For over 35 years, the Wentworth Gallery in The Mall at Short Hills has been a destination for those looking to make a statement—not just in art, but in style. At the helm is Gallery Director Maryanne Fralinger, a lifelong creative whose passion for fine art and design makes her a trusted partner to homeowners and interior designers alike. “Art doesn’t follow style,” notes. “It defines it.”
Fralinger began her career as a commercial illustrator and industrial designer before stepping into the gallery world 22 years ago. What was meant to be a six-month experiment turned into a career that bridges her love of aesthetics and human connection. “When you add art to a room,” she explains, “you’re not just decorating—you’re telling your story.”
At Wentworth Gallery, that story begins with exploration. Fralinger encourages first-time collectors to wander through the gallery and simply notice what they’re drawn to. “People respond to art instinctively,” she observes. “Your home should be filled with pieces that you love looking at—art you fall more in love with every day.”
In a world of Pinterest boards and showroom furniture, it’s the artwork that brings individuality and soul into a space. Whether you’re furnishing a serene retreat or a bold entertaining space, Fralinger recommends choosing a single inspiring piece and designing the room around it. “I see art as the personality of the space,” she says. “It sets the tone—vibrant and energetic, or calm and elegant.” Wentworth offers more than just inspiration. It offers personalized guidance. Clients can bring in photos of their rooms, fabrics, or finishes, and work with consultants to select pieces that reflect both their style and scale. The gallery even offers "home shows," where artwork is delivered for real-life viewing before final decisions are made. “It’s amazing what happens when the art is in the home,” Fralinger shares. “Sometimes the piece is perfect. And if it’s not, we’ve learned more about the space and can better guide the next step.”
Fralinger is quick to point out that great design sometimes comes from unexpected pairings. A modern abstract in a traditional room, or a classic piece with a contemporary frame, can elevate a space from polished to unforgettable. “Art doesn’t have to match,” she explains. “It has to move you.” She recalls installations where art was stacked vertically beside a fireplace to draw the eye upward or hung in an entryway to mirror a sweeping staircase. “These are the choices that make a home feel truly designed, not just furnished.”
The Short Hills community has long embraced Wentworth as a cultural fixture. “We’ve become like family to many of our collectors,” Fralinger adds. “Some of them have been with us for decades.” She also frequently works with interior designers, either in direct consultation or in tandem with their clients. “We complement their furnishing choices with fine art expertise. In the end, the space should reflect the client, not the designer or the consultant.”
Wentworth’s collection includes a wide range of world-renowned artists—from pop icons like Peter Max and Paul Stanley to contemporary visionaries like Michael Godard. But the philosophy remains simple: art should be collected for the joy it brings. “There’s no wrong choice in art,” Fralinger adds. “If it speaks to you, it’s right.” Whether you're designing a home, an office, or simply looking to fall in love with something beautiful, Wentworth Gallery welcomes you to stop in. “We want people to come in, take their time, and enjoy the experience,” Fralinger points out. “This isn’t just about filling walls—it’s about creating a space that feels like you.”
Wentworth Gallery is located inside The Mall at Short Hills. To view the current collection or schedule a consultation, visit www.wentworthgallery.com or follow @WentworthGalleryShortHills on Instagram.