Today we’d like to introduce you to Griffin Cordell and Leah Odom.
Hi Griffin and Leah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
906 Art gallery opened October of 2023 in Greer SC. We. began with two studio artists, Griffin and Nicholas, and local writer Leah. Leah was spearheading the creative task of directing the gallery, and we were all hard at work behind the scenes. The initial drive of the gallery was to display the works of Griffin and Nicholas, but soon expanded as we began to work with artists that we still represent today. Nicholas made the move from partner to represented artist, and Griffin and I headed the gallery off on our own and moved to Greenville. The vision of statement artwork coming from far and wide, nationally and internationally, resonated with artists and collectors alike. We’ve been very lucky to meet incredible people that have participated in creating and supporting this pocket of creativity in the Upstate.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Creating the gallery has presented a set of obstacles that feel daunting, but are well known amongst any group of small business owners. As first time business owners, we took on the lengthy process of learning how to tackle taxes, permitting, and any other administrative duties. Then there are hardships that are particular to the art world. The pay is inconsistent so budgeting is essential. Finding the right ways to reach people that connect with our work was a trial and error process. Business ownership bleeds into home life as well, especially when your business partner is also your life partner. Griffin has struggled with balancing his responsibilities as a gallery owner with making time to create artwork. Griffin and Leah both struggle with taking responsibilities of the gallery home with them. We always do our best not to talk about work too extensively at home, and take care to devote as much time as possible to friends, family, and date nights.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a fine art gallery located in the Village of West Greenville. We specialize in providing collectors with statement pieces from local, national and international artists. We have rotating exhibitions every two months, and frequently refresh our gallery with works from our eleven represented artists. We carry an impressive amount of figurative work, as well as unconventional abstract works that emphasize the interesting processes. Most of our work has a narrative quality as well and we love talking about the works to our collectors and visitors of the gallery.
We host events like figure drawing every other Tuesday at the gallery, and have occasional film showings after close. We also rent our gallery out for private events like parties and showers.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking in the art world can be so fun. If there’s any advice we can offer in terms of networking or finding a mentor, it’s to be honest about where you are in your journey without downplaying your achievements. Pick a goal and find someone who has exceeded it. Ask them questions about their methods and their supports. People typically aren’t withholding and want to be helpful! Approach everyone with a playful curiosity and without demands.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.906art.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/906artgallery/?hl=en
