The Hidden Work of Art Handling, Installation, and Building a Creative Career from the Ground Up — with Orlando Saverino-Loeb
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova meets with artist and art handler Orlando Saverino-Loeb to uncover the hidden labor behind art presentation—and the creative mindset needed to thrive in both making and supporting art.Meet Orlando Saverino-LoebOrlando is a Philadelphia-born artist with a BFA from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where he won the Senior Painting Award. He launched Philadelphia Art Handling LLC in 2021, applying over six years of experience moving, shipping, installing, and hanging artwork. As Technical Director at HOT•BED gallery since 2019, Orlando helped curate over 23 exhibitions and worked closely with appraisers at PALL MALL Art Advisors (now The Fine Art Group), gaining expertise in the fine art business and valuation processes.His creative background spans technical theater, industrial design, construction, and art—all of which inform his precision and care. Orlando has handled pieces for organizations like Art Guard Art Security Solutions, Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Michener Museum, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Arts, and numerous galleries, interior design firms, and collectors.As an artist, his surreal-inspired work combines Romantic 19th-century composition with extended stays in Italy. He builds immersive environments with characters, symbols, and visual metaphors. His art has been shown at Tyler Gallery, InLiquid Gallery, Fleisher Art Memorial, DaVinci Art Alliance, and internationally. In 2018, he spoke at a symposium in Ulassai, Italy, and during the 2020 pandemic, participated in an international exhibition in Paris. Recent shows include OFF THE WALL Gallery and the National Apartments via InLiquid. Explore his portfolio at orlandosaverinoloeb.com.About Philadelphia Art HandlingPhiladelphia Art Handling offers expert art installation, packaging, storage, and transportation across the East Coast and Canada—for private clients, museums, nonprofits, and commercial institutions. Services include:* Stretching canvas for artists* Custom crate building* Residential and institutional art transportation and installationOrlando launched the business to solve challenges he faced as a working artist—like moving large-scale paintings without access to a suitable vehicle. His vision focuses on creating a bespoke, caring approach for individuals, artists, and organizations. He and assistant Ivan facilitate bookings via email (
[email protected]) or phone (215-901-8003). They take pride in asking the right questions, being intentional in every detail, and delivering equal care to private and large-scale projects.🎧 What You’ll Hear* Why art handling deserves more attention—and what usually goes unseen* Orlando’s transformation from artist to art-handling entrepreneur* How to sustain an art career when the career path isn’t clear* Balancing creative practice with running a service-based business* Real-world installation and shipping challenges, including international customs and museum-scale projects* The value of craftsmanship, experimentation, and writing your own creative career playbook🔗 Resources & Connect* Learn more about Orlando’s work: orlandosaverinoloeb.com* Schedule a project with Philadelphia Art Handling:* Site: philadelphiaarthandling.com* Email:
[email protected]* Phone: 215‑901‑8003* Instagram: @orlandosaverinoart* Create! Magazine* CreateU Mini-Courses Get full access to Art & Cocktails by Ekaterina Popova at artandcocktails.substack.com/subscribe