Art Within Reach
Virtual Dallas art gallery fills niche for original and affordable art
Tired of staring at blank walls but don’t have an enormous budget for original art? Then check out the Janus House, a virtual gallery by Dallas art aficionado Angie Barton.
“There’s wonderful art out there,” she says. “But sometimes, it’s at inaccessible price points. I wanted to help people develop their style and show their personality through pieces that are curated, researched, professionally framed, and ready to hang.”
A lifelong lover of art, Barton earned her master’s in art history from Southern Methodist University and then spent years working in fine art and antiques in the Design District. Her aesthetic — a juxtaposition of “past and future, new and old” — developed over time, along with her desire to bring beautiful original art to the masses.
She launched the online gallery earlier this year. The name is for Janus, the Roman god of transition, always depicted looking both forward and backward. “It encompasses my design philosophy,” Barton says. “Well-designed spaces are both forward and backward looking.”
Mostly from the mid-20th century, pieces are sourced from antique shops, flea markets, and other “sometimes unexpected” locations. Janus House’s inventory has included bold, colorful works on paper and canvas, as well as a tapestry. Many are signed by the artist.
Barton says she knows she’s found a winner when it’s something she’d put in her own home or give to a friend. “I trust my instincts,” she says. “My education and experience have given me an eye. If I wouldn’t keep it and hang it in my own home, I’m not going to put it in the gallery.”
Once the art is professionally framed, Barton lists it on the website. Most pieces come in around $500 or less, a steal for handpicked, ready-to-hang original works.
“The goal is to get original art in front of people — without the intimidation of feeling like they have to spend thousands of dollars,” Barton says.
Looking for something in a particular color scheme or size? She’s happy to shop for specific spaces. As she says, “art is personal.”
The Janus House periodically hosts live shows. Check the website for updates on upcoming events.