GALLERY AROUND THE CORNER: Hodgell Gallery

What’s new: “What is new is that we have added two new gallery spaces at our gallery,” says gallery owner Brian O’Connell. “We have 45 artists and we continually change our exhibitions.”

Local artists represented: The Hodgell Gallery specializes in glass art sculpture, and there are no local artists specializing in glass art. In mixed media, its best-selling local artist is Brian Miller.

The gallery’s hottest new artist: “This winter season, our most successful exhibitions featured artwork by Latchezar Boyadjiev, Jose Chardiet, Kathleen Mulcahy and Sally Rogers,” says O’Connell.

The gallery’s most established artists: The Hodgell Gallery represents 45 artists, with the majority having artwork in the permanent collections of 10 or more museums. “All of our artists have exhibited extensively and they are well represented in corporate collections,” O’Connell says.

What the gallery looks for in an artist: “Our gallery is market driven,” says O’Connell. “Our clients request us to exhibit specific artists so that they may acquire the artist’s work. We have 110 households who are members of the local Southwest Florida Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. Each household has collected from 30 to 300 sculptures over the past 20 years.”

Modern misconceptions: “Most people do not realize the difficulties involved in display, shipping and installation,” O’Connell says. “Also, the art market is very dynamic. It is good business to feature new artists each and every year, because we have the same base of collectors who are buying most of the artwork.”

The kind of art found in their own home: Glass and more glass — with excellent lighting.

Why we’re cut out for this business: “You have to be service oriented,” says O’Connell. “The more you give to your clients the more successful you will be.”

What makes our job fulfilling: “It is very fulfilling when the client connects with a sculpture,” said O’Connell. “Their face lights up and they thank me for having what they want.”

Current show: “Bling” by Kate Lowman is on display through the summer.

Information

Owners: Katherine and Brian O’Connell (since 1989)
Year established: Hodgell-Hartman Gallery established in 1976
Address: 46 Palm Avenue South, Sarasota
Phone: 366-1146
Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website: www.hodgellgallery.com