I found this gem in Village of the Arts in Bradenton, FL while exploring the village! Owner, Mark Gagnon, was so welcoming! He moved to the Bradenton, FL area from Massachusetts about 7-8 years ago and opened up Monark (with his wife Monica... Monica and Mark = Monark) to showcase his art and custom framing along with a gallery to showcase and sell other artists' beautiful works. I purposely don't take many close-up photos of people's artwork because I know it's special but Mark gladly let me take a few pics around the gallery so those of you who see this review can get an idea of the beautiful space and offerings. Mark creates most of the abstract paintings and showed us one that he said was one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic. He has created an amazing, abstract painting of sparkling color on black represents a city of lights. I believe abstract is so wonderful because it's meaning and what you see can be very subjective to the person viewing it but this piece is terrific and I think I could look at it over and over and find something new each time! Another piece he did with golds and aquas which you can see on the wall in one of my photos, is so beautiful. I immediately saw a bird in part of the painting and felt a burst of joy from the beautiful colors. Mark also does custom framing and in one of my photos you can see some of the selection of frames. He explained how he has been framing for many years in Massachusetts and when he moved here and opened his business, he realized quickly that he needed to add brighter colors to his available frames for his Florida clientele. I was immediately drawn to some of the bright-colored frames and already plan to have a favorite print framed in one. Monark gallery also showcases quite a few other artists in the community. There are amazing prints, jewelry, woodwork, floral arrangements, silks, and more! My friend with me has been searching for the right tables for her house and found 2 at the gallery. Mark also delivers for a really reasonable fee if you buy a bigger piece of art and need help getting it to your space. His regular hours are limited but you can visit by appointment on many days the shop is not open for regular hours. You can also visit during the Village of the Arts monthly Art Walk which happens on the first Friday and Saturday. Mark also took the time to give us some suggestions for other places to visit and restaurants to try. He let me know about the Jazz Festival in Bradenton after I commented on a print of a jazz artist he had framed. Don't miss checking out this charming gallery and framing studio to support a local artists and business owner! read more

See all

Found in village of the arts , this gallery has a variety of art for sale. Mark will custom frame anything you bring him. Art, photographs, or any memory you want to highlight and keep forever safe behind glass. Mark is friendly and great to work with. Bring your ideas , or listen to Mark's creative vision. read more