Sources To Purchase Art In & Around Rochester*
© Thievin' Stephen 2015
First Friday Rochester - On the first Friday of each month a varying number of local art galleries, artist spaces/studios, non-profits and hybrid spaces, etc. open their doors to the public for a huge progressive art opening celebration. The event is organized by Rochester Contemporary. For information about First Friday Rochester either click on the icon or CLICK HERE.
Commercial Galleries, Spaces That Function Like Commercial Galleries & Art Advisors
These venues tend to be well organized and professional. The operators of these venues cater to buyers/collectors and they are always equipped and ready to transact a sale. You may even be able to pay for the work in installments. Artwork regularly rotates in and out of their spaces. They do an excellent job of promoting their exhibitions to the public. Some may assist you in purchasing art from past or future exhibitions through their relationship with the artists.
Art advisors and art consultants are individuals with specialized skills, high expertise and very often advanced education who help collectors purchase and sometimes sell works of art.
These venues tend to be well organized and professional. The operators of these venues cater to buyers/collectors and they are always equipped and ready to transact a sale. You may even be able to pay for the work in installments. Artwork regularly rotates in and out of their spaces. They do an excellent job of promoting their exhibitions to the public. Some may assist you in purchasing art from past or future exhibitions through their relationship with the artists.
Art advisors and art consultants are individuals with specialized skills, high expertise and very often advanced education who help collectors purchase and sometimes sell works of art.
Name |
Links |
1975 Gallery | Rochester, New York |
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A Different Path Gallery | Brockport, NY |
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Art House Press Online Gallery | Rochester, NY |
Web | Facebook | Instagram | Artsy |
Art Museum of Rochester | Rochester, NY |
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Axom Gallery | Rochester, NY |
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Deborah Ronnen Fine Art | Art Advisor | Rochester, NY |
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Gallery 96 | Perinton, NY |
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Image City Photography Gallery | Rochester, NY |
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International Art Acquisitions | Pittsford, NY |
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Jeanne Beck Art Gallery | Canandaigua, NY |
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Jembetat - Gallery of African Art | Rochester, NY |
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Kristen Campo Fine Art | Rochester, NY |
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Luna Gallery 216 | Rochester, NY |
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Main Street Arts | Clifton Springs, NY |
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Makers Gallery & Studio | Rochester, NY |
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Mill Art Center & Gallery | Honeoye Falls, NY |
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Oxford Gallery | Rochester, NY |
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Phillips Fine Art & Frame | Rochester, NY |
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Ramon Santiago Studio | Frank Argento Gallery | Rochester, NY |
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Roslyn Baskt Goldman | Art Advisor | Rochester, NY |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Sylvan Starlight Creations - NEW as of October, 2018 |
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The Mulberry Tree Fine Art and Gifts | Mendon, NY |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
The Village Gallery | Caledonia, NY |
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Whitman Works Company | Penfield, NY |
Non-Profit Arts Organizations and Arts-Friendly Non-Profit Organizations:
The primary mission of these organizations is to serve the public rather than to sell artwork. However, all of these venues regularly offer artwork on exhibit as a normal part of their operation, and often artwork will be for sale to the public. Expect these venues to be reasonably well organized and professional. There will often be a price list and background information about the show and the artwork. You may have to pay an admission fee for access to the gallery/exhibition space. While Non-Profits do not necessarily cater to art buyers/collectors they are usually equipped to transact a sale.
The primary mission of these organizations is to serve the public rather than to sell artwork. However, all of these venues regularly offer artwork on exhibit as a normal part of their operation, and often artwork will be for sale to the public. Expect these venues to be reasonably well organized and professional. There will often be a price list and background information about the show and the artwork. You may have to pay an admission fee for access to the gallery/exhibition space. While Non-Profits do not necessarily cater to art buyers/collectors they are usually equipped to transact a sale.
Name |
Links |
540 West Main Community Learning Academy |
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Artisan Works |
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Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County - Harold Hacker Gallery |
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The Clover Arts Center For The Arts & Spirituality |
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First Unitarian Church of Rochester |
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Flower City Arts Center |
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Gallery Q |
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George Eastman Museum Gallery Store |
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Little Theatre Cafe |
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Link Gallery Rochester City Hall |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Memorial Art Gallery Gallery Store |
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Memorial Art Gallery Creative Workshop |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
MUCCC (Multi-use Community Cultural Center) |
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Our House Gallery Veterans Outreach Center |
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RepARTee Gallery Penfield Arts Center |
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Rochester Contemporary Arts Center |
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Ganondagan |
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Genesee Country Museum John Wehle Gallery |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Vineyard Community Space |
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Pieters Family Life Center The Garden Café Gallery |
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The Avenue Black Box Theater |
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Experience Fiber Art, Inc. |
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Baobab Cultural Center |
Artist Spaces, Artist Co-ops, Artist Collectives, Artist Groups, Artist Buildings/Studios:
Artists' co-ops, collectives, and studios have become very popular public venues for exhibiting and selling art and it's not surprising. Since these spaces don’t operate as commercial galleries, they may not typically offer an ideal arrangement to show and sell. However, by selling from the studio or in a co-op, the artist tends to save on expenses. Be aware when it comes to artists’ spaces the artists’ primary interest may be in the exhibition rather than the selling of work. Sales are almost always appreciated, but not always top-of-mind for the artist/venue. When it comes down to paying for the work "cash is king." Checks are usually tolerated. Charge & debit cards are increasingly accommodated but not at all universally available in this setting.
Artists' co-ops, collectives, and studios have become very popular public venues for exhibiting and selling art and it's not surprising. Since these spaces don’t operate as commercial galleries, they may not typically offer an ideal arrangement to show and sell. However, by selling from the studio or in a co-op, the artist tends to save on expenses. Be aware when it comes to artists’ spaces the artists’ primary interest may be in the exhibition rather than the selling of work. Sales are almost always appreciated, but not always top-of-mind for the artist/venue. When it comes down to paying for the work "cash is king." Checks are usually tolerated. Charge & debit cards are increasingly accommodated but not at all universally available in this setting.
Name |
Links |
Anderson Arts Building (aka, Anderson Alley) |
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Art Awake |
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Create Art 4 Good |
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The Fedder Building Complex |
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Gallery 74 |
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The Grass Roots Gallery |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
The Hungerford Buildings |
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Kaleidoscope Collective |
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The Lobby (See The Bug Jar listed below) |
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Loud Cow |
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Made On State |
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Steve Merritt Studio Gallery "Art In June" and Holiday shows |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Politits Arts Coalition |
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Print Club of Rochester |
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Rochester Area Art Clubs A detailed listing of many local artist groups/clubs |
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Rochester Artist Breakfast Group |
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Rochester Collage Society |
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The Shoe Factory |
CLOSED AS OF JANUARY, 2018 |
Steve Carpenter Art Center |
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Studio Harpy |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Studio Rad |
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UUU Art Collective |
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The Yards Collective |
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Community Supported Art (CSA) Concept |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Art/Antique Venues & Auction Houses
Grassroots Exhibition Venues:
You will find artwork on exhibit and for sale in salons, stores, restaurants, framers, cafes, offices, etc. Obviously, the exhibition and sale of art is not the primary interest of these businesses, so don't expect too much service or support from the staff. Most of the owners & employees sincerely care about the artwork and helping artists while others couldn't care less. Some of these venues don’t aggressively promote their exhibitions to the public.
From an exhibition and sales point of view these venues range from reasonably well organized all the way to completely disorganized. Presentation of the work might vary from excellent to poor. There may be a very strong curator at work behind the scenes. On the other hand the choice of work may be episodic or even somewhat opportunistic. Artwork may be in and out over a weekend (as in a “pop-up” show), or linger on the walls for many weeks or months before rotating out. There may be long periods when nothing is up. You may have to step around their customers or employees to see the work, and don’t assume there will be a price list or even the artist’s contact information.
We have arranged this group into two categories: “Well Organized Grassroots Exhibition Venues” and “ Less Formal Grassroots Exhibition Venues.” Under no circumstances are we attempting to judge the quality of the work exhibited. We are merely offering thoughts about how well the venue shows and sells art work. For example, does a venue promote their exhibitions to the public? How is artwork exhibited, and does the venue provide priceless or information on the artist? The best of this group are still not up to the standards of the more commercial spaces at the top of this page. For example, you may come in during regular business hours but still not be able to see the work due to the way the business functions. Or the work may be available to see but the area is unattended, etc.
You will find artwork on exhibit and for sale in salons, stores, restaurants, framers, cafes, offices, etc. Obviously, the exhibition and sale of art is not the primary interest of these businesses, so don't expect too much service or support from the staff. Most of the owners & employees sincerely care about the artwork and helping artists while others couldn't care less. Some of these venues don’t aggressively promote their exhibitions to the public.
From an exhibition and sales point of view these venues range from reasonably well organized all the way to completely disorganized. Presentation of the work might vary from excellent to poor. There may be a very strong curator at work behind the scenes. On the other hand the choice of work may be episodic or even somewhat opportunistic. Artwork may be in and out over a weekend (as in a “pop-up” show), or linger on the walls for many weeks or months before rotating out. There may be long periods when nothing is up. You may have to step around their customers or employees to see the work, and don’t assume there will be a price list or even the artist’s contact information.
We have arranged this group into two categories: “Well Organized Grassroots Exhibition Venues” and “ Less Formal Grassroots Exhibition Venues.” Under no circumstances are we attempting to judge the quality of the work exhibited. We are merely offering thoughts about how well the venue shows and sells art work. For example, does a venue promote their exhibitions to the public? How is artwork exhibited, and does the venue provide priceless or information on the artist? The best of this group are still not up to the standards of the more commercial spaces at the top of this page. For example, you may come in during regular business hours but still not be able to see the work due to the way the business functions. Or the work may be available to see but the area is unattended, etc.
Well Organized Grassroots Exhibition & Sales Venues
Name |
Links |
Barnes & Noble in Pittsford Plaza |
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Bausch + Lomb | Rochester Optics Center (By Appointment Only) |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Fuego Coffee |
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Gallery 384 |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
The Geisel Gallery at Legacy Tower |
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Genesee Coop Federal Credit Union |
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Little Button Craft |
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Lumiere Photo |
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More Fire Glass |
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Norchar |
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The Rochester Brainery |
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Rochester Picture Framing |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Statement Boutique |
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Ugly Duck Coffee |
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Mendon 64 |
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Living Roots Winery |
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Sips Coffee & Cafe |
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The Art Stop |
Less Formal Grassroots Exhibition Venues
Name |
Links |
1570 Gallery at Valley Manor |
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Atlas Eats |
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Barbetorium |
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Boulder Coffee Cafe & Lounge In The South Wedge |
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Bubble Fusion |
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The Bug Jar (See The Lobby listed above) |
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Canaltown Coffee |
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Edibles |
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Equal Grounds Coffee House |
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Ferrel's Garage |
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Gallery Salon |
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Hedonist Artisan Chocolates Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream |
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Hirsute Salon |
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Lux Lounge |
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Michael Deming Antiques |
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Nox Cocktail Lounge |
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Nu Movement |
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Orange Glory Cafe |
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Owl House |
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Photo City Improv |
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ROC Brewing |
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Starry Nites Cafe |
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Surface Salon |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Tap & Mallet |
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Vertex Night Club Vertex Late Risers, Alternative and Gothic Garage Sale |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Voula's Greek Sweets |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Abundance Cooperative Market |
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Lovin' Cup |
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The Gallery at Edward Jones |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
Steadfast Restaurant |
Colleges & Universities:
The primary mission of educational institutions is to serve their student population, rather than the general public at large, and not as much to sell artwork. However, each listed institution has a designated gallery exhibition space, and it’s not uncommon for some of the artwork to be offered for sale. Expect these venues to be well organized and professional. If the work is for sale; there should be a price list and background information about the show and the artist/s. These venues do not cater to art buyers/collectors, so don’t be surprised if a gallery employee/volunteer simply puts you in touch with the artist when you ask about buying work from a show. After that you and the artist will work independently complete the sale.
The primary mission of educational institutions is to serve their student population, rather than the general public at large, and not as much to sell artwork. However, each listed institution has a designated gallery exhibition space, and it’s not uncommon for some of the artwork to be offered for sale. Expect these venues to be well organized and professional. If the work is for sale; there should be a price list and background information about the show and the artist/s. These venues do not cater to art buyers/collectors, so don’t be surprised if a gallery employee/volunteer simply puts you in touch with the artist when you ask about buying work from a show. After that you and the artist will work independently complete the sale.
Name |
Links |
Monroe Community College Mercer Gallery |
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Nazareth College Arts Center Gallery & Margaret Colacino Gallery |
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Roberts Weselyan College Davison Gallery |
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Rochester Institute of Technology Bevier Gallery |
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Rochester Institute of Technology City Art Space |
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Rochester Institute of Technology Dryer Arts Center at NTID |
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Rochester Institute of Technology University Gallery |
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Rochester Institute of Technology William Harris Gallery |
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St. John Fisher College Patricia O'Keefe Ross Gallery in The Skalny Center |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
SUNY Brockport Tower Fine Arts Gallery |
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University of Rochester The Gallery at Art/Music Library |
Web | Facebook | Instagram |
University of Rochester Hartnett Gallery |
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University of Rochester Sage Art Center |
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Visual Studies Workshop |
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Rochester Institute of Technology Shop One |
* The information provided on this page is both incomplete and imperfect. Venues open and close. Web addresses change, too. We couldn't possibly list information about every local artist. Listing some artists and not others would be inappropriate. You should consider the information on this site to be one resource among many to learn about local artists. We'll do our best to update the listings as time passes. If you think the information we have listed needs to be updated, please send us a message via the CONNECT page on this site.
The descriptions associated with the various categories is designed to give collectors an idea of what to expect before they venture out for their first visit. This information was created from the experiences of local collectors and is meant only as a general guide. Rochester Art Collectors does does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page. Each collector is responsible for their own assessment of these venues. You may have a very different experience when you visit as compared to the description you see posted above. Your input is welcome. If you would like to send us your thoughts about any venue(s), please send us a message via the CONNECT page on this site.
The descriptions associated with the various categories is designed to give collectors an idea of what to expect before they venture out for their first visit. This information was created from the experiences of local collectors and is meant only as a general guide. Rochester Art Collectors does does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page. Each collector is responsible for their own assessment of these venues. You may have a very different experience when you visit as compared to the description you see posted above. Your input is welcome. If you would like to send us your thoughts about any venue(s), please send us a message via the CONNECT page on this site.
