For David Manola, owner of the recently opened Boulevard Fine Art South in Nokomis, buying and selling world-class fine art has been his life’s passion. Originally from Oak Park, Illinois, David spent his childhood summers in Venice, where his grandmother owned and conserved a large tract of land. A graduate of the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, David cut his teeth working in fine art galleries in the city, then became an art buyer for Marshall Field's. His reputation for style and taste, as well as his gregarious nature, helped him build a loyal client list. His gallery in the Hinsdale area of Illinois, has been in business for nearly 30 years.
Here in Nokomis, he has painstakingly refurbished the old Post Office building into a gorgeous gallery and custom framing studio filled with original artwork by local artists and artists from around the world. His attention to detail shows in both the gallery build-out, and the artwork on display.
“When people come in,” David explains, “they’re amazed at the quality and caliber of the artwork. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone says, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe we have this in Nokomis!’”
David works with leading agents to secure exclusive rights to investment-grade fine art as well as new emerging art. Many of his Chicago clients have homes in Venice and Sarasota, and their patronage and desire for the artwork he carries is part of the reason why he chose to expand his business south. He decided to locate his new gallery in the old Post Office in part because of the space it offers—David hopes to host community and art-related events.
“The most important thing I tell clients about choosing artwork is they should simply buy art they love,” David says. “I always want my clients to live with the art for 24 to 48 hours before they buy it. We also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is unusual. If they like something in our collection, we bring it to their home and hang it for them.”
David is a fantastic storyteller, deeply knowledgeable about his stable of artists and art world trends, and very welcoming of new clients.
“Come into the gallery,” David says. “We are always excited to build new relationships around this great art.”
110 Colonia Lane East, Nokomis. 941.220.1227 Boulevardfineart.com.
