Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by ArtStar.
Meet Annie Guill Bollet, a Sound Shore mom and the Chief Operating Officer of ArtStar, an online platform making contemporary art more fun, accessible, and inspiring. With a background in the art world and a passion for bringing joyful, colorful pieces into people’s homes, she’s helping redefine the way we experience art. Keep reading to learn more about her story, the mission behind ArtStar, and some of her favorite local spots.
ArtStar is offering our readers an exclusive 15% off their order! Just use the code SOUNDSHOREMOMS at checkout to enjoy the discount.
Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
I’m from Philadelphia. After college, I made some pit stops in France and Italy, came to New York for grad school, and never left. We were part of the first wave to leave the city during COVID and relocated to Mamaroneck. We absolutely love it here.
What is your professional background? Did you always have a passion for art?
I earned my Master’s in the Art Market from Christie’s, New York. I started out working in Art Fairs, and after a few years, I met the Founder of ArtStar, who was exhibiting at one of them. At the time, the online art space was still in its early stages, and I was captivated by the concept—so I made the leap. Thirteen years later, the online art world is still evolving, and I love being part of its growth.
Can you tell us more about ArtStar?
ArtStar is an online platform for discovering and collecting the best contemporary art. What makes us unique is our curated selection of art that we genuinely love. Our aesthetic is all about color, joy, and humor—we’re drawn to work that feels fun and unexpected. Customers come to us for something different. Our brand is playful, too. We want to be chic and smart, but not intimidating or too serious. Each print is a limited edition and exclusive to ArtStar—it cannot be found in other galleries.
What are some of your favorite pieces or collections on ArtStar that you think are perfect for a stylish but kid-friendly home?
It’s always hard to choose! One of our key criteria for adding a new piece to the website is whether the Founder or I would want it in our own home—so in the end, we truly love everything we feature.
As moms, we also believe in choosing art that grows with your kids. Color and humor are central to ArtStar’s curation, making for great pieces in children’s rooms—nothing too babyish, just art they can appreciate for years to come!
Right now, I’m especially excited about Sila Sehrazat Yucel’s Horses. I had never seen anything quite like them before, and they immediately caught my eye. Horses are such noble creatures, and I love how the vibrant rainbow palette adds a playful contrast to their elegance.
What advice do you have for moms who love art but feel intimidated by the idea of buying it? Any tips on where to start?
It’s completely understandable—the art world can feel intimidating. That’s why ArtStar is here to break down those barriers and make collecting more accessible. Just like fashion, buying art isn’t about following trends—it’s about choosing pieces you truly love.
Our website makes browsing easy with filters to help you manage our large inventory. We always recommend going through and putting hearts on what you love. If your kids are old enough, have them get involved and share their favorites. We also offer custom Pinterest boards to share curated selections. We’re available and happy to help!
Can you talk about your pricing and framing options that make it easier for families to invest in quality pieces?
Yes, we’re always emphasizing the importance of framing. We’ve offered framing from the start—not only for the convenience of delivering a ready-to-hang piece but also because we believe in the quality of our frames.
We work with fine art printers, use the best papers on the market, and every piece is limited edition, signed, and numbered. Our frames are archival, handmade to order in New York, and designed to enhance the artwork. When you invest in a beautiful piece, a high-quality frame ensures it truly shines.
We love to support local businesses! What are some of your favorite spots here in the Sound Shore area?
I love to support local businesses!
Our family loves ice cream, so most Fridays, you’ll find us at Longford’s grabbing a few pints. Or me by myself.
MAMA VILLAGE RX & WELLNESS is my trusted spot for prescriptions and product recommendations. Sophia, the pharmacist, is amazing—she’s a mom herself and shares valuable insights about medications you might not even think to ask about.
And I love the children’s store Dot Dot Dot. They have such a wonderful selection of children’s toys and crafts—my go-to spot for birthday presents and even hostess gifts.
ArtStar is offering our readers an exclusive 15% off their order! Just use the code SOUNDSHOREMOMS at checkout to enjoy the discount.
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!