Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Buxo.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Greenville, SC in 2006 and began searching for a cooperative gallery where I could display my paintings. When I couldn’t find a suitable option, I decided to start one myself. I was soon joined by Edith McBee Hardaway and Gerda Bowman, and together we formed the Executive Committee of what became the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville.
Since then, the gallery has grown into a vibrant collective of 18 full-time, local juried artists, along with several consigning artists. What started as a simple desire to share artwork has evolved into a thriving space that supports and showcases some of Greenville’s most talented creatives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting any business is a challenge, and launching a cooperative gallery was no exception. Greenville is home to many exceptional artists, but one of our biggest hurdles wasn’t just finding great talent—it was finding artists willing to be actively involved in running the gallery.
Because we are a cooperative, every member plays a role—whether it’s handling finances, designing and maintaining the website, managing social media, coordinating special events, or organizing our Guest Artist Program. It takes a village, and we’re fortunate to have one made up of passionate, dedicated individuals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always loved playing with paint, both watercolor and oils. So much fun and a lot of hard work! Traditionally, my paintings have been on the larger size. I also create a small painting almost every day giviving me the opportunity to explore design, color, and style without fear. Most of all, I try to have fun and not get too serious about the process or my subject. The artists that have inspired me the most are John Singer Sargent and Richard Schmid.
What does success mean to you?
How do you define success?
To us, success is about creating a sustainable, full-time venue where local artists can display and sell their work. As a limited-membership gallery, we wanted to find a way to support even more artists in the area, which led us to launch our Guest Artist Program. This program offers non-member artists the chance to exhibit in the gallery for a one-month period. To date, over 150 artists have participated in this program. It has become so popular that all of 2026 is fully booked, with reservations now being made for 2027.
We have also joined forces with several local non-profits to showcase their work and to raise money for them.
Another mark of our success is longevity. We’re proud to be the oldest cooperative gallery in Greenville, celebrating 18 years this November. Our continued growth and strong community presence are testaments to the passion and commitment of the artists who call this gallery home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artistsguildgalleryofgreenville.com/
- Instagram: artistsguildgallerygreenville
- Facebook: artistsguildgalleryofgreenville
