By Mark Rondeau, Vermont Country Magazine.
BENNINGTON — Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery (plus Cards and Gifts), a venerable downtown institution, is for sale.
A flyer taped to the front counter offers details: “Do you want to take over the largest independently owned art supply store in Vermont? Steeped in history and brimming with character, Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Bennington’s rich heritage.
“Established in 1972, this beloved local institution has been a fixture of the community for over 50 years,” it states.
The business, at 115 South St., is for sale for $200,000, according to the flyer.
Owner Jay Zwynenburg, 91, took some time from his work one recent morning to talk about the desire to sell and the 52-year history of the business.
“I’m not in a rush,” he said. “I’m still good health. I’m in no hurry to sell the business, but I’d like to have the right person who has the capital to sustain the business.”
The business is in the historic Drysdale building, which dates to 1865. It “boasts approximately 5,000 square feet of retail space, plus the same in basement storage,” according to the flyer.
A woman in the store heard him talking about the sale. “You’re selling your business?” she asked. “You’ve been here for years.”
“(Since) May 1, 1972. I’m in my 90s now,” he said. “I’m getting close to retirement.”
She was looking for canvas in roll. The man with her was looking for a palate knife. The man said he was 80 and still worked and worked out, too.
“Good for you. That will keep you young,” Zwynenburg said. “I still work. That’s my workout.”
Zwynenburg noted that the store has 10 departments, which include arts and drafting supplies, gifts, custom framing, clothing and greeting cards. “We do all custom framing downstairs, and so that keeps us quite busy and active.”
A native of northern New Jersey, Zwynenburg first came to Bennington to work on a farm as part of a Scouting program. Right after high school, he entered the military and served during the Korean War.
“And then I got out in June of ‘53 and I applied to four colleges, and I got accepted in all four. And since I had some experience enjoying Vermont, I went to the University of Vermont up in Burlington,” he said. “And then I stayed up there. I graduated on a Sunday, and I reported to work at IBM on Monday morning at eight o’clock. Yeah, none of this nine o’clock baloney, eight o’clock, and I had a good career with them for many years.”
Jay and Joan Zwynenburg, the founders of Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery, met in 1955 as students at the University of Vermont, according to a 2022 joint Vermont House and Senate resolution honoring the business for its 50th anniversary.
“Jay Zwynenburg stunned his colleagues by abandoning his corporate career to open a bookstore in Bennington, the first of seven stores the Zwynenburgs have owned in the community,” it continues. “Although the Zwynenburgs ultimately sold six of their stores, they retained Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery, which, in its earlier days, featured an adjoining art gallery, and which was highly successful.”
On May 1, 2022, the store hosted a 50th anniversary celebration at which the Better Bennington Corporation presented a plaque marking the occasion. Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd and other officials conducted an honorary ribbon-cutting.
“So, it’s been a nice run. I’ve really enjoyed it,” Zwynenburg said. “It’s been a great 52 years, and I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
I “still enjoy coming to work every day,” he said. “And so it’s not a chore for me. I just want to make sure I find the right person to buy the business, because I want to see it continue.”
Mark Rondeau with Milo, his longtime companion and the first cat he adopted from Second Chance Animal Center in Arlington. Mark, is a long-time newspaper reporter, photographer and editor. He is interested in the outdoors, local history and baseball.
