KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Timely and Timeless – A Perspective of William Campbell Contemporary Art
by Don Patterson

Fort Worth abounds with art galleries of all kinds and descriptions but one stands out as a fresh departure from the norm. Just off red-bricked Camp Bowie Blvd., near the city's art district, stands a thirty-year testimony to contemporary art and its contributing artists. Continually rotating exhibits reflect the changing times and influences of some forty artists whose works have gained the attention of Bill and Pam Campbell, founders of the William Campbell Contemporary Art gallery. By exhibiting nationally recognized artists, as well as new emerging talent, the Campbell's' aim to nurture an awareness and appreciation of the exciting diversity found in contemporary art. Bill and Pam are committed to exhibiting high quality contemporary art in a variety of media, including paintings, works on paper, mixed media constructions, photographic prints, ceramics, and sculpture.

Bill Campbell explains why the gallery is unique among others in the area. "We build an audience for the artists we represent through educating collectors and promotion of the artists' work via one person exhibitions. We invest our efforts in the artist and his or her future."

Campbell offers this perspective of the contemporary art form: "Contemporary art chronicles our time. Artists at the beginning of the 20th century, for example, were establishing Impressionism and moving into a more abstract way of working, painting the beauty of the landscape, figures, etc. – subjects and styles that were considered contemporary for the time. Granted, that subject matter is still being explored by artists, but the dramatic changes from a rural to an urban society with its modern landscapes and the dramatic effects technology has had on society, offer an ever changing view expressed through the talents of contemporary artists. The artists we represent offer their unique contemporary views, reflecting the transitions occurring throughout their careers," he explains.

Gallery One Frames, a division of William Campbell Contemporary Art, provides custom framing for residential, corporate and commercial clients. Gallery One Frames specializes in museum quality conservation framing using archival materials, special finishes, gilding, hand-carving and finished corner frames. Everything from paintings and rare prints, to historical documents and objects, as well as personal memorabilia and heirlooms has been among the items to which they have provided their proficiency. "We have a diversity of expertise with unusual framing projects and the resources to implement proper solutions for those projects, no matter how large or small." A high level of customer service, too, is of utmost importance.

The Campbell's recently celebrated their 30th year of presenting contemporary art to an enthusiastic and receptive public. They take pride in having nurtured and promoted the works of a host of contemporary artists. Bill sums up their dedication by quoting renowned New York art dealer Andre Emmerich, who said, "‘Good art dealers don't sell art; they allow people to acquire it.' This very attribute is what we have aspired to do for these past thirty years, and hope to continue" Bill explains.

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