Lowcountry art gallery back in business

A long-time Bluffton gallery to reopen Oct. 6

Maye River Gallery, a Bluffton art gallery established in 2007, is set for a grand re-opening in a new location after a two-year hiatus.

A grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 6 at the gallery’s new location at 16 Church St. The ribbon will be cut by Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka and gallery staff at 12:30 p.m.

The gallery calls it “an especially meaningful celebration and story of overcoming obstacles … a stalwart example of perseverance and faith during turbulent times.”

Maye River Gallery is comprised of 19 local artists, featuring original oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, photography, pastel, collage, mixed media, environmental assemblage, jewelry, and textiles.

Formerly recognized as the “pink and green” house on Bluffton’s bustling Calhoun Street, the Maye River Gallery lost its lease after 15 years when the building was sold. The gallery closed its doors, and spokeswoman Judy McElynn admitted, “Things were not looking good when we lost our lease. We had no gallery space and coming off of two years of COVID-19 restrictions, we thought our destiny of permanent closure was being laid out before us.”

Faith, patience and commitment paid off for Maye River Gallery artists who maintained hope and determination for nearly two years in finding a new gallery space in Old Town Bluffton.

“We are thrilled to be able to rejoin the businesses and shop owners of Old Town Bluffton. Our goal is to bring talented, local artists together in a beautiful gallery setting within the charming surrounds of the Lowcountry,” McElynn said. “We hope to be successful in our new location, bring back former customers and add new alike, offering something for every taste, budget and desire.”