The Fierce Force Behind the Fine Arts Gallery of Bronxville
By Leslie Lampert, a former NYC journalist and the Founder/Owner of Ladle of Love
May 3, 2023: In a culture where youth is exalted, I present to you one of the smartest, most successful, contemplative, compassionate “life experts,” the fierce force behind 35-year-old The Fine Arts Gallery in Bronxville -- Madame Florence Kooluris, 80 years young.
I had the privilege of getting to know Florence, a former graphic designer in NYC in the sixties, when I hung out with her at her gallery and learned about her jaunty journey toward the business of rescue art. But before I take you on that trip, let me define the concept of “Rescue Art.” Florence has made a living and become a legend for being the recipient of discarded artworks that she has helped refurbish by reframing them, thereby showcasing the forgotten value of the painting or poster.
In her shop -- a shrine to local artists’ work, framed largely in her back-of-the-store work lab -- she analyzes the artwork, then painstakingly creates custom frames that showcase the individual personalities of the paintings. For example: “A client brought in a painting of cats and dogs that she bought at a tag sale for $25 that needed repair after falling from a wall in her basement, and I restored it,” she says proudly. Florence then displayed it in The Gallery and it sold “in the high five figures.”
The Gallery is also home to local artists’ work that she exhibits for resale. “I take art in on consignment from many local artists and sell or resell,” explains Florence. “I also facilitate high-end framing and restoration and use the same expert restorators as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.” And speaking of NYC, Florence recently framed the famed painting Our Lady of Guadalupe, that proudly hangs in St. Patrick’s Cathedral! “A client came to me with a piece of paper with the dimensions of the painting, a replica of the original that hangs in the Cathedral in Mexico, and I hired local company, CDNV in Mt Vernon, to facilitate with me. In six weeks, we delivered the painting to St. Patrick’s for installation this past January 12th!” she exclaims.
“I love art. I love people,” she says, passionately. “And I’m a painter. I knew in the 6th grade when I was making a poster for a bike-safety program at school, that I was an artist. (She won the contest for the Don’t Be A Monkey poster she designed.)
Florence was raised in South Orange, N.J. before moving to NYC. She went to a two-year art school and was excited to begin her journey with an impressive portfolio of her work, but someone stole it two days before graduation. “I had a tough road getting here,” she explains. “I had no credentials, never went to college and I’m dyslexic,” she says.
But she landed a job in a small design studio on the Upper West Side and then found her way to Bristol Meyer Squibb as a senior graphic designer, where she met her husband George, who was in the finance department. Fast forward to giving birth to her son, Douglas, who married Park Sterling President and Bronxville Chamber of Commerce President, Leah Caro. A beautiful Bronxville legacy, indeed!
“Bronxville is a wonderful village,” gushes Florence. In fact she resides in the apartment right above The Gallery and is a true local. “It’s a walking village, and we have so much art history here. We’ve had 23 major artists living here including Will Hicok Low, famed muralist; Charles Louis Hinton, celebrated painter and sculptor; Spencer Baird Nichols, prominent portrait painter and illustrator who also designed glass for Lewis Comfort Tiffany.
And speaking of history, Florence framed all 89 prints and posters that have hung on the walls of the Village Hall since 1992. “We’re living in a disposable world,” laments Florence. “Most people don’t appreciate what true art is,” she explains. “It’s a very personal thing.”
But Florence sees the beauty, backstory and intent on pieces her clients bring to her. And then brings them back to life.
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Centre Stage
"Shop Central for Dancers" -The Journal News
Featuring the finest in dance, gymnastics, ice skating, cheerleading, yoga apparel & women's active wear and specialty footwear for all the disciplines of dance. A complete selection including Mondor, So Danca, Danskin, Eurotard, Capezio, Baltogs, Sugar Lips, City Limits, Sansha, Body Wrappers, Gaynor Minden, and Grishko. Gillies & Hard Shoes for Irish Step. Pointe and Ballroom Shoes. Unusual costumes, unique Halloween outfits, porcelain dolls, music boxes, Arbonne cosmetics, books, jewelry & gifts.
1875 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont 834 4160
504 Fifth Avenue, Pelham 738 9600
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http://www.ballet-arts.net/CentreStageStore/index.htm
Westchester's Best Prices on All Major Brands
Toney Toni & The Gang
This wonderful boutique prides itself on personal service. Owners Kim Linn and her mother, Judith Meltzer, do all the buying together. They work closely with customers to put together great outfits that fit each customer's individual style. They offer apparel and accessories for casual every day wear as well as for special occasions. They carry a number of designers including Rebecca Taylor, Three Dots T-Shirts, Burning Torch, Cambio, Ulla Johnson, Weill, Birds of Paradis, Inouitoosh, Ela Ray, Rons Quintana, Miguel Ases, Brochu Walker, Majestic, Ecru and Chan Luu.
Bronxville Store
70 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-0737
Manager: Susan Corcoran
Katonah Store
131 Katonah Avenue
Katonah, New York
914-232-3283
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary has been serving the Bronxville community for 7 years. We build on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
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14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Definition Beauty
At Definition Beauty, our spa offers a tranquil, relaxing environment where you can renew and energize your spirit. We offer several skincare services to be enjoyed by men and women in the Bronxville, NY area, including all of Westchester County. Our beauticians are committed to making every visit pleasurable and inspiring.
Maison Rouge
Owned by international makeup artist, Patricia Margro, a trip to Maison Rouge will leave you feeling more beautiful and relaxed. This specialty boutique pairs hard-to-find make up brands like Kevyn Auccion, Laura Mercier and Two-Faced with premium skincare brands like Darphin, Clarks Botanicals, Tracie Martyn, and MD skincare with the kind of service and personal applications only previously available for the red carpet. Professional makeovers and eyebrow grooming are available in-store or on location for private events.
27 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3703
(914) 779-8869
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Zen Spa
Zen Spa has been in Bronxville for twenty years and is owned and operated by the mother and daughter team of Grace and Na Ko. It is located by the Metro North railroad station, and walk-ins are welcome.
They specialize in regular and gel manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, waxing and reflexology (foot massage). They use special organic products for their spa manicures and pedicures. They offer chair massage or a two hour pampering session which includes an hour room massage or deep cleanse facial, with manicure and pedicure. They also offer eyelash and eyebrow tinting and the newer concept of eyelash extensions
The atmosphere is relaxing. All of the staff have expertise in all aspects of the spa and most of them have been working there for over ten years.
Private parties are popular, especially little girls birthday parties, and of course bridal showers and wedding parties. They sell gift certificates and packages designed by you. Finally, they offer a Membership where you can buy ten deep tissue massages and then get one free. They are open seven days: Mon. to Sat. 9:30am to 7:30pm and Sun. 9:30 am to 6:30pm.
25 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.771-5056
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Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Value Plus
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Value Plus
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Tuckahoe Framing Gallery
114 Main Street
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
914-222-9276
Bronxville Furriers
Many women wear furs during the winter season because they are excellent for the retention of heat and fashionable. The cost of furs depends on the material used for manufacture as well as the overall design. Established in 1926, Bronxville Furriers specializes in the sale of fine furs as well as cleaning, remodeling and repairing furs. It also has an expertise in the proper storage of furs.
98 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3877
Mano A Mano
We started our business in 1997 when we saw a void for unique tableware and home decor in the retail market. We searched high and low to find unique brands that set themselves apart from the rest. Our mix has been a proven winner bringing customers back on a weekly basis to see and purchase something not typically found in many independent stores. Our brand mix of tableware and home decor includes MacKenzie-Childs, Mariposa, Michael Aram, Julia Knight, Arte Italica, & L'Objet. We also offer a vast selection of Vera Bradley handbags, costume jewelry, home fragrances, rugs, lamps & imported chandeliers.
Our store is open Tuesday - Friday 10 -5:30 & Saturday 10 -5. We offer complimentary gift wrapping on purchases. We also offer nationwide shipping for anyone who needs a gift shipped (shipping fees apply).
81 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914)793-8329
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap. Store hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00am til 5:30pm.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 50-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Fabio's Hair Studio
Fabio's Hair Studio has been serving the Bronxville community for the past 17 years. Fabio's is a full service hair salon for women, men, and children. They have an experienced team that specializes in haircuts, color and keratin treatments.
Their services for women and girls include cut & styling along with color, highlights and texture services. They are a great place for young women to go for a fun blow-out or hair style before a big event! Their services for men include cut & style, color for men, grey blending and hair and scalp treatments.
Let their salon professionals custom prescribe a deep conditioning treatment that is right for your hair.
Fabio's often shows its appreciation to the community by participating in local school events, and by offering fun promotions throughout the year. Other services include private parties for children. They are open 7 days a week. Contact: 914-337-1482.
137 Parkway Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337-1482
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Panache Hair Salon
Panache Hair Salon specializes in the latest styles including the new lob haircut, updos for proms and weddings, and all the current men's cuts.
Panache also offers highlighting and coloring techniques, including balayage, a natural-looking painted effect. We are a fully-trained Wella Salon and we are getting great results with a new Italian color line, Davines.
Panache is dedicated to customer satisfaction, uses high quality products and offers competitive pricing.
Stop by for a free consultation and discover the best hair trends for 2018. Monthly specials are also posted on the website. The salon is open from 9:00am until 6:00pm Tuesday through Friday and 8:30am until 5:00pm on Saturday.
52 Pondfield Rd. W.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 779-4758
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Haagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs is quite simply delicious icecream made from the finest ingredients in the world. And don't forget about the toppings! Your children will especially love picking out just the right topping to adore their cone! Haagen also offers sorbet and frozen yogurt.
28 Park Place
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-793-7171
www.haagen-dazs.com
Bronxville Jewelers
Bronxville Jewelers specializes in 14 karat gold, platinum, diamonds and watch repairs. They have a GIA Certified Gemologist and jeweler who does all the jewelry repairs on the premises. They purchase gold and diamonds.
78 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-2123
La Gravinese Jewelers of Bronxville
La Gravinese Jewelers was founded in 1917 and became one of the largest manufacturers in the jewelry industry. The company opened its first retail store in Pelham in 1964. Since then the company has grown to be one of Westchester County's leading jewelers. Rob La Gravinese and his wonderful staff run the Bronxville location. The store offers a wide variety of jewelry, excellent personal service and watch and jewelry repair.
115 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-0923
www.lagrav.com
Gramatan Lock & Key
27 W Grand St
Mt Vernon, NY 10552
(914) 664-9001
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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Kensington Paper
Kensington Paper, which has recently moved to its new larger store at 117 Pondfield Road (where On Consignment used to be) is best known for its personal service and depth of knowledge in the stationery business. If you're having a wedding or any party, you are sure to find the right invitation here! It has a wide selection of stationery offerings (from Cranes to Vera Wang to Kate Spade) and will help you choose what's right for you. While you're in the store, you'll also likely find and purchase other unexpected necessities such as frames, jewelry, greeting cards or other fun gift items.
117 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-2619
www.kensingtonpaper.com
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