‘Jean Jacobs Gallery’ To Open Sept. 18 on Main Street

Jacob Herman didn’t realize he was launching a career in the art world when, about three years ago, he began collecting items such as etchings and prints.

Friends and family members showed an interest in Herman’s growing collection, which grew to a point where he began running online auctions of dozens of pieces through clearinghouse estates. After three successful auctions, he began looking around for a space to move the rapidly growing operation. 

On Sept. 18, the Stamford resident will formally launch the Jean Jacobs Gallery at 84 Main St. in New Canaan. An opening reception will be held 6 to 10 p.m.

“Probably like any new business owner I’m a little apprehensive, very excited, a little nervous, a little fearful of the unknown, especially of what can happen in these times,” Herman said. “At the same time I’m very optimistic about the future and everyone in New Canaan that I’ve met so far have been absolutely excellent and great people, and so I feel really good about the town and community.”

A Connecticut native who works in human resources, Herman earned a degree in interior design from the University of Bridgeport. He’s a former resident of New York City who has worked in the past as a professional photographer.

The gallery’s name is a combination of Herman’s own and his wife Jean’s. Jean Jacobs Gallery will feature a mix of Modern and Contemporary pieces, “and the subsets within those areas,” Herman said.

“There are works on paper that are fun, playful modern works that I think will remind people of some of the work done by Andy Warhol,” he said.

He referred to original work by artist Dane Shue that will be featured at the grand opening next week. 

“It is our goal to offer a variety of work that can be attractive to collectors at multiple price points from open edition prints to original works of art,” he said.

The space at 84 Main St. used to be occupied by Sorelle Gallery.

The gallery’s hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (or by appointment), and 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.