Park Row Gallery News

CHATHAM, N.Y. - Park Row Gallery is celebrating its 20th year as Chatham's preeminent art and framing specialist with "20/20," an exhibition featuring 20 local artists making works in a 20 by 20 format May 27 through July 1. An opening reception will be held June 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. A range of works, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and artist books, will be on display.

Owner Jeff Risley joined the operation with his parents in June of 1986 and bought the business two years ago. "My parents were looking for a business they could run in their retirement and they needed somebody to help them. At the time I had just graduated from college. I thought I'd give it a year," laughs Risley. "I've been here ever since."

Over the years, Risley has turned the frame shop into a quiet showplace for some of the best artists the region has to offer, and is trusted by the most discerning collectors and decorators working in both corporate and private collections. Park Row Gallery has an expansive array of services including custom framing, conservation, restoration and even installation.

"I make it a point to stay on top of the latest trends," he said, noting that keeping up to date with the latest state-of-the-art technology also helps him focus more keenly on customers' art and framing needs. Park Row is also known for its unusual and entertaining shows, as well as its community-building presence.

On the occasion of Vincent Van Gogh's 150th birthday in the spring of 2003, Risley organized a birthday party complete with presentation by culinary author Alexandra Leaf, co-author of "Van Gogh's Table," and wine and cheese pairing featuring Chatham Liquor Store and Rubiner's Cheese Mongers, Great Barrington, MA.

He has also curated shows featuring quilts, artist books, photographs, historical documents and even works for children. And recently he's seen the connection grow closer.

"I'd say that the turning point was the Henry Ries show," said Risley, recalling a 2003 photographic retrospective of former New York Times photographer Henry Ries, a German Jew who emigrated to the United States during the war and returned to document the Berlin Blockade for the newspaper.

"That was just something special," said Risley, noting that the exhibition was one of the Ries' last public showings before his death, and it was so successful the collection traveled to Boston's Goethe Institute. Even more remarkably, the gallery was the site of a special awards ceremony in which the German Consulate General presented Reis with the Cross of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany for his service to Berlin. According to Risley, Chatham's rich art scene is something he is devoted to fostering. To this end, Risley has established a Web presence with links to the region's cultural gems, including "rival" galleries.

"I think the more the better," he said, noting that he believes where art is concerned competition isn't a negative. "I always try to get people to schedule openings on the same day. This is about helping Chatham, too.
Anything to bring people in and keep them here, I say. There's always room for more."

Visit Park Row Gallery online at www.parkrowgallery.com or call 518.392.4800 for more information.