Movers and Shapers

Lewis Wexler, Wexler Gallery
201 North 3rd Street, 215-923-7030, wexlergallery.com

Wexler’s interest in DesignPhiladelphia is quite simple. As a purveyor of handcrafted modern art, he cheers the opportunity to point out what he considers a remarkable instance of Philly design: his block of North 3rd Street in Old City. Up and down the block, Wexler notes Minima, ModeModerne, Moderne and Reform — all, like his gallery, retailers of modern 20th- and 21st-century furnishings and art. “Philadelphia is known as a more conservative city,” he says. “It’s nice to have a venue like DesignPhiladelphia that focuses on modern design.”

Best known for: Former Christie’s assistant VP; internationally recognized glass and ceramics dealer; representative of more than 120 artists.

What he’s doing this year: Exhibiting the work of his latest find, Matthias Pliessnig, a young Wisconsin furniture maker whose airy wooden sculptures turn chairs and sofas into delicate works of art. “He bridges that gap between high design and handcrafted furniture,” says Wexler.