Longtime Merchant Rye Art Gallery & Framing:
On Rye’s Canvas Over Three Decades

– By Janice Llanes Fabry –

Few businesses in Rye have endured the test of time as long as Rye Art Gallery & Framing. Run by the Francella family, the shop at 1010 Boston Post Road has evolved along with downtown Rye for 37 years.

“We have great quality and a wide variety of frame lines and moldings,” said Steve Francella. “We’re also a family-run business and people relate to that very well.”

Anthony and Pat Francella, now retired, originally opened the shop as Rye Art Supply on Purchase Street in 1972 at Silver Rush’s present location. They expanded the store when they moved to the space currently occupied by Wine at Five and Valuclean Dry Cleaners, before relocating to their present location fifteen years ago. Although the family lived in Port Chester, they spent most of their time in Rye and their sons, Anthony and Steve, learned the ropes early on.

“I started sweeping the sawdust on the floor on Saturdays when I was in the seventh grade,” recalled Anthony. “Then I’d see this specialty work being done and I wanted to do it, too.”

“We’d watch my father’s thought process in the framing and design concepts and it was something we acquired,” added Steve.

Although custom framing and quality workmanship have always been the mainstay of the business, Rye Art Gallery & Framing has changed with the times. When A.I. Friedman came to Port Chester, they eliminated the art supplies and expanded their gift item lines and sports memorabilia. In the last couple of years, they’ve replaced those with an impressive art gallery.

Having renovated the space and installed moveable walls and soft track lighting, Anthony and Steve successfully created a full-fledged gallery. Today, they provide their customers with fine art without the price tags usually associated with quality pieces. Paintings, photographs and bronze sculptures generally run from about $600 to $10,000.

“The relationship we’ve established with our customers and our custom framing speak for themselves. Our goal now is to be recognized as a source for great art,” said Anthony. “Art is something that really grabs you,” he explained. “If it does, grab it because it doesn’t often happen.”

They plan to host gallery events that showcase the work of various artists whom they’ve handpicked. Their last show featured the bronze figures of local Rye sculptor Bob Clyatt, the abstract oil seascapes of Marilyn Muller, the photography of John Pinderhughes and the encaustic works of Lisa Pressman, who adds texture and depth to her canvas by infusing paint with wax. Also currently on display are the crisp, detailed photographs of Tom Young.

Primarily, however, the Francellas will continue meeting the framing needs of second- and third-generation Rye families. “To a certain extent, we’re your doctor, your rabbi and your priest,” said Anthony. “After all, we see our customers through all the milestones in their lives, from the first finger painting to bar mitzvahs and confirmations, then high school and college diplomas and marriage certificates. And then, the kids have families of their own.”

The Francella brothers also have families of their own. Anthony lives in Rye Neck with his wife Karen and their daughter. Steve and his wife Deanna live in Port Chester with their son and daughter. Their dad, known around town as Caggie, just migrated to Florida for the winter. When he’s home, however, if he’s not at the store, he can be found behind the counter of Rye’s other enduring, picture perfect shop, Poppy’s.

Rye Art Gallery and Framing is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 967-5645.