Waterfront Gallery Adds to Dunedin Art Scene

Dunedin is well known for many things, including scenic views, trendy shops, bountiful beer houses and an eclectic arts scene.

It was the arts scene that attracted Ryan Friese, the owner of Waterfront Gallery at 715 Broadway. He moved his shop from Tarpon Springs to be a part of what he believes is a special community that appreciates art.

"When I was scouting potential locations, I considered places like St. Augustine, Sarasota and South Florida," Friese says. "I wanted to come to an area that would fully support an art gallery, and I knew Dunedin was one of those communities."

Friese developed a keen appreciation for the beauty of original works, having grown up around artists in a Colorado gallery.

But his lack of artistic talent combined with his nose for business — he has a graduate degree in economics — sent Freise, 31, into the ownership side of the art world.

"I was smart enough to know my limitations," he says.

After a year and a half at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, known as a tourist spot heavy on kitschy souvenir shops, Friese was ready to find a better fit.

"I want people to recognize my gallery as a place for unique gift ideas, the type of things that make you say, 'That's interesting. I want to have that in my house.' I didn't want it to turn into a gift shop," he said.

Friese has succeeded in that respect.

His gallery, across from the on Broadway, is filled with a wide variety of works from 45 local artists, including 15 painters and six photographers.

The types of art featured at Waterfront include glass, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photographs and even jewelry. Each piece has its own unique style, from colorful glass animal figurines to beautifully framed still photos.

The idea is to give local artists a forum to display their eclectic styles, and to make a name for themselves in the difficult-to-break-into art world.

"My dad is a professionally trained painter, and I've got half a dozen family members' works on display here. I know how hard it can be to break into this business," Friese says. "My goal is facilitate a way for unknowns to get their names out there."

In return, the Dunedin art community has embraced its newest member. 

Friese's father Daniel has been commissioned to paint a landscape portrait of the building in honor of its 100th anniversary in 2013. The piece will be unveiled at a special event Thursday (Nov. 17).

"The reception from the people of Dunedin has been fantastic," Friese says. "Even though we are not well established in this community, the chamber has welcomed us with open arms and been extremely supportive of what we are trying to do.

"It's one of the reasons we found Dunedin to be so special. The people here are really dedicated to supporting their local businesses."