The glave kocen gallery is a 3200 square foot contemporary art gallery in Richmond, Virginia. We have a warm and inviting approach to artists and art collectors alike. You'll see from this website what our sensibilites are all about. . . . vibrant colors, warmth, whimsy, soothing and inviting qualities...this is the stuff we hang our hat on. Our mission is to seek out positive artists creating positive work. That might be a little hokey sounding but we are left brained folk and we just don't want bad mojo in your home or office. We take the utmost care in selecting these artists and we're proud to say they are among the best regionally and nationally.

Building- 1620 West Main Street

The building itself is deeply rooted in Richmond's history. At the turn of the century, the building housed and turned around the electric trolley cars that ran up Main Street and down Broad Street. In 1926, BJ's great grandfather, Abraham Brown and his brother, Isador, acquired "Try Me Beverage's" and expanded their business onto West Main Street. 11 years later they changed the name to "The Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Richmond." 1951 brought the final name change to "Brown Distributing" headed up by BJ's grandfather Jacob Brown and his father "Abe" Brown.

Jennifer and BJ Kocen

Jennifer Glave and BJ Kocen met while working together on a project in Ashland, Virginia back in 2001. The movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" was what brought them together. The happy couple married in September 2004 and have been working together ever since. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in the fine art gallery business while BJ has been involved in the arts through theater and music. He joined Jennifer at the Rentz Gallery over 3 years ago as their Promotions Manager and in June 2007 they ventured off on their own.

An opportunity arose for the couple to expand the gallery and when looking for real estate they came across 1620 West Main Street and knew that it was serendipitous. "We knew right away when we walked into the back door that it was going to be the glave kocen gallery," says BJ. "There was a vibe in the space, a pull so to speak, and we told the developer right then and there that we wanted it." No poker face involved. The building was back in the family at long last. Abe and Jacob Brown would be so proud. It just goes to show that you never know where your life will lead you...but it sure is a wonderful life!