Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Aiken.
Hi Robin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
There has never been a moment in my life when I didn’t want to be immersed in the arts. As a child, I created constantly. I later attended SCAD and majored in Illustration—partly because I never felt compelled to limit myself to just one medium. After graduating, I realized that my own art-making was something I did for personal fulfillment rather than for sale or commercial purpose.
Even so, I knew I wanted to be part of the arts community in a meaningful way, and to help create space for other artists to thrive. That led me to become the Visual Arts Programs Director for the Artisphere festival in Greenville, SC, a role that deeply resonated with me. It was exciting and rewarding to help shape the artistic landscape of my hometown.
But I still felt there was more to be done. Greenville is home to an extraordinary number of talented artists, yet only a handful of galleries. I saw an opportunity—and a need—to broaden the range of work being shown and supported. And from that vision, Thornback Gallery was born.
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?
Not at all. Selling art is challenging. While art may not be a necessity in the practical sense, it’s what brings beauty, resonance, and depth to our lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Thornback Gallery?
Thornback Gallery presents contemporary work from emerging, mid-career, and established artists with distinct voices and strong studio practices. We are dedicated to supporting artists, expanding conversations around art in the Upstate, and connecting collectors with meaningful, thoughtfully curated work.
Greenville has exceptional creative talent, but limited gallery representation. Thornback exists to broaden that landscape, introducing perspectives, mediums, and approaches that may not have previously had a platform here.
Any big plans?
Increase community engagement through artist talks, studio visits, workshops, collector education, and events that make contemporary art accessible and welcoming to new audiences.
Strengthen collector relationships by providing guidance for both first-time buyers and established collectors in building thoughtful, personal art collections.
Continuing to foster a supportive, artist-centered platform by ensuring the gallery remains a place where artists feel seen, valued, and encouraged to take creative risks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thornbackgallery.com
- Instagram: @thornbackgallery
