Roy Saper has mixed economics and art to create a very successful business that just celebrated its 30^th anniversary.

That may seem like an odd combination, but for Saper it’s a perfect mix. He founded Saper Galleries in his former Bailey Street home in East Lansing in 1978 after   completing his graduate studies in economics at Michigan State University. 

Today the award-winning 6,000-square-foot art gallery features elegant skylights and neutral colored walls and carpet that allow colorful oil paintings and marble vases to dazzle with stunning visual splendor. Soft music plays throughout as Alto Relief sculptures from Bill Mack and magnificent floral paintings of Brian Davis and other art notables grace their beige-walled surroundings.

Saper has a love of the visual arts. The former professional photographer and viola player launched his business after friends told him they liked his art collection and wanted to buy pieces from it.

 “This has been just a dream come true. I only collect and sell artwork that I appreciate and like. However, my business grew because I responded to what my clients were looking for. Listening to what your customers tell you and being able to satisfy their needs by giving them exactly what they want--we’ve lived by that philosophy for 30 years now,” says Saper.

Saper Galleries, which also provides custom framing, consulting services, appraisal services and free art searches, has received many awards over the years, including being named Décor Magazine’s selection as the number one gallery for 2007. Saper is often tapped to speak at art conferences and symposiums because of his knowledge of the art gallery business.

“We focus on what we know best. We want to be a leader in the industry. That is how you grow your business the right way. I work 16 to 18 hours a day at this. It’s everything I do. You have to do that to survive,” Saper says.

When one strolls through the museum-like gallery, which at any one time could include 1,500 works of art by 150 different artists, the quality of Saper’s collection is clearly evident. All art media is crisply displayed, from paintings, drawings, sculptures, limited edition prints, holographs, hand-blown glass to Raku and bas-reliefs.

 “I have always appreciated quality work. The execution and creativity of others impresses me. I look for quality and that which hasn’t been done before. I like things that are a bit different and provide a sense of calm. I look for harmony and colors…all the elements of composition,” Saper says.

The artistic tastes of Saper’s clientele are constantly being broadened due to the increasing variety of art media, Saper adds. New technologies allow for art to be created using different techniques.

“There is more experimentation in art these days. I lean toward contemporary art, so I like much of it. Some I wouldn’t consider buying,” Saper says.

Reading the client testimonials on Saper Galleries’ website, which are totally unsolicited and overwhelmingly flattering, one can clearly understand the devotion Saper has to his customers.

“That is why we are in business. People know what they like, but we guide them through the process and not in an intimidating way. We make the process of selecting art very comfortable,” Saper explains.

Saper, who has routinely traveled to China, Japan, Europe and Australia over the years in his quest for fine art, uses the Internet more and more to find pieces to add to his collection. He doesn’t miss the travel and puts the time he saves to good use by spending more time with his wife and family. In fact, ask him what part of his art collection he is most proud of, and he points to a small display near his desk of paintings and art projects created by his two sons.

 “That is what really counts. My boys [ages 17 and 22] gave me those things, and they are priceless,” Saper adds.

Business art is an important part of Saper’s gallery. Corporations, associations, hospitals and professional offices looking for artistic décor often can find that perfect piece to become their atrium’s centerpiece.

 “We do a lot of commercial work. It could be paintings, sculpture or three-dimensional works,” Saper says. “We can commission whatever a customer is looking for. Much of what we do is having works of art created explicitly for spaces in homes and offices.”

While the state’s struggling economy has impacted his walk-in gallery’s business, Web retailing has helped ease the impact, and plays a crucial role in Saper’s current business success. Online sales have soared the last five years, sometimes accounting for nearly 60 percent of the gallery’s monthly sales.

 “You can only have so much within the walls of the brick-and-mortar building. But online, it is all there for customers all over the world to peruse,” Saper says. “We’ve had months where 50 percent of our business has come from outside the United States thanks to the Internet.”

Meanwhile, look for more exclusive art exhibits coming to Saper Galleries, like the recently completed “The Art of Dr. Seuss” exhibit, which closed in early January. Through the years Saper’s art exhibitions have included showings of work from Michael Callihan, Picasso and Sunol Alvar.

The gallery’s in-house custom framing department continues to be a source of pride for Saper. The gallery specializes in archival framing and provides framing services for artists and collectors around the country.

“Our framing team here is outstanding. They have all been with me for a long time. Plus, they all have degrees in art,” Saper notes.

Expect Saper and his staff of seven full-time employees to continue to live by the same business philosophy that has served the store so well for 30-plus years.

 “What distinguishes us from others is that we never say no. If you don’t say no to your clients, they will be your clients for life. Whether it is the governor of Michigan or a MSU student who wants to buy something for his parents as a gift, respond to their needs and they will be loyal customers. That is not a culture of most businesses I know,” Saper says. “Good customer service is zero cost but offers phenomenal return. We practice that every day.”

By Randy J. Stine

Saper Galleries

Roy Saper, Owner

433 Albert Ave.

East Lansing 

517-351-0815

www.sapergalleries.com