James Gallery | Small Business Spotlight
Q: When was James Gallery founded and by whom? James Gallery began as a custom picture frame shop in Dormont in the year 1975 by James Frederick at the age of 22. Forty years later, James Gallery has grown into an elegant gallery with a repurposed location in the West End Village. We still do custom framing and now represent an amazing stable of artists in all mediums and have built an impressive project portfolio.
Q: What need in the Pittsburgh art community does James Gallery seek to fulfill? The Pittsburgh region has experienced unprecedented growth in multiple industries. A new wave of businesses and professionals are now calling Pittsburgh home. We would like them (and all) Pittsburghers to feel that they do not need to travel outside of Pittsburgh to find impressive fine art. It is exhibited in their own city.
Appreciation for the arts has been on the rise in our city. We would like to educate the public about buying art and offer a wonderful experience. Our passion is to make the process as seamless as possible. We offer a wide range of price points, a knowledgeable staff and an unlimited network of resources that make purchasing art less daunting.
Q: If you could describe the essence of James Gallery in one sentence, what would it be? Our goal is to move away from the typical and expected, venturing into areas that challenge preconceived images of art and the predictable gallery experience.
Q: Where do the artists featured in the gallery come from? Our current show “Breakup” features seven artists from all over the United States, Australia and Pittsburgh. We represent regional, national and international artists. Art happens in every part of the world. We navigate the globe to present artistic talent.
Q: Tell us more about your residential art consulting services. How does it all work? The process begins when we meet with a client to discuss their ideas, space, tastes, and budget. We follow with an informal presentation of a variety of art. We engage the client to formulate a direction that would be effective in their home, reflecting their taste and style. Residential projects require a personal approach in working with individual styles. We acknowledge that our clients are selecting art as a long term commitment, not a quick decorative fix.
Q: What do you love most about working at James Gallery? We keep it interesting. There are many facets to our business. James Gallery is a fine art gallery presenting multiple exhibitions. The unique space can be transformed for weddings and event rental. We also place art in healthcare, sports venues and corporate spaces. Each project presents new challenges. Our industry continues to evolve with artistic creativity and technology. One day I am working with a bride and the next an architect. Every day is different and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Q: Where in Pittsburgh can we see work done by the James Gallery consultants? Our creativity is displayed in nearly every building in downtown Pittsburgh. Ever notice the large monumental sculpture of Mario Lemieux outside of CONSOL Energy Center? We did that. Ever visit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh? Voted Children’s Hospitals by HealthExecNews.com in 2012. We did that. PNC Park and Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, we did those too.
We are truly part of Pittsburgh.
Q: Why should readers visit James Gallery on Small Business Saturday? Our current exhibition, BREAKUP, is open to the public Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. This exhibition highlights work by seven contemporary artists, each with a physically unique approach to the creation of fragmented and pixelated images and forms. The artists employ an incredibly diverse range of materials and techniques. Pigment, glass, digital animation, photography and mixed media are used to striking effect. The works are defined not only by what is visible, but by what has been removed.
As an extension of Veteran’s Day, in honor of their service, we are offering a 20% discount off military prints and framing until December 1st.
