By Holly Bryne
The Port Washington BID grant program recognizes new businesses to the District and supports them in preparing their storefront with grants for new signage. As a new business to Port Washington, European Decorative Arts Gallery recently received both grants.
The European Decorative Arts Company specializes in the finest European ivory carvings as well as objects of vertu (enamels and hardstone carvings) and decorative Fine & Rare Timepieces. Scott Defrin, the owner since 1992, received a Master of Arts degree in the History of Decorative Arts from the Cooper-Hewitt Museum (New School). He worked at Sotheby’s as a specialist in the 19th-century works of art department and spent three years in the porcelain department as a cataloguer. He also attended both Sotheby’s and Christie’s London works of art study courses.
The Company sells rare objects to collectors and museums worldwide and even to other members of the trade. Among their noteworthy clients are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dr. David Khalili of the Nour Foundation, the History Museum of Mexico, and Saint Joseph’s University. Since occupying the new space, Scott has sold an important glass charger to the Birmingham Museum of Art, and frequently loans objects from his inventory to the Nassau County Museum of Art for various art exhibitions.
Scott says, “Moving into this landmark building is the culmination of many years of hard work in the antiques field as a second-generation dealer in fine European antiques and works of art. We are pleased to be a member of the greater historic Port Washington area and have been made to feel very welcome by the PWCOC and BID. All are welcome to come and browse the exhibition and are ready to assist the public in identifying pieces from their own collections or helping them sell heirlooms they may have inherited.”
“A trip to European Decorative Arts is like a trip to a museum but with your own curator.” says Holly Byrne, Executive Director of the Port Washington BID. “Scott is extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. Having an antique and art gallery of this caliber located on lower Main Street is a great addition to this historic portion of Port. We are pleased to welcome European Decorative Arts Gallery to the business community.”
European Decorative Arts Gallery is at 299 Main Street, Port Washington, at the corner of Shore Road. To learn more or place an online order, visit https://eurodecart.com/.
Eligible businesses, both new and established within the defined business district can apply for grants for funding to assist with costs of improvements to the facade and/or signage at the place of business. Guidelines and applications, along with additional resources for business owners, can be found on the Port Washington B.I.D (Business Improvement District). website under the Business Resource heading. Inquiries can also be directed to the Port Washington B.I.D. Office at 516-883-8890.
Holly Bryne is the executive director of the Port Washington Business Improvement District