Danny Simmons on His Workspace

A look at the places where businesspeople work

-- WHO: Daniel Simmons, the 44-year-old chief executive of Corridor Art Gallery, and a painter.

-- WHERE: The Corridor Art Gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y.

-- WHAT YOU SEE: A renovated warehouse with two floors of lofts. The bottom floor boasts his office, the Corridor Art Gallery, and his art studio. A long corridor, graced by high ceilings and polished wood flooring, showcases work by emerging artists, such as Ethiopian painter Haileyesus Tilahun, and offerings by more established artists. Mr. Simmons, who has a degree in finance from Long Island University, thinks he is a better artist than businessman, but he rids himself of his laissez-faire artist's attitude every morning to get up at 9 a.m. to meet with artists and clients. Clients often plop down in a comfortable handmade furry sheepskin chair. The chair and a hand-knit rug (valued at $14,000) belonged to actress Cher at one time before they were exchanged for his paintings. On his desk sits a picture with him and his two artistically inclined brothers: Russell Simmons, owner and founder of Def Jam Records, and musical artist Joey Simmons of the group Run DMC.

-- WHAT HE SEES: "My office is decorated with contemporary and tribal art. Often the artwork in the office is a point of departure in our conversations. I believe working within an artistic environment sets the proper stage for artists and collectors alike to feel comfortable. Sometimes I don't think of what I do as a business. Rather, I hope I am helping to create culture."