Branson's Art Space

Find gorgeous brushed-steel sculpture—and the sounds of Barry Manilow—at Premier Gallery.

THE SHOP: Premier Gallery, 120 N. Commercial St., Branson, 417-335-5088. (Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: I walked into Premier Gallery and was immediately greeted by the soothing sounds of Barry Manilow and the delicious scent of vanilla. The black carpet and ceiling frame the white walls and provide the perfect backdrop to all the colorful artwork.

KEY PEOPLE: Karla Daniel opened Premier Gallery in April and has been busy ever since. She spent the past 17 years working in retail and felt Branson needed an upscale gallery. With the help of her husband, David, the space was renovated from a bakery to an inviting gallery space.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: The first thing that struck me was a gorgeous metal sculpture of brushed steel. I was commenting that it looked like something I’d have in my house when I realized it was a piece by Curtis Jeré, a well-known sculpture company (and personal favorite of mine). The piece, entitled Cross Wind, was almost six feet high and priced at $1,025. I wish I had a place to put it.

I commented on the rich aroma in the store, and Karla showed me the candles made by Texas artist Linda Kurtz. Karla is such a fan of the line that she worked with Linda to create two signature scents for her store: Missouri Midnight, which smells like grapefruit and pomegranate; and Branson Premier, a mix of strawberry and pomegranate. They are priced at $4 each.

Because the gallery is mostly black and white, the colorful glasswork really pops, such as vases by Murano Glass of Italy. Displayed in the windows, they fill the room with color. They’re handmade, so the prices aren’t low. My favorite vase was $562, and it was a gorgeous combination of red and yellow glass. The layers of colors and the weight of the pieces are a delight to the senses.

Another impressive piece of glasswork was a pedestal bowl for $255. The red glass combined with metal oxides was so mesmerizing I couldn’t imagine anyone putting anything in it. Karla explained it was a piece by Dale Tiffany of the famed Tiffany glass family.

The artist Karla is most excited to represent is Bill Mack. His sculptures are created using bonded metal, bonded clay and mixed metals. These sculptures are meant to be hung on the wall. Premier Gallery is the only place in Missouri to sell Bill Mack’s work. The pieces start at around $1,950, but their collectible status has skyrocketed values over the past year. Karla suggests buying when you see something you like, as the price can double literally overnight.

If investing in artwork is out of your price range, check out the jewelry selection by local artists. Pat Hibben of Forsyth creates gorgeous dichroic glass pendants and earrings that start at just $19.

417 VERDICT: With more art than I can mention in one story and a knowledgeable owner, Premier Gallery is a must-stop on your next trip to Branson. I left with a new cucumber-melon candle and a long wish list.

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