By: James Manley

On a quiet block of Second Avenue, a short walk from the United Nations, sits a small storefront that has gradually become one of New York City’s most beloved treasures. Galleria on Third, now in its 26th year, is not only one of the highly-rated custom framing shops in the city but also the heart and soul of its founder, Bangladeshi-born artist and philanthropist Shadin Hossain.

Hossain came to America at 17 with little more than a dream. Like so many immigrants before him, he worked hard, trained in fine art framing, and eventually opened his own shop in 1999. In the decades since, Galleria on Third has evolved into a hub for art, community, and charity. Known for its museum-quality framing and warm customer service, the gallery is equally defined by the strikingly vibrant artwork that lines its walls—pieces that blend pop art, folk art, and three-dimensional collage into a kaleidoscope of color and culture.

But ask Hossain what he is most proud of, and he won’t point to the celebrities who’ve entrusted their art to his hands or the collectors who seek out his bold canvases. Instead, he’ll talk about giving back. “New York gave me a home, a business, and a community,” he said recently. “It’s my duty to give back.”

For over a decade, Hossain has hosted annual Benefit Art Shows, donating half of each sale to children’s charities. Past beneficiaries have included St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Smile Train, and World Vision. The events have drawn coverage from NY1, the Daily News, Art Business News, and more, helping to establish Galleria on Third’s reputation as a gallery where commerce and compassion meet.

This year, the philanthropic spotlight shifts to a global scale. As New York gears up to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hossain has created an entire collection inspired by the game that unites billions. “Soccer is the world’s biggest game, and New York is the world’s biggest stage,” he explained. “When I put them together in my art, it shows how the world connects here.”

The 13th Annual Benefit Art Show, currently on display, features his World Cup 2026 Collection. Fifty percent of proceeds will go to UNICEF, an organization whose mission, like the tournament itself, is global. “The World Cup is about unity,” Hossain said. “I wanted the charity to reflect that.”

Hossain’s distinctive style is as colorful as the city he calls home. His works often layer bold hues, playful imagery, and textured collage elements that emerge from the canvas. Pop art sensibilities meet folk art warmth, all grounded in a love for cultural symbolism. “I want people to feel happiness, energy, and maybe a little surprise,” he said. “If someone smiles when they see my art, then I’ve done my job.”

In addition to originals and framed prints, Hossain has expanded into wearable art. Limited-edition t-shirts and other items allow his designs to spill beyond the walls of his gallery and into the streets of New York. “Not everyone can hang a big frame in their home,” he said with a laugh, “but anyone can wear a t-shirt. Wearable art takes creativity into everyday life—it’s fun, affordable, and helps spread the message further.”

Accessibility is important to Hossain, whose pieces start at just $99. He insists that art should be within reach for students, families, and young collectors. “Art shouldn’t only be for the rich,” he said. “It’s about sharing joy, not just making money.”

Hossain speaks often of the ways New York City has given to him, but he is quick to recall the times its people lifted him up. After the September 11 attacks, the gallery became an informal gathering place where neighbors came to share stories and grieve together. “They supported me, trusted me, treated me like family,” he recalled. “That’s when I knew: I wasn’t just running a business—I was part of a community.”

That sense of belonging has defined the gallery’s culture. Regular customers know Hossain by name, and over the years, many have become friends. Some bring in their children, who later bring in their own. “The true success of my gallery isn’t measured in dollars,” he said, “but in the friendships that were born here.”

Looking back, Hossain considers his most meaningful achievement not the gallery’s longevity or the press attention but the legacy of kindness it represents. Named New Yorker of the Week by NY1 for his philanthropic efforts, he sees the Benefit Shows as a way of passing on the generosity he received.

As he approaches three decades in business, he has no plans of slowing down. Future projects include larger-scale installations, more wearable art, and new benefit shows supporting global causes. “My dream is simple,” he said. “To leave behind a legacy of creativity, kindness, and community.”
In the coming years, when the World Cup brings fans from every corner of the globe to New York, Hossain’s art will already be telling the story: of a city that embraces the world, and of one man who came here with little but gave back in abundance.

At Galleria on Third, the frames hold more than just art—they hold a testament to resilience, generosity, and the belief that beauty, when shared, can positively impact lives.