You won't find Ann Swain swinging from a chandelier shouting to the world that she's manning one of NJ's most precious landmarks. But those who have found their way to her funky-kool, purple-ish pink colored victorian style art gallery here in the heart of Plainfield City, it's the literal goldmine of the century. The wooden sign, "Philip Swain, Practical Gilder" still hangs proudly over the desk at Swain Galleries on Watchung Avenue. It is the original shingle which hung in front of a business that began 144 years ago. When Philip Swain first arrived at North Avenue station in 1868, he immediately found a vacant store on West Front Street that he opened as a frame maker and practical gilder. At that time there were only two brick buildings in Plainfield, so Philip had to make do in a small wooden shop lit by lanterns on a main street that was still just a dirt road. The Scottish immigrant survived the early hardships and his business thrived in this wealthy community where art was greatly appreciated. [Above Photo: Ann Swain & famous endangered species pastel artist, Leslie Delgyer]
Philip's son Walter took over the business around the turn of the century, and he managed to keep the business going through the two world wars and the depression, despite a severe shortage in supplies and artists materials. Walter P. Swain, Jr. took over for his father in 1949 and the firm prospered and grew. He expanded the gallery's horizons by going out into the corporate world providing artwork and framing services to firms such as Merck & Company, Johnson & Johnson and Midlantic Bank, to name a few. The gallery's reputation spread and its influence on the area's art community widened. In the early 1980's Walter Swain, Jr. brought the gallery to its present location, in an elegant Victorian house, in Plainfield's Historic Crescent District, that beautifully houses the collection of original artwork, lithographs, prints and posters; fine china, and wonderful decorative items; as well as the comprehensive framing and restoration services for which Swain's is so well know.
Ann is the fourth generation of Swain's to run the business, and she proudly continues the family tradition with one simple goal, "To continue with the same quality as my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father did." What Ann won't tell you is that for years, she has accepted Award Winning Art from duCret School of Art students, allowing them to experience an Open Reception and enabling their work to be shown for a month following. This long standing union between duCret and Swain's has upheld an iconic community presence for Central NJ arts. One need not travel to Philadelphia or New York to tap into a treasure trove of art history and education. It's all right here in Central NJ! This Saturday, July 14th from 5 - 7pm, Swain Galleries presents 'Selected Works 2012'. Visitors (families with children welcome) are encouraged to tour the 3 story house of art and meet and mingle with Award Winning Artists, including artists who are represented by her gallery. Within such an ecclectic array of styles and mediums from some of NJ's most accomplished artists, you never know who you might bump into! Call 908-756-1707 for more info on the show or visit www.duCret.edu. 
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