Tucked away in the heart of Westlake, Gallery 19C is a rare gem—an international art gallery focusing on one of the richest, most diverse 100 years in the history of art. Specializing exclusively on the 19th century, Gallery 19C offers museum-quality works by the world’s most celebrated artists, connecting collectors and art lovers to a time of immense creativity and beauty.

 

The gallery’s founder, Eric Weider, didn’t set out to become an art dealer—it all started unexpectedly with a concert ticket. As a teenager on a trip to Chicago to see the Rolling Stones, Eric took a detour into the Chicago Institute of Fine Art where he was spellbound by a Renoir painting. Captivated by its beauty, he left with more than memories of the concert—he left inspired. That encounter sparked a lifelong fascination that led him to purchase his first painting just a few years later, ultimately beginning a 30-year love-affair with 19th century art as a collector, then dealer, and now gallery owner.

 

Today, Gallery 19C sells to both private collectors and world-renowned museums, including the Musée d’Orsay, The Met, and The Louvre. Yet, despite its global reach, the gallery remains deeply rooted in the local community. “We’re delighted to offer our neighbors here in Westlake and the public at large across the DFW metroplex a prime opportunity to experience our world-class, curated collection,” Eric shares.

 

What sets Gallery 19C apart is its singular focus—it is the only gallery in the world devoted exclusively to 19th-century art. Eric’s deep respect for the artists of this period drives him to uncover their stories, often through meticulous research. “All the artists I represent are gone,” he explains. “I can’t just pick up the phone or meet them for coffee. To get to know them and understand their thinking behind certain works, I have to dig deep. I read all I can, and when possible, visit the places they lived and worked, including local museums where they often have archives related to the artists with their sketchbooks and personal letters. Sometimes, I even visit their graves to pay my respects.” His commitment to authenticity and research allows him to connect modern collectors to the soul of each work.

 

Eric says one of the greatest joys of his work is discovering a remarkable piece of art and then finding the perfect home for it. Over the past six years, Gallery 19C has sold countless masterpieces and even rediscovered many lost treasures. Beyond the thrill of the find, Eric loves connecting with people, whether seasoned collectors or those just beginning their art journey, and sharing the fascinating history and stories behind each painting.

 

Beyond the walls of the gallery, Gallery 19C plays an active role in enriching the Westlake community. Each year, the gallery participates in the Westlake Tree Lighting, hosting “Late Night at the Gallery,” where visitors enjoy 19th-century carolers, gingerbread cookies, and hot cider.

 

The gallery also proudly supports Westlake Academy, sponsoring its theater productions and hosting student art shows. In addition, they’ve welcomed local school groups, nursing homes, and the public for free lectures by world-renowned art experts. Next on the calendar: an exciting collaboration with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra this January.

 

Eric, his wife, and their three children have lived in Vaquero for the past five years. Originally from Montreal and a graduate of the University of Toronto with an MBA, Eric spent three decades in Southern California before moving to Texas. He enjoys history-focused travel, often seeking out lesser-known historical sites that inspire both his personal and professional passions. Closer to home, the Weiders love dining at local restaurants, catching movies, and taking part in the area’s many family-friendly activities, from horseback riding and baseball to golf and tennis.

 

For Eric, Gallery 19C is more than a business—it’s a bridge between past and present, inviting visitors to rediscover the beauty, emotion, and mastery of a century that forever changed the art world. He invites his fellow Westlake residents to stop by the gallery, explore the extraordinary collection, attend one of their upcoming events, or simply learn more about the fascinating stories behind 19th century art.

 

Located in The Terraces at Solana, Gallery 19C is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment.