About the David Barnett Gallery
About the Building
The historic Button Mansion, built on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, was built in 1875 by prominent Milwaukee businessman Dr. Henry H. Button. This 11,000 square foot home featuring 26 rooms and 8 fireplaces, reflects the Italianate influence on Victorian architecture, and provides an exquisite setting for viewing works of art. The ornate fireplaces, plaster cornices, paneling, inlaid parquet floor, and brass fixtures have been beautifully preserved. Today, displayed throughout the first two floors and the garden level is artwork featuring an outstanding collection of American and European art from old masters to contemporary artists and exceptional Wisconsin art.
About David Barnett
David’s career as an art dealer began at age nineteen, when as a Fine Art and Art History student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he sponsored an exhibition of work by fellow student artists. In 1966, he opened his first gallery at Wisconsin Avenue and 21st Street in Milwaukee. The original mission of the gallery was to sponsor emerging new artists from the Milwaukee area. However, in 1968, the gallery branched out to feature European and American Masters. What started out as a modest collection 41 years ago has developed into a diverse, international collection of more than 5,000 artworks. The gallery moved into its present location in 1985. David’s talent for recognizing artwork of value and for meeting the needs of art lovers, collectors, and artists has created a vibrant, flourishing gallery and collection.
Gallery Services
The gallery offers professional consultation, custom archival Giclee prints, appraisals, restoration and conservation, custom framing, and delivery and installation of artwork. We cater to collectors, interior designers and businesses. In addition, our mobile art service, VanGo Frame & Art, America's Gallery To You, brings artwork to private residences or offices, so it can be selected "on location".
Gallery History
Established in 1966, the David Barnett Gallery is Wisconsin’s premier gallery. With works of art that represent more than 400 artists, it has the broadest range of art available in any Wisconsin gallery. The gallery specializes in European and American masters, regional and nationally recognized artists, and talented Wisconsin artists. Latin American, Asian, and African American artists adorn the gallery, along with Ethnographic art from Africa, Indonesia, and Oceania. The gallery has a national reputation for its extensive collection of Picasso ceramics and Milton Avery oil paintings.