I have never been in here before, although I have often driven by the place on Main Street and I'd been idly curious about what was in there. When I saw their "75% off Closeout Sale! Everything Must Go!" sign earlier this week, I figured there would never be another chance (especially at reasonable prices now, since usually art is traditionally overpriced), so I stopped by.
When I entered the shop, the owner was too busy in the back to offer a greeting, so I just started browsing. When the owner did finally deign to greet me, we chatted for a bit and it turns out that the store is closing soon, and it will become an Art Supply Store. Apparently he's getting ready to retire.
There was a lot of clutter on the shop floor, with various paintings of all shapes and sizes stacked everywhere. I browsed for a while, flipping through the multiple stacks of "floor paintings", finally finding something that interested even me (admittedly NOT an "art aficionado")----an oil painting of a world map, in full color; very nice, actually. The owner quoted me a price of $69 in passing as he was walking to help another customer. But when I went to the front table (what served as a sort of "checkout aisle"), he said the price was "$79"...???...I mentioned the quote of $69 earlier, but he swore he said $79...HMMMMM.
I ended up buying the piece anyway, because even at $79 it was still far cheaper than it would otherwise have been. BUT, it irked me that he lied about the price of the painting to begin with, and on top of that he kept trying to pawn other paintings off on me!! Ironically, during our chat earlier he'd deplored being in Miami at one point with an art shop, complaining how materialistic the people there were, "just seeing dollar signs" when dealing with others, YET here he was doing the same thing with me!!
The funny thing is, I originally came in here with the full intention of giving a favorable review, not anticipating a situation where I'd have to do otherwise. But after LYING to me about the painting price, then being hypocritically materialistic toward me after having just condemned Miami folk for supposedly doing so, I can only give him TWO Stars, and it's a stretch to do even that. Ultimately it's all a moot point, since the shop's closing down, but still, lying is lying and hypocrisy is hypocrisy, and I feel compelled to report this...
Read moreStop reading reviews and GO SEE ROWLAND! On a personal level, he’s just incredible, wildly interesting, and most importantly, knows his stuff!
After my mom passed, I inherited three of her beautiful antique lithographs. The original frames were dilapidated and the art was wrinkled when I finally decided to find a frame shop. I am over the moon that I found this place! They came out BEAUTIFULLY. Even better than I could ever imagine. He carefully got rid of the wrinkles and put in a protective sponge, even new glass- for free!
To say I am pleased with Rowlands work is a massive understatement. I now have a deep sense that my mom is just as pleased as I am, if not more. He really took the time to work with me. He listened to what I wanted and gave me confidence about my choices, all the while, imparting his expert opinion and advise. He really won’t steer you wrong. I’m usually indecisive, but Rowland made it super easy and FUN!
If your worried about pricing- Don’t be!! His pricing is well beyond fair. He uses REAL wood that will last forever, and you’ll end up paying less than you would anywhere else, even if you’re looking to frame simple things like concert posters. I just can’t wrap my mind around why anyone would go to Hobby Lobby/Michaels/Etc… especially for art that has intrinsic or sentimental value. If you have never had something framed, be advised that framing in general is relatively expensive (compared to just buying a frame), but Rowland’s prices and level of service can not be beat. It’s a true investment as you are preserving history.
Did I mention how FAST the turn around was? I could go on forever. Love this place so much. I’ll be back...
Read moreThis Art Gallery has it all. They have the most beautiful original art you have ever seen, with a very wide selection. They are reasonably priced for the quality and uniqueness you receive. I could spend hours just looking at everything. The staff is wonderful as well, the customer service is phenomenal. They went way over and above for me, even coming to measure walls for paintings I needed to redecorate with. The owner, Rowland, is very involved and also an actual artist, which is rare to find. This place is a gem! I have had them frame a couple of things for me as well and the job they did was even better than expected. I have been very happy with all of my purchases and highly recommend them to all of my friends! I am now a...
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