At this new gallery, come to browse, learn—and buy a treasure

You don’t have to travel far to see art from around the world. In fact, all you have to do is step inside the doors of Ingram Fine Art, where you’ll benefit from the travels of owners Larry and Kirsten Ingram. Surrounded by a selection of art and antiques that include antique Roman glass, 16th-century Japanese pottery, paintings from acclaimed artist Leonard Baskin and contemporary sculpture from Ellie Dolgin, visitors feel as if they’ve traveled through time.

After successful careers in corporate America, the Ingrams decided to leave their 80- hour workweeks behind and submerge themselves in the world of art and antiques.

The couple had a home full of rare objects collected during Mr. Ingram’s travels, so their thought was to share their collection with the public by opening a gallery on the coast of Maine. The years in Maine were successful, but soon the couple wanted to relocate to a warmer climate. They landed in Charleston’s French Quarter.

“They are quite knowledgeable and Larry has a great eye for art,” says Ralph Doering, a Charlestonian who was also the Ingrams’ landlord in Maine. “They are going to be very successful here in Charleston,” he adds.

Unlike other galleries downtown, Ingram Fine Art offers a wide variety of paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and antiques in a range of prices—items not easily found elsewhere. At the top of the price list are paintings by Englishman John Stobart, a preeminent maritime artist. His paintings of harbor scenes and sailing ships depict historic waterfronts in times gone by.

Leonard Baskin (1922-2000) is considered one of the most important figures in 20thcentury American Art. Involved in the arts for over 50 years as a sculptor, printmaker, painter, illustrator, critic, book publisher and educator, Baskin was an important figure. His work is included in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Vatican Museum, among others.

Innovative, contemporary artists such as Ronald Frontin balance out the historic treasures at the gallery. Frontin’s paintings portray the fisherman and farmers of Maine, reminding viewers of the beauty in everyday faces. Inspired by great art from the past, Frontin was selected by the Senate Commission on Art to paint Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine. His realistic depictions of highranking officials are as authentic as his portraits of everyday people.

Another Maine artist, Roberta Goschke, celebrates the beauty of the figure with nudes that are graceful and full of movement.

Stephen Hodecker works with oils, watercolor, egg tempera and pastel. His work, scenes of rural New England, is rooted firmly in European and American realism.

Ellie Dolgin’s bronze sculptures of figures in various positions—each joyful and full of movement—celebrate the beauty of the human body. Her sculptures are included in the Oprah Winfrey’s art collection as well as in the collections of notable collectors worldwide. Also wonderful are Susan Headley Van Campen’s watercolors of botanical subjects—all exquisite in detail and color.

Ingram Fine Art may be the new kid on the block in the French Quarter, but that’s about all that’s new about the Ingrams. With a wealth of experience and longtime love of fine art and antiques, the couple delight in sharing their treasures with all those who visit the gallery.

Ingram Fine Art
111 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29407
843-577-7047
www.ingramantiques.com