Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Cappelletti.
Hi Nick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I came to the art world later in life, and in some ways that’s been a gift. In my forties, I started spending time around artists and creative communities and it felt alive and stimulating. What began as curiosity turned into a real pull. I started traveling not with a plan, but with intent seeking out artists, studios, small shows, conversations. The more I immersed myself in it, the more I wanted to be part of it.
I began collecting work, then painting on my own, and over time many of the artists I met became friends. That mattered to me. I wasn’t interested in a distant, transactional relationship with art. I wanted proximity to the people, the process, the risk.
At the same time I met and became partners with a local artist, Michelle Pizzo. That led me to open Capizzo Studio & Gallery in Saugatuck MI (Cappelletti/Pizzo) , specifically to explore, engage and show the work of underexposed artists. We saw an underserved community of artists and buyers and we embraced being the unconvetional gallery. Sometimes I jokingly call us the outsiders.
Most of the artists we show become friends. Many have never shown before. The work is often raw, unfinished, or uncomfortable — and that’s intentional. I’m drawn to art that hasn’t been over-polished or over-explained, and to artists who are still taking risks.
Looking back, the through-line is curiosity and movement. I followed what energized me, I wasn’t afraid to take risks or look out of place, and I trusted relationships more than rules. What started as a personal search has grown into a community of artists, collaborators and collectors and that spirit — informal, exploratory, and a little defiant — still defines what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most creative ventures, the biggest challenges have been practical and operational rather than philosophical. Operations, logistics, and sustainability are always part, balancing the creative side with the realities of running a business.
Working with emerging artists also comes with its own learning curve. Many are showing for the first time, which means there’s a lot of mentoring, educating, and problem-solving behind the scenes. That’s rewarding, but it requires patience and flexibility.
Being unconventional means there isn’t always a clear blueprint to follow, so you’re constantly adjusting, figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep things moving forward without losing the spirit of why you started.
We keep our foot on the gas so there’s the need for balance, rest and appreciation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Capizzo is an art gallery and cultural space in Saugatuck, Michigan, about 2,000 square feet, with a large backyard that allows us to host live music and events. It’s intentionally.
We represent roughly 25 artists from across the country, and the group is highly curated. Many of the artists are emerging, and all are chosen because the work feels honest and alive. Alongside contemporary art, we also show fine, collectible vintage pieces, a small selection of furniture, and jewelry all chosen with the same eye and point of view.
More than anything, Capizzo is meant to function as a cultural space. It’s a place where art, music, conversation, and community overlap. The goal isn’t to feel precious or intimidating, but to create an environment where people can engage whether they come for a show, a concert, or simply out of curiosity.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is part of the daily rhythm here. In my Gallery, there’s no such thing as playing it completely safe especially when you’re working with artists who are putting their hearts out in the open.
When we choose to represent an artist, we’re being entrusted with their work, their vulnerability, and their belief that someone will show up for it. That’s not something we take lightly. There’s real courage involved on both sides.
We also take risks in the kinds of shows we produce from community-driven exhibitions like the Pride show or Faces of Saugatuck, to bringing in a new artist or booking a band that hasn’t played the area before. Each decision is a step into the unknown.
But that’s where the energy comes from. Growth happens when you’re willing to step out, try something new, and see who responds. Not every risk pays off the same way, but every one moves the work and the community forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capizzostudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capizzogallerystudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapizzoArt/
