by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Workspace: Reddi Arts President Bruce Meiselman
“It was the original leveraged buyout in Jacksonville.”
That’s how Bruce Meiselman, president of Reddi Arts, describes how he acquired the landmark art supply store on Hendricks Avenue in 1982.
He was working as a business adviser for Reddi Arts founder, Jack Bear, when he was asked to evaluate a business proposal.
“I looked at it and said, ‘I could do better than this,’ and I bought the business,” said Meiselman.
Since then, Reddi Arts has continued carrying its stock of traditional art supplies, such as paint brushes, oils and acrylics, while also adding new items. “The computer age has changed everything,” said Meiselman.
Over the years he has also added gifts, books, picture frames and custom framing services. In response to the digital age, he also equipped and staffed the store’s Visual Design Center, which offers design services and digital printing.
“We have two degreed graphic artists on staff. I describe what we do as a cross between Office Depot and an advertising agency. A lot of people don’t need an agency for their project,” said Meiselman.
In 2000, Gallery 1037 debuted as a venue for local artists to display their work in a retail environment. Framing director and gallery manager Patty Lorimier said six times a year, new artists hang their work in the store’s gallery.
“It’s fun to meet the artists and discover their work and I really enjoy the curatorial side of my job,” said Lorimier, who has a degree in art and plans the gallery’s shows as much as a year in advance.
“I consider Reddi Arts to be a cultural oasis where everybody is welcome. Sooner or later every artist in town has come through our door,” said Meiselman.
“Owning an art store also allows me to use my business background and still be as eccentric as I want to be.”
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