2004 ArtServe Michigan
Governor's Awards for
Arts & Culture
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LaFontsee Galleries and Underground Studio
is the little art gallery that could—and did.
Succeeding with the transition of marrying art, commerce and community
support, expertly weaving them around human need and the timelessness of
art.
The LaFontsee Galleries and Underground Studio began as a basement
framing and matting enterprise in 1987 by an artist who drove a cement
truck by day while his hired art student greeted customers and took
orders.
It has since grown into an 18,000-square foot gallery and a
marital/artist partnership of epic proportions.
LaFontsee Galleries/Underground Studio of Grand Rapids is also the 2004
recipient of ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Award for Arts &
Culture--Business Honor Roll.
Scott and Linda LaFontsee have always nurtured the creative process,
nudging their little art gallery into the inventive, thriving business
it is today. Theirs is an esoteric approach, not just geared to the
result of art, but its very inception. The LaFontsees’ commercial
venture is renowned throughout the Grand Rapids area, notably recognized
by their business mantra of 15 years which is attributed to artist P.
Rosenthal: “Part of the art of living is living with art.”
Beginning with limited space and a five-foot wide wall in a neighborhood
market, the LaFontsees displayed the work of a few local artists. It
wasn’t long before success demanded re-location and expansion with an
extended area for more artist exhibition. The gallery changed spots, but
never philosophy, and enlarged service to include unique gift-buying
opportunities as well as greater public curiosity for the arts.
Today, the gallery is an elegant gathering place for social events from
baby showers to corporate fundraisers, and the indisputable source of
fine art consultations for office and home as well as appraisals, gifts
and registries. Businesses and residences—large and small—are prime
focuses for the passionate displays of LaFontsee and the gallery’s
individualized approach to art appreciation.
“Winning an award for helping the community that has constantly
supported us is an unexpected honor,” said Scott LaFontsee. “It
reinforces our efforts and inspires us to continue."
LaFontsee Gallery/Underground Studio will be recognized at the 19th
Annual ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Awards on November 18th at The Henry
Ford in Dearborn.
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