LaFontsee Galleries Transitions to New Owners Who Share Vision, Commitment of Founders
Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 2, 2023– After nearly four decades growing LaFontsee Galleries into a leading provider of art in the Midwest, founders Linda and Scott LaFontsee have transitioned ownership of the award-winning gallery to artist Kate Meyer and her husband, Jason.
No changes are expected for the 24,000 square foot gallery at 833 Lake Dr. SE that sells art from 70+ artists – many of them from Michigan – and offers installation, framing, digital photo restoration, printing, consulting and event space. All 15 team members – some with tenure of 15 and more years – will remain with LaFontsee Galleries, which will retain its name and continue to represent all artists currently in its portfolio.
The organization will remain a women-led business enterprise. The LaFontsees will continue to consult with the new owners for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.
Media and the community are invited to an open house at the gallery to meet Kate and Jason Meyer on Wednesday, May 24 from 5-8 p.m.
“We started the conversation about transitioning the business a decade ago,” recalled Linda LaFontsee. “We realized now is the best time. The gallery is doing so well we wanted to hand it off to someone who had the energy and passion to take what we have built and grow and stretch it even further.”
“LaFontsee Galleries has progressed into so much more than a commercial space. I see it over and over again when people walk up the top of the stairs for the first time and see a space that is unique, warm, inviting and creative.”
“When you put 36 years of yourself into something, it was critical we find the right people – and we were so fortunate to do so with Kate and Jason. In them we have found a couple who is a reflection of ourselves and will be able to continue what we have started and make it something even better.”
Kate Meyer has led a winding path between both the scientific and artistic worlds during her career. With degrees in fine art and zoology, she brings more than a decade of experience in the environmental nonprofit space spanning educational programs and events to fundraising and executive leadership.
Kate also served as the executive director for the Kent County Parks Foundation, raising funds for park expansions and improvements throughout the county. Most recently, she served as associate director of development for the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest conservation organization.
Jason Meyer brings a background in conservation, environmental education and nonprofit management to his new role. In addition to his advisory role with LaFontsee Galleries, he serves as executive director for the White Oak Initiative, a coordinated, large-scale effort to address the decline of the white oak, a keystone species in the eastern U.S. Prior to this position, Jason served as the president and CEO of Blandford Nature Center for seven years.
“As an artist, LaFontsee Galleries has always been a warm, welcoming place for me – and a place I greatly admired,” Kate said. “When the opportunity arose to become the next generation of ownership, it was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse.”
“Heading into this next chapter, we are committed to building on the strong culture of the business. LaFontsee Galleries has become synonymous with professionalism, high-caliber talent and quality thanks to the incredible foundation Linda and Scott have created – and we intend to maintain those same values.”
“We intend to be thoughtful stewards of this amazing community treasure and look forward to shepherding into a bright future.”
Recognized in 2022 as one of the top 20 galleries in America and the best gallery in Michigan by American Art Awards, LaFontsee Galleries began in 1987 as a small framing business aptly named Underground Studio in the basement of Scott’s home. They sold a few pieces of original art from local artists on the side, “starting tiny” as Linda recalled, so their work “created in their solo studio spaces could be appreciated and loved.”
As art sales took off, they moved into post-industrial space in the North Monroe Business District in downtown Grand Rapids. Building on the strength of a solid partnership, they expanded their vision in 1994 by rebranding to LaFontsee Galleries and establishing themselves on the forefront of the then-emerging art scene in West Michigan.
In 2010, LaFontsee Galleries purchased its current home on Lake Drive and began an extensive rehab of the space, which previously provided mental health and counseling services. The new gallery opened in 2012, creating a welcoming, open environment allowing the LaFontsee team to continue their commitment to professional and artistic integrity as they sell fine regional and national art.
LaFontsee Galleries has been named the best art gallery in West Michigan more than 20 times. It received the ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Award for Arts and Culture in 2004. The LaFontsees have forged many strong personal, professional and community connections over the years, serving as art consultants to some of Michigan’s leading businesses and nonprofits, including the 2011 launch of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, which featured 14 floors of art developed by and with children to promote healing, instill wellness and communicate quality care.
“At the beginning, Linda and I had three goals,” Scott said. “Our first goal was to offer a place where artists felt like they could show and display in a professional setting. Our second goal was to have a place where the public felt like art was for them – nothing pretentious but to make it friendly and accessible.”
“The third goal was to employ people in the arts. For some people, it was their first real job out of college in the arts. Those three goals are still the same today.”
“As we leave the gallery to Kate and Jason, we feel good about what we accomplished and confident the gallery will continue to thrive because of the talented artists, dedicated staff and new energy and creativity they will bring.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The Meyers used DWH, LLC as their advisors for the deal and are grateful for the insight and advice received. Recognizing the importance of ensuring their business would continue to be a thriving artistic hub in the community, the LaFontsees engaged Calder Capital as their M&A advisory firm for the transaction.
“Scott and Linda have poured their heart and soul into building their business, and they’ve done it the right way,” said Sam Scharich, lead mergers and acquisitions advisor of Calder Capital. “They should be extremely proud of the legacy and team they’ve left in the very capable hands of Kate and Jason.
“I am very excited to see what Scott and Linda’s first adventure will be as they transition into well-earned retirement, and I’m thrilled to see LaFontsee Galleries continue to flourish under the diligent management of Kate and Jason.”
About LaFontsee Galleries
Recognized in 2022 as one of the top 20 galleries in America and the best gallery in Michigan by American Art Awards, LaFontsee Galleries represents 70+ talented local and national artists. LG offers extensive in-house framing services, art handling and installation, printing, digital photo restoration and consulting. With an enduring commitment to professional and artistic integrity, LaFontsee Galleries is proud to be a leading provider of art in the Midwest. Learn more at lafontsee.us. Learn more about this exciting transition at: https://www.lafontsee.us/lg-ownership-transition
About Calder Capital
Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations.