Beautiful art, perfect framing is family business

By Sheila Kratz

Along with their twin boys, Ben and Ann Massar immigrated from Holland to Dallas in the 1960s. The move was an opportunity to change careers from his fresh grocery business to founder of The Dutch Art Gallery. Ben appreciated art, and both his and Ann’s mission was to make quality art accessible to the average person. Ben cultivated local artists as well as traveled to Europe to provide the gallery with a variety of fine art. At customers’ request, the Massars began to include framing for the artwork. The teenage twin boys, Hans and Ton, along with their younger brother Ben, worked in the gallery during holidays and school vacations.

After 25 years, Ben stepped aside. He asked Pam, Han’s wife, to take over the reign of the gallery. Pam resigned from her position at Apple and has successfully overseen the gallery through some challenging times, such as 9/11 and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. She attributes this achievement to customer loyalty and accommodating their art styles and interest. Pam also recognizes the regional, national and international talented artists whose work has impacted the gallery’s success.

Pam, a stickler for details, is also the face of the gallery. Longtime customers are more like friends. Pam knows them well and remembers their families’ celebrations and all that comes with life throughout the years. Those new to the gallery might ask for the “tall lady with the long blonde hair” to assist with their framing. If she is especially busy or, on those rare days, not in the gallery, she has an ace in her pocket — Nic.

Nic, a third generation of Massar, was practically reared in the gallery. As a youngster, he was drawn to the framing room. His Opa and Oma would be proud to know that he now oversees the ever-active framing operations. Additionally, Nic accepts framing challenges most would not consider. When called upon, he uses his expertise and artistic vision to assist customers in selecting the perfect frame for their art. With his spare time, Nic is an artist as well as an outdoor camping/hiking aficionado.

Although Hans is busy with his law practice, he provides valuable insight into the operations of the gallery. Just like his father, Hans has an eye for art and will periodically acquire fantastic pieces for the gallery. The gallery has moved from an occasional art exhibit to an annual affair, which is on October 4 this year. Hans’ art background is one of the key factors in assessing art to be included in the exhibit. Customers always count on seeing Hans at the exhibit where he pours the wine and happily mingles with guests.

The Massar’s daughter, Britton, does not live in the area. However, when she visits, she is an extra bonus at the gallery. Just like her dad and Nic, she grew up at the gallery and knows all the ins and outs.

In November, The Dutch Art Gallery will celebrate 60 years of offering quality art ranging from Bluebonnet landscapes to European, Traditional, Modern and Impressionist. Ben and Ann’s vision for a better life in the United States has become a family legacy.