When Dunville Gallery owner Mel Neville announced he would close his gallery and custom framing business this past summer he thought it would be final by mid-October. The West Seattle Herald profiled Neville and his business last August.

But that story changed everything.

"The day after the story appeared in the Herald," Neville said, " a customer walked in and spent $3200."
The truth is, the gallery is so jammed with so many pieces of art and so many of them that are there because of Neville's own refined sense of style and taste that he could go for a long time just selling his inventory.

"My walk in business quadrupled because of that story," he continued, "so I have to put off my final closing date to the end of November. We've had an unbelievable amount of sales just since the article has been out."

This is the second time he's had to extend the closing date in fact because the volume of sales has been so high.

"At the end of November is when we will have the actual auction here and they will auction every remaining item in the building down to the pencils."

His plan is to travel with his girlfriend Beth Adkins once everything is gone.

He's also close to selling his custom built house in McMicken Heights north of SeaTac. As soon as his house is sold, "Then we'll be able to get into our magnificent motor home and start our wonderful travels. That's the hope."

In the meantime, the Dunville Gallery at 9025 35th s.w. is still open, with a lot of great art, frames and other items, many of which are 75% off. After 37 years, Neville is thrilled to be so busy, and looking forward to his next adventure.

You can reach Neville at 206 935-7557 or 206-243-8767. The Dunville Gallery is located at 9025 35th Ave s.w.