Simpsonville Fine Arts Gallery offers a new space for fine artists to shine
When it comes to the arts, it’s fair to say that Greenville enjoys the lion’s share of the spotlight—but the thriving city of Simpsonville is swiftly starting to shine on a stage of its own, with the Simpsonville Fine Arts Gallery acting as the newest beacon of creativity to join the production.
Opened in November of 2024 by artist Joe Lowery, the space boasts a pleasantly meandering, intimate gallery featuring a diverse roster of 20 artists, along with a gift shop and seven private artist studios. The unique mix of represented artists, working studios, and year-round slate of classes makes the gallery the first of its kind in Simpsonville.
Immersive and beautifully laid out, despite being less than a year in operation, Simpsonville Fine Arts Gallery was born from part whim, part passion. “My wife and I were out driving around, and it just came up in a conversation—we decided that [opening this] would be a good idea and a necessary thing to do,” reveals Lowery. “It has become a center for the artists in town, a place to hang out and have community. We didn’t have that, and we deserve it.”
Pouring her heart and soul into the vibrant space alongside Lowery is artist and curator Gerri Green, who coordinates the evolving exhibit of work as well as showing her own colorful paintings. “We wanted to have a really strong fine art disposition,” says Green, who focuses on original pieces from high-caliber artists across the region at a variety of price points. “We want to provide people with an opportunity to see the value of good work.”
Collectors of fine art will recognize both local and national names on the wall, including 18 resident artists and celebrated guest artists Vladimir Demidovich and Sandra Roper. In the light-filled front room is a carefully curated gift shop with distinctive souvenirs and special occasion gifts, from jewelry to hand-woven baskets and pottery. Explore further, and you might just discover whimsical backdrops for newborn infant photography.
“At our grand opening, we saw such a tremendous response from the community. [Nearly 200] people came in that night—it was packed all the way down the hall. It really showed us the potential that this area has,” Green says, smiling. “Every town deserves a place where art is displayed and where people have access to it. Simply put, we just love having this gallery here—and we hope that everyone who walks in the door will love it. It’s certainly worth a trip.”
See what else is happening in Simpsonville.
Simsonville Fine Arts Gallery Artist Spotlight
Guest artist Vladimir Demidovich attended art school in the Soviet Union, and worked on numerous murals, posters, and art projects before the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. He later won a green card lottery and was able to leave Kyrgyzstan in 2004, landing in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he worked at Sam’s Club and continued with art on the side. He and his wife, Elena Kostiukova, moved to Greenville in 2007, where he began focusing on his art for the first time in decades. His popular pieces showcase his beloved new hometown in a bright, impressionistic style.
Simpsonville Fine Art Gallery, 106 W. Curtis St., Simpsonville, Tues.–Sat., 11a.m.–5p.m., www.simpsonvillefineartsgallery.com
