History
Abel Contemporary Gallery opened in 1987 in Paoli, WI, under the direction of its original owner who converted a former creamery, into a showplace for the work of 30 local artists. In 1998, Theresa Abel became the Art Director and helped continue the growth of the gallery, both in quality and in reputation. In 2004, she and artist Tim O'Neill took over ownership, broadening the focus of the gallery by exhibiting artists with national reputations along with work of well-known local artists. In 2019 Abel Contemporary made the move from Paoli to Stoughton, just a few miles to the east. Abel and O'Neill spent 2018 renovating the gallery's new home, a historic tobacco warehouse originally constructed in 1891. This 8,000 square foot building is a spectacular backdrop for some of the most notable art in the region, hosting three concurrent exhibits every seven weeks including an alternative exhibit space offering an opportunity for more evocative work such as installations and video art.
Specialties
Over the last 30 years the Abel Contemporary Gallery has built a reputation as one of the largest and most impressive collections of fine art and fine craft in the region, featuring more than 100 artists from throughout the United States. Located in a historic tobacco warehouse the gallery exhibits artists with national reputations alongside the work of well-known local artists. The 8,000 square foot gallery, just minutes from Madison, features notable works in many media, and hosts new exhibits every six to seven weeks with in-person and online exhibits.