Since opening its doors in the DDD nearly a decade ago, Laura Rathe Fine Art has established itself as one of the most lauded galleries in the DFW metroplex. Between their exquisite array of contemporary art pieces and their impressive range of regular exhibitions + programming, they check all the boxes art lovers and everyday visitors are looking for in a gallery. Read on to learn more about the background of LRFA Dallas and what sets them apart from other galleries on the scene.
Tell us about the background of Laura Rathe Fine Art and how the Dallas Design District gallery came to be.
Laura Rathe Fine Art has an incredibly unique story. Laura Rathe began her career in the art world by loading a van full of art from galleries around the state and would host viewings in people’s homes. It did not take long for Laura and others to realize that her passion and eye for art far surpassed this small operation. So, in 1998, Laura opened her flagship gallery on Colquitt Street in Houston. Now, almost 25 years later, Laura has three galleries, spanning two cities, representing over 50 artists from around the world.
In 2013, fifteen years after opening her flagship, Laura wanted to bring her talented roster of artists to the DFW metroplex. She knew there was one person who could help her cultivate this idea. Janice Meyers had 22 years of experience in the DFW art scene at that point, from private art sales to gallery director, to the gallery owner, and even provided art to Laura during her home-showing days. With Janice’s art expertise in DFW and Laura’s established roster of contemporary artists, they eagerly agreed to bring LRFA to Dallas.
What do you enjoy most about having a gallery in the Dallas Design District neighborhood?
The Design District has expanded and grown so much in the past almost ten years that we have been located on Dragon Street. We’re proud to be a part of the Dallas Design District, which has become an established destination for art and design.
What can visitors expect when they visit LRFA’s DDD gallery?
From the moment you pull up to the gallery, the expansive windows showcasing life-size sculptures by Matt Devine, Gil Bruvel, and Gino Miles are an invitation to come in and explore the unique art inside. Downstairs hosts three different galleries with works on display by artists such as Hunt Slonem, Zhuang Hong Yi, Meredith Pardue, and Stallman Studio. Walk up to our second level to see expansive views of Downtown Dallas and the Design District, along with vibrant works by additional artists such as Carly Allen Martin, Lucrecia Waggoner, Jane Waterous, Paul Rousso, Gian Garofalo, Michael Laube, Michael Schultheis, and so many more.
LRFA boasts of an incredibly diverse style of art. There is truly a color, medium, sculpture, or painting for everyone. All the art is compelling in and of itself, and it is a pleasure to watch how some works speak so clearly to visitors. We give gallery goers the opportunity to identify with so many different kinds of works by local, national, and international artists, expanding people’s knowledge and assumptions of what fine art is and can be.
In your opinion, what sets Laura Rathe Fine Art apart from other local and national fine art galleries?
LRFA provides expertise and knowledge in assisting clients with selecting the perfect art for their spaces. We also offer art advising, complimentary home delivery and installation, and services to form lasting relationships with our collectors who come back time and time again.
Since the pandemic, we have had to shift the way we work in many ways. This has ultimately led to more comprehensive and seamless virtual services such as detailed videos, renderings, and video calls. This has expanded our outreach across the globe, but we still stay true to the personalized experience and treat every client as if they are here in the gallery standing right in front of the art.
If you had to describe the LRFA gallery style in one word, what would it be and why?
Inviting - From the captivating art in our window displays that draws passersby into the gallery to the welcoming demeanor of our staff, LRFA has always been an inviting space to all. Gallery Director, Janice Meyers’ philosophy is to treat every visitor like they are coming into our home, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in the art. LRFA’s exhibitions and receptions are always open to the public and free of admission, making art more accessible to the Dallas community, from young art enthusiasts and students to seasoned collectors. With approachability at the root of LRFA’s ethos, our artist talks and QR code exhibition guides allow visitors to engage with our artists and art more intimately.
Tell us about any of your upcoming exhibitions happening in late summer and/or fall 2022.
We are thrilled to be exhibiting Meredith Pardue’s solo exhibition, Terrene, for our inaugural fall show. The opening reception will take place on August 27th from 4-7 PM with an artist talk at 6 PM. The artist will be in attendance. This show will be on display through October 1st.
We will also be having a two-woman show with Dallas-based porcelain artist Lucrecia Waggoner and Audra Weaser beginning October 8th. The opening reception will be held from 4-7 PM with an artist talk at 6 PM. Both artists will be in attendance.
Complete this sentence: "No space is complete without ___________________."
No space is complete without art that enriches our clients’ already beautiful homes.
If you’ve yet to look around LRFA Dallas, or it has been some time since you’ve done so, stroll through next time you’re in the neighborhood. And, if your schedule allows, be sure to catch "Terrene" featuring Meredith Pardue, before it wraps on October 1st. Make sure also to give the gallery a follow on Instagram for an inside peek at their latest installs and happenings, and find the most up-to-date info on all of their featured and upcoming exhibits on their website.
