Gallerist Wendy Fritz is reaching new horizons BY RACHE L VA N CE L E T T E
W
endy Fritz has been shaking up the Palm Beach Art scene this season, with a newly launched gallery space, a former 1920’s ballroom renovated by The Frisbie Group. She is dancing her way to now owning one of the largest gallery spaces for exhibition on the island. With 26 foot ceilings and 3 times the space as her former gallery she has taken the island by storm!
The gallery, only established in 2017, started as a by appointment-only space for clients to view such masters as Tom Wesselman, Paul Jenkins, Stanley Bozer, Karl Appel, Robert Raschenberg to name a few. The expansion and move have allowed for the winter play grounders and snowbirds of New Yorkers, Bostonians, Canadians and more to explore this new art-destination during season, and all year round. This year she has noted she is looking to program established and mid to late career artists, who have museum and international recognition and during the summer season will incorporate emerging artists both local and from the New York City area. The course on blue chip and private sales in the gallery are fundamental in her business model. Fritz is clear that she does not feel she needs to exhibit at the arts fairs but is not against considering LA or San Francisco, her home town. The new addition to the Norton Museum is a major bonus to West Palm Beach as is the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden which recently acquired new leadership and has breathed new life into the gardens and their programming. Many young New York artists are moving to West Palm Beach for the affordable housing and to be part of the art scene that West Palm Beach supports. The new high speed Brightline train connecting Miami to West Palm Beach makes for a pleasant one hour train ride. This convenience hopefully will increase the attendance to cultural events between the cities. We sat down to get an insider look at the latest growing art scene shaking up Palm Beach. What inspires you? Artists who have the passion and dedication it takes to put all their energy into their craft. Great dancers, musicians, visual artists, film makers, singers must have the passion and dedication to be successful. It’s in their heart and soul. There are many who have the passion and excellence in their work but will not be recognized for their talent due financial restrictions, lack of connections or a lucky break. I commend all artists who live