The Fafa Gallery, an art gallery and frame shop located at 438 Andrews Highway, is redefining Midland’s artistic landscape by making art accessible to all. Founded in 2020 by local resident Jeffery Neel, the gallery offers affordable art sales, rentals and custom framing services as well as community events.
In an interview with Midland Times, Neel discussed the story behind the business, his experience in the industry as well as programs hosted by the gallery that foster community engagement.
The year 2012 is when his interest in the art and collectibles industry was “sparked” his wife, a then-UTPB student, invited him to an art show. There, he made his first purchase — a painting of Jimi Hendrix — which he decided to display at a local barbershop.
As Neel’s collection grew, he began rotating pieces in various locations, adjusting them with the seasons and trends. Faced with budget constraints, he began to explore art rental services to provide individuals access to art at affordable rates. According to Neel, this desire to make art accessible to all, regardless of financial status, is the concept from which the gallery was born.
Outside of the gallery, Neel has served as a business advisor for the Small Business Development Center program at UT Permian Basin, providing free business consulting to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Midland and Odessa.
Upcoming events at the Fafa Gallery include its Big Small Business Saturday Auction to be held Nov. 30 at 8 p.m., where local artists will be able to showcase and sell their work to fellow community members, according to Neel.
The gallery also hosts a gathering every Monday at 7 p.m. for artists and art enthusiasts to discuss and collaborate on different works of art.
More details about the gallery and upcoming events can be found at thefafagallery.com.