Fox Point Art Dealer to Hold Blowout Exhibition

It may look like a regular two-story home on the outside, but inside the Frank Allen Gallery is a patchwork of artistic creations. While owner Frank Allen Sadler says that art purchases are diminishing thanks to the economy, he hopes an Exhibition this summer will help the gallery bounce back.

Between stashing new pieces on the second floor of his building until opening night May 20, and even setting up the restroom as a unique exhibition space, Sadler is doing a lot of work preparing for his comeback show.

“I used to hold gallery shows twice a year, but now I do one big show a year,” Sadler explained, gazing around his showroom at the art-strewn walls.

The gallery, nestled into the corner of Port Washington Road and Bradley Road, in Fox Point, features art of many kinds. From contemporary to modern art, painting, sculptures and metal work, the gallery's windows are even works of art, with colorful staind glass.

Sadler has been working in the gallery business for over 20 years.  He opened his shop in 2004, not expecting the economic downturn. 

“Because of the economy in the past year-and-a-half... I’m just here, so I’m happy," Sadler said.

Although he’s seen the industry bounce back from the recession slightly, it’s still nowhere near where it was in the late 1990's he explained.

"Overall, I would say my first year was better than last year," Sadler said. "It’s still been good, but it’s just shocking to see that there’s a whole group of people out there who aren’t spending.”

The poor economical climate in what most consider a luxury industry became very apparent when Sadler decided to skip the gallery’s annual exhibition show in 2010. However, this year is a whole new story.

“The last big show I did I tented the parking lot, had a bar out there and I had over 300 people come through.  Also, the weather sometimes didn’t cooperate with the fall shows, so I decided to just have one big show a year,”  Sadler said.

During his last show in 2009, Sadler said he sold 17 pieces ranging anywhere from $200 to $4,000 - sales he hopes to replicate during his exhibition in May.  While he admits his custom framing business keeps him afloat more than the fluctuating art market, Sadler is hopeful the original artwork will speak for itself.

“I don’t go to big art manufacturers.  I don’t go to big publishers,”  Sadler said. “In our mass-produced world, everything is so removed from the artist, so I try to have relationships with them.  My customers can actually meet these artists!”

And for those who are wary about entering the high-class art society, Sadler insists you’ll fit right in.

“One comment I always get are how comfortable people are in this gallery,” Sadler explained.  “I think there’s a pretention with galleries.  Even if you’re not spending money you’re welcome to come here.  It’s not about snobbery because anyone can appreciate art.”