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RANCH NEW HOME FOR ARTWORK
LAKEWOOD RANCH - For 31 years, The Collectors Wall in Sarasota has framed collectibles like golf clubs, wedding dresses and even guns. Now the art gallery has a little brother in Lakewood Ranch.
The youngest of five and the only son in his family, Gregg Gionfriddo runs the store on Main Street.
"The whole family has been involved at one point or another," he said. "I grew up with this business."
Gionfriddo said his sister, two of his brothers-in-law and his nephew all work for the company in some capacity. His sister Laura Prestia graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design with a degree in interior design. She works closely with designers and even makes house calls.
Gionfriddo's desk sits in front of a wall covered in frames of all shapes, sizes and colors. The store is filled with colorful contemporary artwork, ready to be hung in a home or office. Rich burgundies, golden yellows and sage green grace the canvases.
A large portion of the store's business comes from interior designers but custom framing constitutes more than half of the business. The Collectors Wall has worked with corporate clients, such as FCCI Insurance Group in Lakewood Ranch and the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota but also caters to homeowners.
"We think this location offers good opportunities with all the residential development," Gionfriddo said. "People need art in their homes."
The store carries posters that cost roughly $15, plus limited edition prints and original artwork that runs from $200 to $1,400. The store features work by local and international artists.
Gionfriddo said he hopes to bring Atlanta artist Thomas Arvid to the store for a book signing. Arvid specializes in realistic, oversized paintings of wine bottles and glasses and only supplies select stores.
The store has no trouble getting inventory, according to Len Gionfriddo, who owns the family business. He decided to expand to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch after the developer for the shopping center, Brett Hutchens, asked for his design expertise. Hutchens convinced Gionfriddo to visit Lakewood Ranch. One visit is all it took.
After seeing the development in the area, Gionfriddo decided to open the new gallery.
"He was comfortable in Sarasota, and the business was good there," said Gionfriddo's son Gregg. "But once he saw the area he was hooked."
The Collectors Wall is open Monday-Saturday. For more information, call 941-907-2055 or visit the Web at www.collectors-wall.com.
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Robin Roger
Special to The Herald
Herald Tribune
Published June 10, 2006
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