Art Finds a Space

By Patra Taylor

Artists Jerry Spencer and Catherine B. Spencer have never been the type of art connoisseurs who could love it and leave it. The owners of Spencer Art Gallery I & II located at the pinnacle of Charleston’s Gallery Row on historic Broad Street, the Spencers believe there’s always room for more art in their lives.

One look at the walls in their beautiful Isle of Palms home proves the couple has never allowed a room to define the art, but rather have always allowed the art to define each room. Often hung much like the walls in their two galleries, the eclectic mixture of styles and colors not only reflects their varied tastes in art, but also creates a synergy of warmth and harmony in what is for them the ideal living space.

For these art lovers, it’s not unusual for a watercolor to hang next to a pastel to hang next to an oil. The companion for an original by a nationally known artist can be (and often is) a work by an emerging local artist. Even coupling a painting by a highly trained professional who has spent a lifetime developing his art with the work by a young artist whose raw talent spills onto the canvas brings a sense of unpredictability to their vast collection.

The Spencers have traveled the world collecting art. But they both agree their favorite place to look for the next piece in their collection is Charleston’s famed Gallery Row, a veritable tapestry of artistic vision created by local, emerging and nationally recognized artists. It’s a place to browse award-winning oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, photography, clay, stone, pottery, art glass, sculpture, bronzes and many other works. According to Jerry Spencer, “You will not find any other fine art destination like it anywhere else in the world.

“Our advice,” continues Spencer, “is to trust your gut. If you like a variety of different pieces, as we do, trust that they’ll work together. Don’t love them and leave them. Take them home and let them find their own space in your home. You’ll be amazed how various styles and colors can work together.”

Beyond Gallery Row

Gallery Row, located along historic Broad Street, isn’t the only place to shop for art in the city. Charleston offers a feast of gallery options, including several located along a short stretch of Church Street, just steps off of Broad in both directions. Several of Charleston’s long-established artists show their works in elegant fine art galleries there.

Art lovers from across the country and around the world also know the French Quarter as a national arts destination. A lovely neighborhood in downtown Charleston bordered to the east and west by Charleston Harbor and Meeting Street, and to the north and south by Market Street and Tradd Street, the French Quarter features more than 30 art galleries. The works of well over 500 artists representing a diverse variety of styles and media, from traditional to contemporary, can be found there in what has become a center of the visual arts community in Charleston.

While enjoying the magic of King Street, be sure to experience the exceptional selection of art galleries among the local stores and restaurants. Everything from Audubon prints to vintage European posters can be
found there.

View our guide to Arts and Antiques shopping in Charleston.

Bocci's Italian Restaurant Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston on Church Street. USA Today has called Bocci's one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's serves full Italian fare, excellent wines, heavenly desserts and gourmet coffees all at affordable prices. Perfect for the whole family. Dinner nightly.

Julia Santen Gallery Original vintage poster art. A glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge, Monaco Grand Prix, films, exotic locations and more. Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and contemporary periods.

Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio Karen Hewitt Hagan’s paintings offer a compelling combination of dramatic light and rugged beauty. Favorite subjects include pristine coastal landscapes, boats drenched in sunlight, soulful dancers and romantic nudes. Visit Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio on State Street. Private shopping by appointment.