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When Howard Cooperman decided to transform his business from a frame shop to a fine art gallery, there was hardly a doubt as to where he should open his doors: New Hope. As one of the top 25 art destinations in the country and the de facto home to Bucks County's artistic history and present, the choice was both obvious and fruitful.
Approaching nearly 30 years in business, Cooperman's goal remains simple. "Our mission is to support today's living, working and independent artist," he says. And by offering the area's most spacious gallery featuring original works, Cooperman does just that.
Located at 77 West Bridge Street, the Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art is housed in a historic building dating to 1798. And while the old stone farmhouse still stands, it's been renovated over time to afford seven distinct rooms and two floors to both the discerning and beginning collector.
"We cater to everyone," Cooperman continues. "Besides just paintings, we have the largest selection of sculpture than if you visited 10 galleries combined."
And beyond the mere collection of both two and three-dimensional art, Cooperman strives to promote an air of selectivity and comfort for his customers. Offering multiple rooms of distinct décor and brilliant color - patrons might find themselves in a cinnamon-colored enclave while soon wandering into a goldenrod filled sitting room - customers can judge what a potential purchase might look like in their home.
"I try to make buying artwork as pleasant as an experience as I possibly can," explains Cooperman. "If you take a piece home and it doesn't work for you, bring it back. No questions asked. You can even take something home to try it out. I want to build a clientele, not just make a quick sale." And even beyond sales, Cooperman promotes his artists by featuring their work in exhibitions. He recently hosted a luncheon for the artists represented by the gallery, where they created small pieces that will serve as ornaments through the holiday season. "The artists here never seem to be able to get together," Cooperman says, "but when they do, artists just love to talk art with each other."
This month, the Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art will be hosting its third annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Exhibition. Running from Dec. 1 though Dec. 31, the show will feature both paintings and sculpture from some of the best artists the area has to offer.
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