KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Caught in the Arts
by Don Patterson

Many professionals find themselves lovingly entrapped and absorbed in their careers. So it is with Paula Kornye Tillman, who established her Fort Worth art gallery in 1998. Although less than a decade old, Paula's venture has had a positive impact on the city's art district and the many artists whose works she displays. From her gallery located at the intersection of Clover Lane and Camp Bowie Boulevard, Paula explained her obsession with art. "I grew up surrounded by art," Paula said. "My parents have a gallery in Dallas, where I often helped out. I earned a bachelor's degree in Art History at UTA, and later worked as a docent, so I've always stayed somewhat connected to the arts.

With her husband's and father's encouragement, Paula eventually opened her gallery. "I questioned my decision," Paula said. "Why was I doing this? What were my goals? I knew that by opening the gallery I would contribute to the rich legacy of art established in Fort Worth but I also wanted the gallery to support my own art buying habit. My husband and I had long wanted to start our personal fine art collection. Gallery success would help us to do that."

Paula has achieved her objectives. "I truly believe that we all deserve to live with original art work and that we shouldn't have to go to a museum to see it. Through the gallery, I help create that opportunity for everyone." Galerie Kornye West is a treasure house of traditional art, offering original masterworks in academic and impressionist styles, from antique works to works by living artists. The gallery includes landscapes, still lifes, figural art, marine scenes, and sculptures. Represented artists include Melissa J. Cooper - www.kornyewest.com/artist.html?a0054, Joan DaGradi, John Kilduff, MichaelPavlovsky - www.kornyewest.com/artist.html?a0056, Tim Tyler and a host of others whom Paula has known or sought during her many years associated with the art world.

The gallery's success has also earned Paula the personal art collection she has always wanted. "In the morning when I'm stumbling down the hallway for that first cup of coffee I sometimes stop to revisit the artwork in my home," Paula said. "I find not only its beauty but its energy, the product of the many artists and patrons who have enriched my life."

Return to Table of Contents

This website designed, hosted and maintained for KEY Magazine Fort Worth by

...when it's time to establish an Internet presence.