The Art Lover's Guide to Collecting Fine Art in New York, Washington, D.C. & the Mid-Atlantic States

The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States is typically made up of seven states—Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and last but far from least, New York. There’s also the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Each of these states were part of the 13 original colonies that gathered during the Second Continental Congress (which ultimately adopted the Declaration of Independence), and thus, the Mid-Atlantic is crucial to the fabric of our country, playing an instrumental role in both the founding and growth of the nation.The New York City skyline. Photo by Emiliano Bar.It makes perfect sense, then, that the Mid-Atlantic would have time to simmer and grow into one of America’s most culturally robust areas. From historic Richmond, Virginia (one of the country’s oldest major cities), to the streets of Philly, “the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” there’s no shortage of treasures to explore.

And for truly phenomenal art, you’re in the right place.

In Manhattan, look to major institutions like the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art. With roots dating back to 1866 in Paris, France, the historic museum houses a collection of more than 490,000 works of art across 5,000 years. The Whitney Museum of American Art is located in NYC’s Meatpacking District and West Village neighborhood. Upcoming exhibitions at the museum look into the works of African American artist Henry Taylor of California, as well as an exhibition delving into the lifelong drawing practice of the late American sculptor Ruth Aiko Asawa. New York City is also home to dozens upon dozens of superb art galleries and events, including Art on Paper, The Armory Show, the ADAA Art Show and Salon Art + Design, as well as hubs for numerous fine art auctions houses like Christie’s, Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Heritage Auctions.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK - Renwick Gallery 1, CC BY 2.0.In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution consists of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. For an eclectic array of stunning artwork, be sure to explore the American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of African Art, the National Museum of Asian Art, and of course, the National Portrait Gallery.

A bird’s eye view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania. Photo by Catherine Kerr.

Among the many galleries and museums to explore in Philadelphia is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Palmer Museum of Art at Pennsylvania State University, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford and many others.

Every Mid-Atlantic state is truly unique in their own way. Read on to learn more about the many fantastic galleries and artists based in the area.

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George Billis Gallery
527 W. 23rd Street, Ground Floor New York, NY 10011
(212) 645-2621
gallery@georgebillis.com
www.georgebillis.com

George Billis Gallery, Pencils & Books, oil on canvas, 24 x 36", by Christopher Stott.

George Billis Gallery, Balloon III, oil on canvas, 48 x 36", by Derek Buckner.

The George Billis Gallery is pleased to announce its return to New York City with the opening of its location at 527 W. 23rd Street on the ground floor. The George Billis Gallery decided on the Chelsea Art District, an area the tenure of the gallery established and thrived for over 25 years. The gallery relocated to Connecticut during Covid and developed a reputation in the Westport/Fairfield area, winning best gallery in 2022 and 2023 in Connecticut’s Gold Coast. The George Billis Gallery space on 23rd Street in Manhattan has high ceilings and large exhibit spaces, allowing for the fall roster of the gallery’s mid-career artists to showcase their solo shows. The gallery’s first fall exhibit will be Christopher Stott and Kurt Solmssen, followed by Cindy Rizza and Bennett Vadnais. George Billis Gallery is bicoastal, with a presence in Los Angeles, Connecticut and New York City.

An interior view of George Billis Gallery.

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Grace DeVito
(203) 979-2472
gmdevito@yahoo.com
www.gracedevito.com

Grace DeVito, Undulate, oil on canvas, 11 x 14"

Grace DeVito has spent most of her life immersed in the art of painting in the representational realist style. She started her career as an illustrator but found design by committee artistically unsatisfying, so she segued into fine art painting and never looked back. The artist paints mostly in oils but also uses charcoal for drawings. “I work from life as much as possible, when it’s not convenient I’ll use photos to supplement, but also like to consider the work as it stands alone to see what it needs. My focus is on portraiture, figurative, landscape and still life genres,” says DeVito. “Form and how light plays on a subject is what attracts me most. Inspiration can come at anytime or place, but I tend to focus on the natural world. It’s my desire to explore nature and present it to the viewer causing an unspoken dialogue and a moment of reflection.”

Grace DeVito, Ginger Jar and Peonies, oil on canvas, 11 x 9"

Grace DeVito, Spiral, oil on canvas, 9 x 12"

DeVito’s upcoming shows include Making Their Mark, August 18 to September 23 at Susan Powell Fine Art in Madison, Connecticut, as well as Paintings by Judy Kudlow, Grace DeVito, And John Morra from September 7 to 29 at a private club in New York City. Please check the artist’s website for available works at www.gracedevito.com.

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Peter Swift
pswift73@icloud.com
www.peterswiftartstudio.com

The unique style of Peter Swift combines two distinct elements: classical realistic still life painting and symmetrical design. Most of his work features circles. “I believe that the human brain has a deep psychological connection to circles,” says the artist. “The circle is a fundamental symbol in many of the world’s religions because it represents harmony, unity, tranquility, completion and wholeness.” His biggest influences have been Louise Nevelson, Martin Puryear and Andy Goldsworthy.

Peter Swift, Tulip-Poplar Leaves, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48"

“Symmetry is a fundamental underlying principle in art,” Swift adds. “However, over the past century, symmetry has been a factor for the most part only in abstract art, such as the work of Josef Albers and Frank Stella. My work combines both symmetry and realistic rendering, both imagination and meticulous craftsmanship.”

Peter Swift working in his studio.

Swift is represented by the Touchstone Gallery in Washington, D.C.

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Principle Gallery
208 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-9326
info@principlegallery.com
www.principlegallery.com

Principle Gallery, Orchids and Mangos, oil on panel, 36 x 24", by Pamela Carroll.

Principle Gallery was established in 1994 by Michele Marceau in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. In 2013, Marceau opened a second location in Charleston, South Carolina. Since 1994, the intent of the Principle Gallery name has been to represent the highest quality in contemporary realism while maintaining solid principles that honor clients and artists. The gallery prides itself in representing emerging, mid-career and established artists with a distinctly personal approach to their work.

Principle Gallery, Here We Go, I Have Water in my Shoes, oil on canvas, 63 x 79", by Andreas Claussen.

Principle Gallery, Rivers Edge, oil on linen and panel, 24 x 30", by Paula Holtzclaw.

The team continues to stay dedicated to representing the finest contemporary artists, and to keep that going they are always finding ways to expand and grow. One of Principle’s recent changes occurred this year at the Alexandria, Virginia, location. A major renovation began in January that has resulted in a beautiful second floor gallery. It will be a continuation of the retail space and can be rented for private events.

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Rehs Contemporary
20 West 55th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10019
(212) 355-5710
info@rehscgi.com
www.rehs.com

Rehs Contemporary, The Golden Hour, oil on panel, 12 x 16", by Andrew Orr.

Rehs Contemporary, A Winter’s Eve, oil on canvas, 30 x 40", by Gail Descoeurs.

This October, New York based gallery Rehs Contemporary invites you to discover magical landscapes inspired by the splendor of the natural world. The Seasons: Exploring Nature’s Palette is a group exhibition that will include more than a dozen of today’s premier landscape painters and showcase their masterful use of color and light. Among the participating artists are Gail Descoeurs, Andrew Orr, Ben Bauer, Ken Salaz and many others. As you walk through the gallery, you will be transported from a brisk winter’s day, through the vibrancy of spring and autumn, and into the embrace of summer’s sunshine. The Seasons: Exploring Nature’s Palette is a celebration of the ever-changing face of our world. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, nature lover or simply seeking a moment of respite from the bustling city life, this exhibition promises to be a captivating and inspiring experience.

Rehs Contemporary, Crimson Flash at Stone Barns, oil on panel, 9 x 14", by Ken Salaz.

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Sarah M Paddock
(585) 301-1698
sarah@sarahmpaddock.com
www.sarahpaddock.com

Sarah M Paddock, Mint Julep, oil, 18 x 24"

Sarah M Paddock is a contemporary realist artist known for her fresh yet nostalgic narratives that capture the essence of everyday life. Combining traditional Spanish Bodegón with elements of modernity, Paddock creates arresting still lifes that are grounded in reality and are deeply personal, focusing on the beauty found in common objects and experiences. “These items are particular, distinct from other things,” says the artist. “I aim to honor those characteristics in a way that conveys that living was happening.”

Sarah M Paddock, Of Wine and Roses, oil on canvas, 18 x 24"

This fusion of traditional and modern results in a vibrant human realism. The high chroma, high contrast vision of memories transport the common from past through present to future, ensuring that these images, and the values they imply, endure. “These are our artifacts, the physical evidence of our living,” she says. “I want to preserve them in a way that honors both their history and their place in ours.”