Art patron transforms the Shenandoah art world at his Airbnb in Linden, Virginia

For artists, connecting with and cultivating new buyers is often a struggle. With the pandemic closing art gallery doors, artists are reimagining how they can share their art in tough economic times.

Art patron Nick Starling, who owns an Airbnb in Linden, Virginia, has devised an easy way for local artists to show and sell their work: displaying it to visitors who are renting his house. Starling’s three-bedroom, three-bath, 2,800-square-foot rental, listed on Airbnb.com, is at the gateway of Shenandoah National Park, a popular tourist destination.

The process, he said, is a simple one. Guests check into the Airbnb and are greeted by art around every corner – from paintings to photographs, pottery to sculpture. If they fall in love with a piece, they can purchase it on the spot by Venmo or a code provided on the property. All proceeds from the sale are forwarded to the artist who created the work. Artists make an easy sale, and guests return home with a lasting remembrance of their vacation.

In the second phase of the project, Starling plans to survey Airbnb visitors about their art preferences before their stay, curating the space to fit their tastes – and increase the likelihood of a purchase. He also plans to collaborate with the company Airbnb, which covers more than 81,000 cities and 191 countries worldwide, to adopt his program internationally.

“Everybody wins,” he said. “Artists sell their creations, guests have a more dynamic stay, and I fill my rooms with beautiful artwork. Also, local tourism attracts more commerce as guests form a deeper connection with the community in which they’re staying – and are likely to recommend the experience to their friends.”

Known as “the world’s leading vertical farming economist,” Starling is also a former U.S. Army Ranger and the founder and chairman of Skyscraper Farm, a vertical farming company that supports local communities.

“The Airbnb industry is uniquely positioned to merge two activities people love – travel and art,” Starling said. “As rental homes are transformed into art galleries and local artists reap the rewards of a captive audience, it’s a trend destined to catch on and spread worldwide.”