Sharon Wiess and Rhonda Hartman. Photo by Ross Forman_______
Sharon Wiess and Rhonda Hartman , life partners for 17 years, are now also business partners. The two opened Wiessman Gallery ( 1130 S. Wabash ) in May 2005, in the fast-growing South Loop, just west of Grant Park and near the intersection of Roosevelt and Wabash.
The 600-square-foot store offers a wide variety of artwork, including contemporary paintings, mixed media, acrylics and oils. Items are available in a variety of styles, such as abstracts. There also are ceramic pieces, plus wood, bronze and photography.
'The thing that differentiates us from other art galleries is that our stuff looks different than stuff you'd find elsewhere in Chicago,' said Hartman, 47.
Wiessman Gallery carries the work of established and emerging artists, and has welcomed numerous artists to the store in 2006, including Sheri Skeahan, Nhat Tran, Kari Lanting and Wilbur Montgomery, among others.
Wiessman specializes in unique and unusual styles of artwork, including pieces from sophisticated international artists.
Clearly, the highlight of the Wiessman Gallery is the unique flair, nestled in a small, warm, easily accessible store.
Items at Wiessman range from $25 accessories to $10,000 pieces of artwork ( photography, some ceramics ) .
'We want to build relationships with our customers,' said Hartman, originally from Oklahoma. 'Our location certainly leads to a diverse customer base. We're next to Columbia College, so we see a lot of students, plus their parents. We also attract a lot of international travelers.'
And many from the LGBT community, too, though much so far has simply been through word of mouth. 'We have not specifically catered to the LGBT community, yet. But we plan to,' Wiess said.
The two said they want to eventually expand at their current location, and then open a second location, perhaps along Belmont Avenue.
Wiessman started offering custom framing at of November.
'We work well together. We work well off each other's strength,' Hartman said. 'I'm not sorry we did this. Not at all. But, I definitely would tell ( LGBT couples ) that you really have to trust your partner before you take the leap of faith,' and go into business together. 'But, yes, it definitely can be done and can be a success.'