Whether one wears the hat of investor, collector, decorator or admirer, an afternoon stroll around area galleries is an awe inspiring spectacle.

For instance, while perusing the sales floor of Douglas Albert Gallery, 107 McAllister Alley, the senses are continually stimulated. The eye is stolen away from one work of art by a more interesting or novel piece. As Barbra Streisand croons in the background, knowledgeable assistants activate the mind through the casual discussion of unique pieces.

The range of art work available for regional art lovers to engage in is extensive. For example, owner Douglas Albert said his gallery carries original works of art that appeal to a limited market yet remain affordable. The gallery offers antique and vintage art, sculpture, African art, hand-blown glass and photography.

"What we're representing here are artists who already have reputations nationally and internationally," Albert said.

Albert also owns Uncle Eli's, an art supply and specialty shop at 129 E. Beaver Ave., which he opened as a University art student during the late 1960s. When space at Uncle Eli's became scarce, he opened the Douglas Albert Gallery.

"What we have down here (at Douglas Albert Gallery) is the good stuff, so to speak," Albert said.

Similarly, Art Works, 103 S. Allen Street, deals primarily with upscale art works, including art works by local artists such as Harold Altman. Altman is a nationally-known artist who lives in Lemont.

"We represent established artists," owner Judy Dranov said.

Directed more toward middle American pocketbooks, Von Gunden Frame and Gallery, 110 N. Allegheny in Bellefonte, carries mostly limited edition prints, decorative oil paintings -- works quickly crafted for the purposes of interior decoration -- photography and Indian sand paintings.

"Our shop is geared more toward the middle-of-the-road buyer and the average middle class homeowners looking for art to decorate their homes," said Gary Von Gunden, co-owner of Von Gunden Frame and Gallery.

Another important feature of many of the area's galleries is the inclusion of work done by local artists in addition to artists of national and international repute.

Karen Deutsch, a representative of Art Works, said the gallery displays pieces by French modern masters Bernard Cathelin and Andre Brasilier as well as those of Slippery Rock artist James Myford.

Sherry Dershimer Interior Design, 2214 N. Atherton St., draws its works from a pool of local and more widely known artists for its customers, who design assistant Michelle Hackman described as "anyone who loves a beautiful, original piece of art." Hackman said the gallery's theme is not exclusively reflective of the rural nature of its State College location.

"Right now, the pieces we have on display are fairly contemporary," she said.

Slightly removed from the quasi-metropolitan flavor of downtown State College, Barbara Kasales Fine Art Framing, 921 Pike in Lemont, emphasizes its framing services more than its sales of original art work, said proprietor Barbara Kasales.

"I basically do what's called conservation framing," she said.

Kasales explained that conservation framing uses materials and processes that protect the art work from damage. After reframing one too many reputable big city pieces that had been carelessly secured in its frame with duct tape, Kasales said she feels artists should have a greater responsibility to their clients.

Possibly as a consequence of her belief that many people misconceive art as only good if purchased in a large city, Kasales said people are often unaware of their purchases' authenticity.

"People who want to purchase art should be well informed. It's important for people to know what they're purchasing," Art Work's Dranov said. As a result, Kasales urges art buffs to patronize local artists.

"Artists don't really get the exposure here. There are some very, very good people working in this area," she said.

A final bit of advice from both Kasales and Dranov encourages art consumers to heed the adage: "Let the buyer beware."