, Richard Serra and Jonathan Borofsky.
I want to give a very special congratulations to Gemini G.E.L. on its 60th anniversary! And a big thank you to its co-owners—Joni Moisant Weyl, Suzanne Felsen, Ayn Grinstein and Ellen Grinstein. With a special shout out to Joni for tracking down a Kelly print long unavailable, which now has a place of honour in my home.
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The October Gallery Museum places art in the community. Here are partner locations where you can have an art experience.
Some locations art is installed inside buildings and visits are during regular business hours. Other locations are by appointment only. Schools are not open to the public. In addition, we have many outdoor installations that you can enjoy around the clock. Check each location below for details. Tours are available upon request. 215-352-3114.
Here are some of our patrons that have donated art and art related items installed as part of our Art in the Community program. Thanks!
Watson and Sonia Brown
Stephanie Daniel
Chad Cortez Everett
Gail Gaines
Dr. Darryl J. Ford
Kelly R. Harrison
Deborah Kelly
Betty Ann D. Lawrence
David Lawrence
Leon McDuffie
Michael Muhammad
Jay R. Ogilvie
Marjorie H. Ogilvie
Junious Rhone, Sr.
Robin Rhone
Shirley Rhone
April Rice
Karen Roach
Monica Rocha
Steve Satell
Deborah Stephens
Staci Watson 
Stephanie R. West
Horace Wright

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Art and art related items may be returned to October Gallery in good condition within twenty (20) days of the purchase for store credit ONLY – unless otherwise stated on an invoice.
Items on layaway or even items paid for will be held by the gallery for no more than ninety (90) days from the original sale date. Refund is in store credit ONLY – unless other stated on an invoice.

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