Vern Stein Fine Art features hard to find artists
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Mary Pabst, left, partner at Vern Stein Fine Art, 5747 Main St., shows Susie Riessen some examples of the 900 framing designs the studio offers. Photo by John Rusac

Taking a painting or a print and making it a fine piece of art can add something special to an office or home.

Adding that extra touch is what Vern Stein and Mary Pabst, partners at Vern Stein Fine Art, have been doing for years.

With 75 years of experience in the field of art design, the two offer their expertise from the recently expanded space at 5747 Main St., near Evans Street in Williamsville.

Stein, the owner of the building, purchased the neighboring space and expanded the studio to add showroom, storage and office space.

"The recent renovation doubled our space," Pabst said of the work, which took place this past summer.

Vern Stein Fine Art opened in 1987 in a different space in the village and was moved to its current location. Pabst, who has business and art experience, joined the business in May.

Specializing in custom framing, Vern Stein Fine Art has 900 varieties in stock, allowing for rapid turnaround and unusual designs. The partners also own Main Frame on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, where the paintings and prints are framed.

Prices are comparable to other framing businesses, Pabst said, adding that the business manufactures every frame to specifications, quickly and efficiently.

Pabst said many people have a "fear" of art and are hesitant about looking at and purchasing pieces. But she said there should be one rule when selecting art - does the shopper love it for the space where it will be showcased?

In addition to custom framing, Pabst and Stein purchase art pieces from around the world.

"We have pieces you don't see anywhere else ... opposed to generic prints," she said, adding that the business almost exclusively purchases originals.

Some prints are sold at the studio, and future plans include selling limited edition prints.

One of the artists often featured at Vern Stein Fine Art will be holding a trunk sale of 400 pieces this weekend. The Phoenix Art Group will hold the gallery sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.

Stein, who has been selecting art pieces for more than 40 years, is always being introduced to new artists that he wishes to bring to the studio. He is currently planning a show for this spring featuring a Persian artist who hasn't been extensively shown in the United States.

Bringing new pieces to Buffalo meets a need that exists in the area, Stein said. He added that many buyers leave the area to find pieces, thinking they wouldn't be sold here - but they are.

Longtime colleagues in the art profession, Pabst said she remembers taking advice from Stein when she started in the field. The former owner of her own business, Pabst saw joining Stein as a great opportunity in her career.

"We are able to accomplish a lot more together than apart," Stein said.

The joint partnership and the added space has opened many new opportunities for Vern Stein Fine Art. With the additional wall space, the company is able to exhibit more of the paintings and wall sculptures that are for sale.

Williamsville, known as a walking community, has been an appropriate space for a business such as Vern Stein Fine Art because window shoppers have ventured inside after a piece caught their eye.

Pabst said the business provides as much assistance as possible to someone unsure about what frame or piece to select. When an individual brings in a painting or print to have framed, Pabst and Stein show the 900 available styles for framing the piece and are able to produce a product based on the client's needs.

Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 626-5688.