About two months ago, New Albany introduced its first art gallery, one that could easily rival any longstanding, reputable space in any renowned arts district. What’s intriguing about Hayley Gallery is that it is the brainchild not of an artist or a Columbus native, but that of an avid art collector fulfilling a lifelong passion.

Owner Hayley Savage is a Long Island native, who came to Central Ohio by way of Chicago. About 3 ½ years ago, she moved to New Albany when her job brought her to the area. She was attracted to the suburb by its reputable school system for her two children, then ages 2 and 11.

Beyond the schools, Savage adored New Albany’s charm and potential, especially with the new OH-161 interchange and the Performing Arts Center which was in the works.

Savage tested the waters through networking and by debuting Art in New Albany (AINA), a fundraising effort on behalf of Temple Beth Shalom. When the event attracted 100 Ohio artists and raised nearly $50,000, she knew this was the place for her – and the perfect site for a gallery. A realtor found her location at 45 S. Second St., which served as a fire station from 1945 to 1995, and most recently a ballet studio. “It looked like a warehouse. I think people thought I was a little batty when I got excited about it,” Savage says.

Savage has a different eye than most, however. She knows what fits where on a visual level. Her taste is flawless; every detail and renovation (and there were a lot), every piece of artwork has a “wow” factor. The gallery is spacious, stunning and dramatic. “It’s a happy space,” she says.

Credit Savage’s sister, a retired art teacher, for initially getting her interested in art and consequently bringing a refreshing new addition to Columbus’ scene. Not only was Savage exposed to the biggest and best museums in New York City when she was younger, but she also increased her repertoire by helping out in her sister’s art shop.

Savage has been a serious collector for 25 years. Her first paycheck after graduating from Long Island’s Hofstra University was spent on a piece of art.

“I just want to be surrounded by things that move me. I feel a physical change when I see art. It delivers an emotion for me that chocolate doesn’t,” Savage says.

Ironically, Savage has never fully been immersed in the art world until now. She spent 25 years working in the trenches of corporate America, even earning a lifetime achievement award for her work in sales and customer care. “My forte is in sales and marketing, but my passion is in art. I spent many years working for corporations and it was enough. I just became very inspired to change my life,” Savage says. “I was enriched, and now – with this gallery – I am fulfilled.”

The gallery is sure to be a formidable addition to the emergent Columbus arts scene. Savage’s impetus is simply to discover worthy artists and launch careers. In fact, she’s done so already, before the gallery even opened. While enjoying lunch at a coffeehouse recently, a painting caught her eye. She discovered it was done by one of the waitresses, and she’s since sold three of her pieces.

Ninety percent of the art featured at Hayley Gallery is by Ohio artists, from oil paintings to jewelry to “photo text.” Savage insists there will be nothing displayed in her gallery that she wouldn’t put in her own home. “I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time,” she says. “But I am only as strong as the artists. Their work blows me away; it brings beauty to people’s lives. You can have the space and the lighting and the marketing, but if the art doesn’t resonate, you won’t succeed.”

Few perhaps think of artistic possibilities outside of the I-270 loop, but Savage is on to something here. With her forward thinking and vision, New Albany is positioned to become the next art destination.

Visit www.hayleygallery.com for a complete list of artists featured and more information on their work.

Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.