– HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS –

The Boston Globe Magazine
February 16, 2003

Jules Place -
For Julie Mussafer, work space and living space artfully coexist
By Barbara Pattison, Globe Magazine staff; Boston Sunday Globe Magazine photographs by Dave Henderson

Jules Place is a private art gallery representing over 50 artists whose works range from paintings and photography to sculptures and original works on paper. Clients include individuals and corporations.

Art dealer Julie Mussafer – Jules to her friends – has managed to marry the feel of a Los Angeles gallery with the comforts of a Southern home in her combined work/living space in Boston’s South End.

Mussafer started her business in 1998 in another South End space but moved into her unit at Laconia Lofts three years ago. Mussafer’s list of 50 artists, which now spans the nation, includes painters, photographers and sculptors. She travels widely in her search for new talent and shows artwork both by appointment at her gallery and in their own homes.

“People come here first,” Mussafer explains, “and they see what my style is. It’s an easy bridge to work with them in their homes.” She says clients will often pick out six or seven pieces they like, “then we take the art to their homes to see what works.”

The warm glow from the lighting, and a background of earthy colors help clients feel an immediate connection with the art.

“When they walk in,” Mussafer says, “they identify with a great many of the artists I represent. By seeing the art within the context of Jules Place; they can determine how it will look in their own home.”

For a woman whose background includes an MBA from The Wharton School and 10 years in the business world, the leap to art dealer might seem bizarre. But Mussafer says she comes by it naturally.

“I grew up in a household surrounded by an incredible amount of art and antiques,” she says, “with a strong emphasis on art in design…. As an adult, I’ve formulated my own vision for art.”

“Jules Place evolved naturally. An early hobby and passion for photography led me to explore my love for art. Friends who saw my collection identified with my taste and encouraged me to make this into a business, and Jules Place was born.”

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This story ran in the Boston Globe Magazine on 2/16/2003.