"My gallery was founded on the belief that art is essential; my philosophy as a gallery owner is that it should be accessible as well."

It's a sunny afternoon in Larchmont and Kenise Barnes and I are sitting inside her Palmer Avenue gallery, talking life, love and the pursuits of connecting audiences with art.

Over the past 14 years, Kenise Barnes Fine Art has been doing just that, introducing collectors, buyers and art enthusiasts throughout Westchester (and beyond, thanks to her Web site KBFA.com) to an array of artists - ranging from the established to the emerging.

The gallery's current installation, aptly entitled "Director's Choice," is a testament to just how varying in artistic style and personality the 30-some artists that Barnes currently represents really are.

The show features a few of Barnes' favorite pieces- some new, some old. "I'm seeing this as an opportunity to give the works that didn't fit into this  year's busy schedule a chance to be seen," she said. 

The show is a chance to get a glimpse into what makes Barnes and the world of contemporary art tick.  (A former specialist in charge of contemporary art at Christie's East, Barnes is the neighbor and expert I want by my side.)

As we walked through the gallery, Barnes clued me into the stories behind the artists and their work. Joanne Mattera is an expert in encaustic art,"a medium that uses colored wax for its pigment," Barnes explains. 

Joni Sternbach is a photographer from Brooklyn whose hauntingly beautiful images of surfers are capturing national accolades.

Michiyo Ihara creates such intricate drawings it's hard to believe that only pencil and paper are involved in their creation.

As we round the corner, I comment on how the light streaming through the windows seems to be causing one canvas, a colorful abstract by Miami-based artist Yolanda Sanchez, to appear as if it were virtually popping off of the wall. A man passing by on the sidewalk seems to agree. Waving into Barnes, he points to the canvas in a gesture of approval. She waves back telling me, "I've had lots of visitors comment that just looking at her paintings makes them feel happy."

The fact that the painting is called "The Cure", seems only apropos.

Beyond the main gallery space, Barnes has begun focusing on yet another way to make art accessible to her customers.  Dubbed "The Sweet Spot," the back room is now stocked with artist-made designs and products, ranging in price from $100 to $1,000.

Olive oil dipping bowls designed by artist Mary Judge are made in the Italian region of Umbria, where she vacations each year.

The most lovely petite etchings by Pelham-based artist Andrea Kantrowitz would make a cherished gift, I'm sure- each piece comes with it's own unique history.

Caught up in her enthusiasm, I can't help but think that the gallery's airy, chic style and it's intriguing contents could rival any haughty city art space.  All that is missing, I happily realize, is the snobby "airs" so often associated with such a place.

"There's no pretense here," Barnes assures me.

"I remember when my children were very young and I would take them with me to visit galleries in SoHo," she said. "Here I was, working in the art world and even I was intimidated by the attitude most galleries displayed. They appeared to barely want you there- they most certainly did not want your children there."

A low table strategically topped with colored pencils and toys at the gallery's entrance only confirms Barnes' welcoming attitude.

"So everyone should feel free to come in and look around?" I asked, "even if they are not currently in the market to buy?"

"Yes, most definitely.  Come in, look, ask questions, bring your children. Often times," she adds with a laugh, "it's our children who possess the wonder and openness to truly experience and appreciate the art."