Eisele Gallery: Celebrating, Curating, Community

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Mariemont’s Eisele Gallery is celebrating five years under the leadership of David C. Smith. Smith who  purchased the venerable gallery from Douglas Eisele, the founder and owner for decades. When Doug retired in 2020, Smith purchased the Gallery and it moved to its current location in Mariemont Square. Smith lives in Mariemont with his wife, their three children, an aquatic turtle and their dog Sisu.

Smith is no novice to the art scene, as he shares, “I was a student of Art at Miami University. A few years after graduation I moved to New Jersey where I pursued my Masters in Art Education. During this time, I also worked in Architectural Restoration, Art Bronze Casting Studio and at the Newark Museum of Art.” Smith continues, “After graduation I taught college level art courses and at the same time began working for an Art Gallery in New York City. I spent the next 10 years working for Robert Miller Gallery on 26^th Street in Chelsea. This experience is what launched my career in Gallery Management and Sales.”

Coming Home. “In 2015 I returned to Cincinnati with my young family and continued to work in Art Galleries here until 2019 when I purchased the Eisele Gallery and moved it to Mariemont in 2020. In 2024 I purchased the Framers’ Guild- a custom frame shop.”

Generations of Cincinnati residents have turned to the Eisele Gallery to purchase original art, have their own art appraised, framed or assist with selling their own art pieces.

Smith continues these traditions while also embracing contemporary art and artists. 

“The art world (like anything) is always changing – as are tastes and trends in art and decor. I think it is important to introduce new artists to the gallery to bring new styles and a fresh perspective to the gallery program. We offer a diverse selection of fine art – from late 19^th century though the 20^th c. modern and expressionist periods. The living artists the gallery works with represent a culmination of the past and present.” Shares Smith.

The gallery features a rotation of artists and mediums. You may find the walls flanked with classical still life oil paintings, photographs or contemporary pieces. You might also find sculptures or ceramics.  These days, younger clients are taking notice of art and are shopping for their homes and offices. 

Smith notes, “The gallery worked in both the Traditional and Contemporary space before I took over. Currently we are working with younger clients who are just starting to collect art for their homes. It is an important market for all Art Galleries. What is most important is keeping up with the online art marketplace and social media. This is where we continue to grow our new audience at the gallery.”

Local Artists

Through its gallery exhibitions and openings (all are welcome to attend), Smith is showcasing area artists including Indian Hill’s Kate Lackman and Madeira’s MaryBeth Karaus

Lackman shared, “I feel like working with local galleries helps artists to establish themselves in their communities and still be able to focus on creating art. The driving force behind the professional artist is the desire to create their best work.” Adding, “Local galleries can promote their work and work with clients to help place the art. Artists and galleries work together to further the appreciation of fine art. Art has survived years to give us history and sensibility to what was happening in the past. It is important to have your work seen and local galleries work hard to provide this to the community. “

“Some local artists have spent their careers in the field with countless hours focusing on creating beauty in their work. Those artists need to be promoted by local galleries and local museums. The community benefits from the few who achieve recognition for a lifetime of struggle and commitment.”

Karaus states,” I am thrilled to have a gallery as vibrant as Eisele Gallery to represent me in our local market.  Kate Lackman and I had a show just a little over a year ago at Eisele, and I felt it was a great success.” Adding, “I felt like we, the artists, along with the efforts of David Smith, the gallery owner, put forth great effort in marketing as a team. David was patient and supportive as our show came together quite a bit slower than was originally planned.    It is wonderful to have representation so close to home where friends and family do not have to travel to see a show.”

“Many of my students, artist friends, and even those who follow me on social media can easily see my work in person at Eisele. I am very enthused every time I open an email from Eisele because the shows that David puts together are original, interesting and capture attention.  I feel that David is a partner with me in promoting my work and these days that is golden!” 

For a list of upcoming exhibitions, visit www.eiselefineart.com

Left to Right: Artist  Alison Shepard, Curator Sandy Eichert and Gallery Owner – David Smith at the Eisele Gallery (provided),  Artists MaryBeth Karaus (left) & Kate Lackman from the exhibition “Beauty from Within” (provided), Gallery installation view. Artists Clockwise from top left: Kate Lackman, Thomas Steed, Ken Cadwallader, Kate Lackman, Claudio Malacarne, Ken Cadwallader, MaryBeth Karaus, Gail Morrison (provided).