CUMBERLAND — The Ferleman Gallery could be in New York, Paris or London, and its new home on Centre Street is a sign the Queen City “has arrived,” Hilmar Gottesthal said.
Gottesthal is an award-winning artist whose work has been featured around the world.
A native of Austria, he has lived for the past 30 years with his wife, photographer Penny Knobel-Besa, in Flintstone near Cumberland.
Gottesthal’s work, which includes watercolor paintings, stained glass, and stone and wood sculptures, is on display through Oct. 30 at Ferleman Gallery, 9 N. Centre St.
“Cumberland has really gained a wonderful gallery through Mr. Ferleman who has a big approach (at a) fantastic location,” Gottesthal said.
Gallery owner Tom Ferleman described Gottesthal’s work as “absolutely stunning.”
The vision
Tom Ferleman and his wife, Becky, last year opened the gallery at 60 N. Centre St. while they searched for a place to expand the business.
Earlier this year, they bought the historic property at 9 N. Centre St. — former home of the Allegany Arts Council — from Doug Schwab and his wife, Betsey Hurwitz-Schwab.
Soon after, the Ferlemans completed some renovations in the building, moved to the new space July 1 and opened the gallery the following month.
“We’re very excited to be here,” Tom Ferleman said.
The couple wanted to create a world-class gallery on par with those in cities, including Washington and New York.
“I think we’ve achieved that vision,” Tom Ferleman said.
The Ferlemans, formerly of Montgomery County and now Barton residents, work remotely for a software company in Rockville, where they occasionally report to an office.
They talked of the drive home from their jobs and a feeling of comfort upon crossing Sideling Hill in Washington County heading toward Cumberland.
“There’s an exhale,” Becky Ferleman said.
Music venue
The Ferlemans created a music venue in the building called Gallery Stage.
The intimate setting allows for an emotional connection between audience members and musicians who perform Appalachian-style songs that include bluegrass and Americana roots, Tom Ferleman said.
The couple designed the space to highlight the region’s rich culture.
“We are in Appalachia,” Tom Ferleman said. “We want to celebrate the unique beauty.”
The idea is for the musicians to “really remember why they got started in their craft,” Becky Ferleman said.
“We try to have at least one performance every weekend,” she said. “We’ve got a full lineup now … booked with art and music into spring.”
The list of upcoming performers includes The High & Wides, Kate MacLeod, Kindred Valley, Griffin William Sherry, Richard Shindell, Lea Marra & The River Boys, The Barefoot Movement, Noah G. Fowler, Joe Pug and Rod Picott.
Gottesthal and Knobel-Besa recently attended a musical performance at Gallery Stage.
“It was exceptional,” Gottesthal said.
‘The history’The Ferlemans met artist Portia Mortensen after they purchased her paintings at auction a couple of years ago.
Recently, they displayed her work at their new Cumberland gallery.
Mortensen’s work is “incredibly complex,” Tom Ferleman said. “It is definitely world-class pieces.”
Mortensen, who was born in Zimbabwe and now lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania, said the Ferleman Gallery is in a “fascinating” city surrounded by remote rural areas.
“I loved my journey out there,” she said of a recent visit to Cumberland.
“It is an unusual setting for an art gallery,” Mortensen said. “You could feel the history there.”
She talked of her experience with Ferleman Gallery, and how her work was professionally displayed and promoted.
“There’s a lot of integrity,” Mortensen said. “Tom puts so much effort in … everything is so intentional.”
Restaurant and tour
In the spring, the gallery’s second floor is expected to open with additional art displays, a fine cocktail bar, commercial kitchen, restaurant with seating for 65 people and a locally-inspired menu.
“The downstairs Gallery Stage has 66 seats and will also be served by the same kitchen,” Tom Ferleman said.
When completed, both floors of the gallery will feature more than 10,000 square feet of exhibit space and employ roughly 25 people.
The exhibits, music and restaurant combination will create a unique venue with “the largest private art gallery in 100 miles, and a premiere arts destination,” Tom Ferleman said.
Knobel-Besa said the Ferleman Gallery features “a high standard” of art and music, and the restaurant will bring a welcome addition to the area.
“Cumberland needs more downtown eateries,” she said.
Next month, Ferleman Gallery will mark the starting point for the Western Maryland Artist Studio Tour.
The gallery will feature at least one piece from each participating artist.
The tour will include painters, furniture makers, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, fiber artists and printmakers.
Learn more and view a map of the tour at wmdartiststudiotour.com.
Onboarding proposal
Navigation of local government and its various entities was the biggest challenge in bringing the new gallery to fruition, the Ferlemans said and added they’ve run businesses and nonprofits in the past.
From a financial investment perspective, certainty is desirable.
Policies and ordinances should be communicated, understood and “supportive of a new business,” Tom Ferleman said.
To help new Cumberland business owners find their way, the couple recently gave the mayor and City Council members a proposal.
The document outlines a centralized citizen committee supported by local government to establish an onboarding program with mentors.
“You need to make it easy for people to do the right things,” Becky Ferleman said.
Additionally, partnerships with entities including Frostburg and the county’s tourism office could attract more visitors to the area, she said.
“If we do it as a concerted effort … everybody will benefit,” Becky Ferleman said.
The couple want to attract folks from cities, including New York and Philadelphia, to their gallery and encourage the visitors to eat, shop and stay at local businesses.
“All ships will rise together,” Tom Ferleman said.