GARDNER COLBY GALLERY: A SHORT HISTORY
Gardner Colby Gallery, a fine art gallery located in Naples, Florida was established in1994 by wife and husband duo Nancy and Tony Winch. Both had worked in the advertising business in Boston, where Nancy was a VP/ Account Supervisor and Tony was the agency’s Creative Director. Nancy’s degree in Art History played a role in their decision to open a fine art gallery; their interest in the arts and the business acumen gained at the agency was the ‘perfect storm’ that became Gardner Colby Gallery.
“BUT WHO IS THE “GARDNER”, AND WHO IS THE “COLBY”, IN GARDNER COLBY GALLERY? “
We’re asked that a lot… pretty simple. Gardner is a family name of Nancy’s and Colby Is Tony’s middle name… and we thought Gardner Colby was a lot sexier than the Winch Gallery!
The Winches opened their first gallery in the popular summer vacation destination of Martha’s Vineyard. They renovated a quaint space in the historic village of Edgartown that was home to Gardner Colby Gallery for over 10 years.
Owner’s Nancy and Tony Winch, standing outside of the original Edgartown gallery.
The location on Martha’s Vineyard, along with a carefully curated selection of Art and Artists, helped set it apart from other galleries.
Frank Corso, Don Stone, and Kim English were among the original roster of artists and all are still represented by Gardner Colby today. Stylistically, Gardner Colby Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard focused on traditional, representational works of art that included landscapes, seascapes and figurative work. Gardner Colby was immersed in the island’s unique art ‘culture’ and originated art events such as the Edgartown Gallery Stroll.
Edgartown gallery (from left to right) Nancy Winch, Rita, Jonathan, and Pamela Campe.
It was the short season - Memorial Day thru Labor Day - on Martha’s Vineyard that inspired Gardner Colby’s owners to look for a second location that would continue its success year round. The logical choice was Florida…. But where in Florida? An extended road trip to the Sunshine State revealed some interesting options along the East Coast, but none seemed quite right to Nancy & Tony. They wanted a location that not only would support a thriving art gallery business, but also provide them a special quality of life. That place was Naples, Florida!
Standing on the corner of Third Street South and Broad Avenue South, where the gallery is located today, the decision was made that Naples was the answer; a lease was hastily signed for a modest space at 386 Broad Avenue S. Gardner Colby Gallery in Naples opened in the fall of 1997. Along with the new space, came a new important team member, our Gallery Director, Pamela Campe.
To be continued…
GARDNER COLBY GALLERY FINE ART NAPLES, FLORIDA
