Nestled in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Palm Avenue Fine Art stands as more than just a gallery—it’s a tribute to legacy, community, and the enduring power of great art. 

Since its founding in 2014, the gallery has grown into one of the region’s most respected spaces for representational fine art. To understand what makes Palm Avenue Fine Art truly special, you need to start with the man behind it all—the late Robert Wilson. Robert wasn’t just a gallery owner; he was a presence. His voice had gravity, his charm was magnetic, and his passion for quality fine art set a tone that continues to define the gallery today.
 

Colin Thomsen, his godchild and successor, recalls Robert not only as a mentor but as family. “Robert had this incredible ability to make anyone feel seen,” Colin reflects. “He opened his first gallery in Nantucket in 1976 and became known for museum-level fine art. Even when he retired, he couldn’t stay away. I’ll never forget standing outside an empty storefront on Palm Avenue as a kid and hearing him say, ‘I’m opening another gallery.’”