History of Building:
• Livery stable in the 1800's
• Duke Street Hotel in the early 1900's
• Former Duke Street Hotel, Bar & Restaurant
• Housing for migrant workers in the area as seasonal workers for local businesses
In 2008, David P. Snyder purchased the building; building underwent massive renovations. The top floor was turned into upscale rental units. In the summer of 2009, he turned his attention to the first floor where the 2000 square foot gallery would be. Decaying walls were stripped down, reformed, and then literally transformed into a work of art. An artist trained in Italian Renaissance painting, whose work can be found in casinos in Atlantic City and Detroit, was commissioned to create custom-made silver colored wallpaper resembling layers of ripped paper to be an elegant backdrop for the various works of art. Track lighting and strategically positioned recessed lighting illuminates the different artwork and lends a an ambient feel to each room. The overall effect is stunning. Custom diamond plate stands used as art podiums complement the silvery metal wallpaper colors. The sign out front and at the gallery side entrance is constructed of the same diamond plate.
The gallery now houses approximately 30-35 different artists of all different mediums that include metal, stone, cloth and other unique choices. Artwork you'll find in the gallery include metal sculptures and Bonsai trees, multi-media pieces, oil paintings, decorative hand-made pillows, leatherworks, jewelry, fabric handbags, pottery, wire art, photography, wooden vessels and more. A few photographs show local and traveled views of the world that surrounds. Accent tables & wall hangings abound in every room, even in nooks and crannies among complementary art objects, yet spacious enough to allow peaceful gazing.
In the first few months of 2010, a boutique was added to the gallery. Here you'll find a mix of gifts such as handbags, scarves, wine goblets, some articles of clothing and other inexpensive items for purchase.
On a Personal Note...
David's long time love and appreciation for art is the founding for Bare Metal Gallery. During his worldwide travels, he has collected various unique and eclectic art that has been in his home for years. Three years ago, he took a course in welding at the SUN Area Technical Institute and soon after, purchased a welder and plasma cutter to cut metal. Since then, he's made some of his own metal pieces.
His daughters Ryan and Kelly assist him with the gallery. Ryan oversees the daily general operations and handles the bookkeeping; Kelly procures items for the boutique and handles that in addition to creating some of her own art that is in the gallery.
All take great pride in providing this needed cultural crossroads in our valley. Bare Metal Gallery has created the perfect union of a big city feel within a small community.
It is bringing the world into our local community with their eclectic assemblage of artwork from the many talented artists who live and work among us.
Future plans include artists receptions where the public can meet and greet the artists and art classes to learn how they create their artwork. Interested artists wishing to put their artwork on consignment can call the gallery at 473-2273. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00 Noon, however we are closed Sundays.
Bare Metal Gallery is pleased to offer you our own creations as well. We have custom built railing designs, document production and beautiful custom made artisian wallpapers that have to be seen to be believed !
Please inquire at the gallery and we will be more than happy to show off !