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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

Apparel & Accessories - Children

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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Apparel & Accessories - Women

Toney Toni & The Gang

Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.

The team at Toney Toni always provides a personal & super fun shopping experience.
 
Bronxville Location
70 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, N.Y. 10708
914-793-0737
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Pound Ridge Location
70 Westchester Avenue
Pound Ridge, N.Y. 10576
914-232-3283
Beauty, Wellness & Spa

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds 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

Purchase a gift certificate online

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary

14 Studio Arcade

Bronxville, NY 10708

914-337-9356

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www.bronxvillewellness.com


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.

POSH Beauty Boutique

118 Pondfield Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914-361-1277

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www.poshbronxville.com


Rain Natural Skin Care

Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.

Our products are crafted with care, free from harmful chemicals, and inspired by nature's beauty.
 
From soothing moisturizers to invigorating hair care, we cater to diverse skincare needs, promoting radiant and healthy skin.
 
For inquiries or orders, please visit our website at:  shop.rainafrica.com
 
139 Parkway Road, Bronxville
914-296-3563
Tues.  - Sat. 11am to 6pm
 
Drug Stores & Family Variety Stores

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

Eye Care

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


Trapp Opticians

Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.

M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM

42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707

website

Florists

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

Framing

Framebridge

All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls.  At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece. 

We source the best materials in the industry like wood mouldings, acrylic glazing with UV protection, and acid-free mats and foam core. With old school craftsmanship, new technology, and some serious attention to detail, our craftspeople custom build every frame at our studios. We ship every frame with the best hardware for your piece—nails, hooks, corner brackets—and every gallery wall includes a life-sized hanging guide. There’s no reason to wait forever for your framed piece. We get started once you place your order and keep you posted every step of the way.
 
Framebridge
85 Pondfield Road, Suite 103 in Bronxville
914-610-3173
 
Furriers

Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer.  Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.

We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs.  Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.

Consultations are free, please call for an appointment.
 
98 Kraft Avenue
Peter Miklakos
Susan Romano
914-337-3877
Gifts

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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The Silk Road

We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing.  We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others.  Gift wrapping is available.

Store Hours:  Mon. - Sat. 11am to 5pm
101 Pondfield Road
914-337-2177
Hair Salons

Continental 109

Continental 109 has a 60-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!

Continental 109

109 Pondfield Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914.793.4198

914.793.4198

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www.continental109.com

Juice, Soup, Food, Coffee, and Pasta

Bacione Pasta Shop

Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor.  Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.

You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal.  Add-ons include:  chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.

Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home.  Dessert offerings are:  tiramisu, flan and panna cotta.  Drink choices are Italian sodas.

4B Cedar Street
914-485-7225

Bronxville Natural
 
We are a health food store with 100% organic produce, all-natural food-based supplements with everyday 20% - 50% discounts, and organic and non-gmo groceries.  We also carry nuts, grains, seeds, cereals, and organic treats.  We have an organic juice bar and a full-service deli that serves healthy salads, soups and sandwiches.
 
We deliver free of charge with a minimum of $30 purchase within two miles of the store.  We also cater to any customer request for items we don't already carry in the store.  There is also a 10% case discount (excluding items on special).
 
86 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
914-779-3552
Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9am to 7pm and Sun. 10am to 6pm.
 
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Ladle of Love

Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.

Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections.  (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)

Choose from hearty dishes like hanger steak and bbq ribs, bowls, branzino, salmon and shrimp pasta dinners, as well as many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options - also available from freshdirect.com
 
Call with any questions. Anytime.  We take your tastebuds and nutrition seriously!
 
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914-346-8883

 
Mini's is the place to go for one-stop shopping in Bronxville.
 
Paul Chietro, the owner has been serving his satisfied customers for almost twenty-two years, offering Prime Meats and Classic Meatloaf, along with "The Perfect Roast Chicken,"  Chicken Burgers, PorkTenderloin, American Lamb, Veal and delicious Italian Meatballs.  We also have select seafood items as well, including salmon, shrimp and prepared fish dishes.
 
You can choose your main course and then select from a variety of prepared seasoned fresh vegetables of broccoli, broccolini, asparagus, string beans, cauliflower and zucchini.  To complete your meal, add a frozen pasta of ravioli or gnocchi, topped with store- made Bolognese, vodka or marinara sauce.  Don't forget a loaf of Italian bread and there are even frozen hors d'oeuvres to start your meal.
 
Also, for those quick prepared meals for you and your family, Mini's offers a variety of store-made oven-ready prepared foods that you cook and serve.  We have lasagna, stews, pastas with sauces, and meat dishes with sauces.  Come in and see the variety.  We have something for everyone.
 
15 Park Place
914-779-1948
 
Root & Vine Juice Bar is a local, family-owned business in Westchester that caters to all types of diets.  For us, health is a lifestyle, and we're bringing the best stuff to you through organic, all natural ingredients. We offer items varying from fresh juices, cold press juices, smoothies, to bowls, baked goods, toasts, salads and oatmeal.  We want to share our passion for healthy, great tasting recipes with our community.  Let's Get Juiced!
 
4 Cedar Street
Bronxville
914-779-2905
 
Hours of operation:  7am - 5pm M-F
and 8am - 5pm Sat. & Sun.
 

 
Slave to the Grind is the first and original coffee house in Westchester County.
 
Family owned & operated since its founding July 3, 1993, Slave to the Grind continues to caffeinate our loyal customers who have become part of our beloved community of friends. 
 
Slave to the Grind, a staple in many of the locals' daily routine, continues to be a warm, welcoming haven for all. It is all about great coffee, friendly baristas, customer satisfaction, fun ambience, and an amazing community of customers, friends and family.  Coffee and community has been, is, and always will be what Slave to the Grind is all about
 
58 Pondfield Road
914-961-7777
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Shipping Services

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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