Written by: Sarah Ericson
The downtown Whitefish art scene is a vibrant place that welcomes artists, collectors, and casual admirers alike. And for Derek and Elizabeth Vandeberg, owners of FoR Fine Art, it is a community where they feel right at home. Since opening their Central Avenue location in 2017, this gallery and custom frame shop has established itself as one of the premier locations for contemporary and traditional art. But FoR displays more than just fine art; it exhibits a welcoming atmosphere that makes art accessible for everyone.
BIGFORK’S FRAME OF REFERENCE
Derek Vandeberg grew up in Missoula and was immersed in the arts from an early age. Members of Derek’s multi-generational Montana family rubbed elbows with literary giants like Richard Hugo and Jim Harrison. Storytelling remained at his core as he gravitated away from the humanities and into the world of cycling. But after years of working in bike shops and gaining a mastery of bicycle frames, he deviated to studying a different kind of frame. “In 1993, I got a job at a custom picture framing business in Missoula,” says Derek. “Immediately, I found a familiar blend of artistry and craftsmanship in a new discipline.”
“WE’D ENJOYED SO MUCH SUCCESS IN BIGFORK, BUT THE SEASON IS SHORT. COMPARED TO BIGFORK’S 10-WEEK SEASON, WHITEFISH FEELS ALIVE 10 MONTHS A YEAR. AND NOW THOSE TWO SLEEPY SHOULDER SEASON MONTHS ARE DISAPPEARING TOO.“
▲ Quiet Waters | bronze and walnut | 28” x 9” x 9” | Tyrel Johnson
After a few years studying under the frame shop’s owners, Derek found his way to Bigfork and opened up his first business, Frame of Reference. “In 1998, Bigfork was the epicenter of Western Montana’s art scene. There were 13 galleries on Electric Avenue at the time, so adding a shop with custom framing services was a welcome addition,” he says. Gradually, the shop evolved into an art gallery inside a frame shop. “At first I didn’t know much about gallery curation, but we had such great walls and our space transformed over time,” he says. From 1998 to 2016, while Frame of Reference blossomed, Derek kept his eyes on Flathead Valley expansion opportunities.
▲ In Between Flights | oil | 24” x 48” | Donald Yatomi
A NEW HOME IN WHITEFISH
Opening a second location had been on Derek’s wish list for a long time, but staffing multiple galleries was a limiting factor. Derek and Elizabeth got married in 2016, and just one month later the perfect gallery space opened on Central Avenue in Whitefish. The Vandebergs added a few new team members, including partner Tula Thompson, who brought both an extensive knowledge of historical western art and the business experience necessary to help craft a larger vision. In early 2017, they were poised to make it a reality and FoR Fine Art was born. “We’d enjoyed so much success in Bigfork, but the season is short,” says Derek. “Compared to Bigfork’s 10-week season, Whitefish feels alive 10 months a year. And now those two sleepy shoulder season months are disappearing too.”
“THERE ARE NINE MAJOR GALLERIES DOWNTOWN AND SEVERAL OTHER PARTICIPATING RETAIL SPACES, AND WE ARE PROUD TO WORK TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE.“
Winter | mixed media | 16” x 18” | Amy Brakeman Livezey ▲
The Bigfork location closed for a few years and reopened next door to the original location in 2021, giving FoR two galleries in the Flathead Valley. They both continue to offer the custom framing services on which their reputation was built, while their galleries have gained notoriety of their own.
▲ Out For More | ink and acrylic | 9’5” x 15.25” | John Isaiah Pepion
In addition to the Vandebergs, FoR’s Bigfork location is managed by Bryce Bennett, who “is integral to the success of both galleries,” says Elizabeth. “He does a lot of the curating and rotates art regularly, keeping everything fresh.” Caitlyn Lofgren also joined the team as a custom framer, and she rounds out the team with her specialized craftsmanship. “Bryce and Caitlyn’s expertise allow us to step back and handle all of the big-picture front- and back-of-the-house operations. We’re able to focus on long-range planning for the future of the galleries,” says Derek.
“THERE ARE FAMILIAR FACES WHO COME IN AT THE SAME TIME EVERY WEEK. OTHER PEOPLE VISIT WHENEVER THEY HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN TOWN. WE’RE A STOP ON THEIR HOMETOWN TOUR! AND WE EVEN HAVE A GROUP OF YOUNG KIDS WHO COME IN ON THEIR WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL. I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYONE WHO VALUES OUR SPACE, WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE BUYING ANYTHING. ART IS ESSENTIAL, AND OUR MOST IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS COMMUNITY IS PROVIDING ACCESS TO ART.“
▲ Mingling 3 | oil | 36” x 48” | Pascale Ouellet
The cohesive teamwork allows the FoR team to excel at every layer of their services, including public gallery hours, private appointments for custom framing and interior designer consultation, historic art consignment, and more. Kootenay and Lily are the Vandebergs’ four-footed team members, and while they don’t have specific fine art training, they certainly have a fan club that visits the gallery in search of canine cuddles.
Each team member’s area of specialization fortifies FoR’s diverse offerings, and Elizabeth’s skillset is no exception. With previous experience in project management and web development, she revolutionized the gallery’s digital footprint. “Our online presence was up and running long before COVID happened, so we were poised to weather that storm,” says Derek. Online sales have proven to be an essential part of FoR’s business—one that the Vandebergs embrace as part of their three-decades-long story.
ART IS FOR EVERYONE
“I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERYONE WHO VALUES OUR SPACE, WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE BUYING ANYTHING. ART IS ESSENTIAL, AND OUR MOST IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS COMMUNITY IS PROVIDING ACCESS TO ART.“
A Good Place to Be | oil | 48” x 48” | Caleb Meyer ▲
While the fine art industry can carry a highbrow stereotype, Derek and Elizabeth are exceedingly proud of their ability to connect with diverse audiences. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than during Whitefish Gallery Nights, a community event hosted on the first Thursday throughout the summer and fall months. “There are nine major galleries downtown and several other participating retail spaces, and we are proud to work together to celebrate,” says Derek. Each gallery hosts an evening of new exhibits, entertainment, and refreshments that welcomes locals, part-time residents, and visitors. These vibrant gatherings are an opportunity for everyone—regardless of their art fluency—to appreciate, learn, and interact across the spectrum of art knowledge.
Outside of Gallery Nights, Derek appreciates their wide range of gallery regulars. “There are familiar faces who come in at the same time every week. Other people visit whenever they have friends and family in town. We’re a stop on their hometown tour! And we even have a group of young kids who come in on their way home from school,” he says. “I am grateful for everyone who values our space, whether or not they are buying anything. Art is essential, and our most important role in this community is providing access to art.”
“WE REPRESENT MANY MONTANA ARTISTS WITH WHOM WE’VE MAINTAINED RELATIONSHIPS OVER THE YEARS. WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO EXHIBIT A GROWING NUMBER OF NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS TELLING THEIR OWN STORIES.“
▲ Back To When You Saw Me | oil | 30” x 40” | Richie Carter
Derek and Elizabeth share a memory when art’s importance became indisputably clear. “When public spaces began opening up after the stay-at-home orders in 2020, we unlocked the doors and witnessed people walk in and simply exhale,” they say. “They were able to relax in a way that they hadn’t for a long time. Art is that essential to a person’s quality of life.”
Not only is the gallery a place for everyone, but there is also something for everyone inside. Original artwork ranges from $200 to $200,000, and custom framing services are available in a vast array of options, from simple and budget-friendly to exquisitely hand-crafted and design-driven. As for subject matter, traditional and contemporary artwork created by locally and globally recognized artists is represented. “We represent many Montana artists with whom we’ve maintained relationships over the years. We are also proud to exhibit a growing number of Native American artists telling their own stories,” says Derek.
“WE AIM TO PROMOTE WORK THAT WE LIKE MADE BY PEOPLE WE LIKE.“
Elizabeth & Derek Vandeberg, Owners, FoR Fine Art ▲
Among the nearly 70 artists represented, the gallery is displaying works by local and Northwest regional artists such as Aaron Hazel, Amy Lay, Caleb Meyer, John Isaiah Pepion, and Michele Usibelli. FoR is committed to promoting artists who bring a fresh perspective to familiar themes and artists who have personal integrity. “We aim to promote work that we like made by people we like,” Derek says.
Walking into FoR Fine Art feels the same, whether it’s a quiet Tuesday morning or a festive Whitefish Gallery Night. Visitors are surrounded by art that makes them feel alive, made by artists who create with intention and integrity. Next time you’re walking down Central Avenue, be sure to stop in, take a deep breath, and discover the gift of art in everyday life.
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