When Jim Woodfield made plans to retire from an oil company in Houston, Texas in 2010, he knew St. Pete was the place he wanted to be. “Art has always been a big part of my life, and there is such a dynamic art community here with a lot of support from the community,” he said.
As an artist and avid collector, Woodfield decided to rent studio space at the Five Deuces Galleria. He met many artists who were frustrated that they had nowhere to showcase and sell their work. In 2015, he decided to open his own gallery that would feature only the work of artists from within a 50-mile radius of St. Pete. Today, Woodfield manages an expanded space at 2323 Central Avenue, where he produces his own art in a back room.
Serving Local Artists
Woodfield works with about 30 other local artists to display their work in his gallery. “Some are emerging artists getting their first opportunity to exhibit their talent in a gallery setting, while others are nationally known and have won awards,” he said. “But all are brilliant.”
On the second Friday of each month, the evening before the Second Saturday ArtWalk, there is often an opening party for a particular artist’s new exhibition. Artists constantly approach Woodfield to have their creations featured in the shop. He is selective based on what he likes and thinks will sell. The gallery now has a waiting list that can range from six months to three years.
Going the Extra Mile
Woodfield provides free delivery and installation services upon request and has made unique frames. He recalls one client who had just bought a large home in Tarpon Springs. “She purchased six pieces of art that I delivered and installed since one was too big to fit into her car,” he said. “She later mentioned a curved wall in her activity room and had no idea what type of art she could hang there. She had fallen in love with a John Bayalis painting, so I built her a special curved frame using Plexiglass and was able to curve the mat and the painting to fit into it. She and her family were thrilled.”
It’s also important to Woodfield to develop working friendships with other art gallery owners in the area. “I frequently visit them to see which artists they are featuring, and if I don’t have the type of art a customer is looking for, I can refer them to another gallery,” he said. “One couple wanted to give a painting of the Vinoy Hotel as a gift to their best friend who was getting married there. I had just sold one by Curt Sneary but recalled seeing another painting of the Vinoy by Richard Seidel at the ARTicles gallery and sent them there.”
Woodfield always encourages customers: “Buy what you love, not what is going to match your sofa.”
Be sure to stop by Woodfield Fine Art at 2323 Central Avenue or visit www.WoodfieldFineArt.com to view a variety of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and glass work from local artists. Jim Woodfield can be reached at (727) 254-6981 or [email protected] if you would like to make an appointment outside of regular posted hours.
