Joyful Art: Gallery Owner Sharon Weiss Celebrates 30 Years in the Short North
The operator of Sharon Weiss Gallery loves the vibrant arts district where her business has been a neighborhood mainstay.
Sharon Weiss Gallery, owned and operated by the passionate and charismatic Sharon Weiss, is not your ordinary art gallery. Comprising three little houses in the Short North (each embracing its own flair and style), it’s a mainstay of the neighborhood that has evolved alongside the dynamic arts district.
January marked Weiss’ 30th year in business as a gallery owner and art collector in the Short North, a testament to not only her love of her work but to the Shorth North in general. “We had a party when I hit 25 years,” Weiss says. “At 30, we can just be proud of our work.”
The three locations of Sharon Weiss Gallery are joyfully filled with antiques, gifts, books, abstract paintings, watercolor paintings, stills and more.
You have run a successful art gallery in the ever-changing Short North neighborhood. What is your secret to success? I think because I love art. I love the Shorth North, and I love people. It’s the energy here—it’s so vibrant, and it’s such an exciting area to be in. Things are changing all the time, and the change is keeping me young. If you’re curious about the changes instead of fearful of them, I believe you will be successful.
What draws you to art? Why are you so passionate about it? I am passionate about being surrounded by things I love—things that bring me happiness, peace and fond memories. My dear mother taught me the importance of living with what brings you joy—art in all its glorious forms brings me joy!
You have recently dedicated “The Little Blue House” to four different female artists, all coming together in one venue. How did you choose the female artists, and why was it important for you to dedicate the space to women artists? I chose four women artists for 24 Lincoln Street Art Studios, now affectionately called “The Little Blue House,” because I knew they were serious painters [who] would appreciate their own studio space in the arts district of the Shorth North. We have dedicated “The Little Blue House” to women artists because [they] have worked hard over the years to take their rightful place in the art world. When you look at the history of women in the art world, we’ve taken a back seat to men. Columbus [however] has been so welcoming to women.
What are your thoughts on the Columbus art scene as a whole? What direction do you see galleries like yours taking? We happen to live in a city with excellent art programs. Whether you’re looking for vintage or contemporary pieces, you can find it here. I am so very proud to be a part of the Columbus art scene in the fabulous Shorth North. The art scene will continue to change, and with those changes I hope to see collaboration in all areas of the arts in Columbus. With collaboration, the arts will prosper and continue to grow.
Locations include 12, 20 and 24 E. Lincoln Street. More information can be found at sharonweissgallery.com.
This story is from the April 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly.