Premier Gallery opening fulfills owner's dream

For years, Daniel had wanted to open an art gallery.

“I’ve always been interested in art,” she said. “Basically, I’ve seen a need for it in Branson.”

Daniel opened the shop after three months of renovations to a corner retail space at 120 N. Commercial St. She redesigned the gallery’s 1,200-square-foot interior, which most recently housed a golf and antique store, and a coffee shop.

Her husband, David, along with Carl Franklin of Forsyth, performed $30,000 of remodeling work, including refinished walls, new carpeting, display shelving and other carpentry jobs.

Karla Daniel has a taste for the contemporary art she features in the gallery.

“It’s different from what we have around here,” she said. “It’s more versatile in where it goes – in the home or in a business or office.”

The gallery showcases Murano glass from Italy, glassworks by artist Dale Tiffany, and Austin brand sculptures. It also features paintings by Springfieldian Eric Arvizu, who is the art director for Noble, and up-and-coming Branson artist Aaron Murphree.

Daniel said paintings range between $180 and $700, and other pieces including most sculptures are priced at up to $650. “Almost everything in here is handmade. The paintings are all signed,” Daniel added.

The shop’s showpiece collection is clocks designed by Douglas Durkee of Kentucky. “He designs one-of-a-kind clocks using lights that give you more of an in-depth feel. He uses various metals in making them,” Daniel said.

Another featured collection is the wall sculptures of Bill Mack.

The prices for his work range from $1,950 to $25,000. “I ask for exclusives that can’t be sold at other stores,” she said. “The pieces go up immensely in value. Some of the pieces I saw in January have doubled in value within a couple of months.”

The Premier Gallery is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.