About the David Leonardis Galleries
At the height of the Recession in 1990 David Leonardis started collecting art. When he realized he wanted to collect more art than he could afford he got a job working at a gallery. Eight months later, allied with Howard Finster, Chris Peldo, Glenn Wexler, and Andy Kane, he turned a few profitable art sales into a commitment to own and operate the David Leonardis Gallery.
Twenty-eight years later the Wicker Park gallery has not only survived another ignoble recession, but we are at the forefront of 21st century American Art. DLG also carries 19th-century French lithographs and 20th century Contemporary, Pop, Folk Art, and Photography. David’s focus is simple: “I enjoy making people and corporations happy by selling them art.”
The DLG features a yearly “Instant art collection” group show. We suggest that you buy one of each of the artists we’ve chosen to exhibit. This way, individuals and corporations find it easy to acquire a well-rounded collection.
The David Leonardis Gallery here in Chicago also works with the artists and the clients to produce commissions and encourages people to take advantage of its Mastercard/VISA acceptance options or the DLG payment plan. Cash discounts are always available as well, but you still have to pay the tax. It’s our duty as citizen folks.
Come visit David and the friendly staff at David Leonardis Gallery in Wicker Park. Arrive ready to start or expand your personal art collection. We’ll find art that is meaningful to you and that makes you happy. Happy art buyers are what DLG is all about. Come in today – your walls will be happy you did.
Howard Finster Vision House Museum
In 2007, in order to honor the folk art icon, Howard Finster, and to reach an even broader group of art lovers, I opened the Howard Finster Vision House Museum and Gallery in Summerville, Georgia. Click Here to visit the Vision House as it has come to be called.
Howard Finster is the grandfather of American Folk Art. His unique story is one well told and his legacy is there for you and the millions of people whose lives have been brightened by the vision of this simple, humble, God fearing, man.
– DL
Professional Services
Appraisals:
For Insurance and Replacement Value.
Professional appraisal of each piece of artwork is $300.
Requirements…
- We will require you to provide a picture of the front and back of the art work.
- Tell us how and when you acquired it.
- How much you paid for it.
- Any documentation or certification.
Delivery and Installation:
We offer delivery and installation included within the city of Chicago. No fee, just cover the transportation and hospitality cost (uber and a couple of beers).
David will personally come to your house/office and tell you to move something and put our art in the best spot. He will also hang up or tell you to throw out your other framed items.
The average one bedroom apartment needs 21 pieces of art if you want it to look smokin’.
So it may take a few trips.
Framing and Shipping:
Custom framing is available, at a great price.
Insured USPS shipping is available at an additional cost.
In the event of damage during shipping please contact David Leonardis and hold on to the packing until an insurance claim can be filed and completed.
DLG Press
- Chicago Sun Times - "Marc Hauser, Photographer Who Shot Famous Chicagoans and Celebs, Dies at 66"
- ABC 7 Chicago - "Gallery Owners Says Paypal Won't Help Enough After Alleged Heist"
- WKMS 91.3 - "David Leonardis on Howard Finster: American Visionary Folk Artist"
- Gapers Block - "Artman/Businessman: An Interview with David Leonardis"
- Chicago Magazine - "David Leonardis’s Private Sale"
- Reel Chicago - "Art gallery owner “Chit Chats” on CAN-TV"
- Chicago Reader: David Leonardis Gallery
- MuTatoVisual.com - "Mark Mothersbaugh's Postcard Diaries at the David Leonardis Gallery"
- New City - "Review: Herb Nolan/David Leonardis Gallery"
- Derivative Works - "Shane Swank Show at David Leonardis Gallery Tonight"
- Andy Kane, The David Leonardis Gallery. Chicago, IL 2007
- Splash Magazines - "David Leonardis Gallery Review - A Different, 'Cooler' Gallery"
- Chicago Tribune - "An Artist's Dogged Pursuit to Spread Joy"
- Chicago Reader - "What’s His Scene?"
- Art Interviews: Abel Ferrara Interview
- Project Onward: Ken Bortman
- Wesley Willis: David Leonardis Lyrics
- Chicago Reader - Gallery Tripping: Bring Your Own Canvas
Howard Finster Vision House Museum Press
- NY Times - "Saving a Folk Artist’s Paradise, Lost to Weeds and Ruin, Is a Tangled Affair"
- Los Angeles Times - "Clashing visions of ‘Paradise’"
- Associated Press - "Home Turned Into Museum Honors Folk Artist"
- Atlanta Journal Constitution - "Howard Finster Vision House Opens"
- Florida Tech - "Howard Finster Exhibition Opens at Florida Tech’s Foosaner Art Museum Nov. 14"
- Chicago Tribune - "Howard Finster hits the Road"
- The Southern Illinoisan - "Museum opens at former home of folk artist Howard Finster"
- Atlanta Magazine - "Paradise Regained"
- RockPop Gallery - "Cover Story: R.E.M.'s "Reckoning" & Talking Heads' "Little Creatures", covers by Rev. Howard Finster"
- "Envisioning Howard Finster: The Religion and Art of a Stranger from Another ..."
- Counterforces - "Howard Finster House"
- Albany Herald - "Visionary art: Howard Finster exhibit at Albany museum includes works owned by Lee County Couple"
- Patch - "R.E.M might have broken up, but Finster lives on in Long Grove!"
- Patch -"Last Howard Finster Lecture Hosted By David Leonardis - This Friday Night in Long Grove"
- Down South Today - "Celebrating Howard Finster: Finster Fest Remembers The Great Folk Artist"
- Urban Art Antiques - "Messages in Art: Exhibit Recalls Life of Howard Finster"
- NBC News - "Home turned into museum honors folk artist"
Benefits of Art
- Art Net News - "Art Is Good for One’s Mental Health"
- Art Net News - "Can an Artwork a Day Keep the Doctor Away? 5 Ways Art Can Make You Happier & Healthier"
- Art Net News - "Want to Increase Your Chances of Living Longer? Go to a Museum, Says a New Study"
- Artsy - "Visiting museums and galleries may help people live longer, according to a new study"
- Artsy - "Looking at Art Could Help Med Students Become Better Doctors"
- Psychology Today-"Do Art Lovers Live Longer?"