Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Carter.
Hi Savannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Like many of us out there, my mom and I love to visit art galleries when on vacations. For many years I remember my mom, the owner of Gallery say “I want to start a gallery for these incredible local artists” The dream stayed alive until a new cabin office was needed. The office was never big enough to make it a gallery until our buildings rent got doubled, twice so she rented out a large metal building out that used to be Vojai’s Winery. After about a year we got a letter that said we had 30 days to get out of the property (with no actual reason). The permanent location with forest views was then found and built on Post Oak Road. The entire experience has been super exciting, spontaneous, and rewarding to get to encourage creative passions and make people happy! Art makes life better, we are honored to have this opportunity. I’m Savannah Carter and I fully curate & operate the Art Gallery & Event Center for my mom, Janine Carter. Each year I set up fun markets, and host all kinds of art classes.
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?
I have enjoyed each and every day at Gallery 259/Beavers Bend Adventures Office. Even though the big change could be overwhelming in general, setting up the second permanent location I had a very late diagnosis with my health that was extremely difficult to deal with while organizing the storage room, offices, and gallery. Extreme determination is what I constantly carried to get through all the horrible symptoms. Running a gallery, especially with a koi pond to clean and manage, is a whole lot of work and energy. It’s the strong passion for art’s healing and transcending languages that keeps me on my toes. God is there for me to give light when I’m overwhelmed and feeling dark and I feel very blessed to be involved the art world. Selling art, hosting classes, and having events at our gallery means a whole lot to my Mom, me, and many others because Gallery 259 makes McCurtain County a happier and better place to be at.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the curator and operator of Gallery 259 I enjoy giving each and every customer a unique and caring experience when they come into the gallery. I want our guests to feel comfortable asking me any questions they have, and always give special attention. I also do the same when it comes to managing luxury cabins with Beavers Bend Adventures where we want all guests to have a great vacation.
My job requirements and tasks are long list with both companies, and I sell my homemade candles too which helps me slow down my thoughts and relax. The stress of always having something to do is real when running companies, but if you try your best and take time off when you can it will all work out. Balance is needed in life for your health and mental health, and art really helps!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I just recently started actually buying handmade art for my home that I’ve owned for 5 years. Before, I was always putting all the energy I had into my jobs while money went straight to bills. Always running to stores, cabins, artists houses, and working full time at the gallery and cabins isn’t for the weak hearted. I work really hard while paying for a big truck that holds cabin furniture and art, that takes all the money I have but it’s completely worth it to me! I have never once regretted any of it. Now, I have a local Choctaw painting in my living room that gives my everyday space meaning and character.
Another thing that I don’t talk about often is that my brother got killed by a doctor right before we started the first location. I hope that our work here sends a message to anyone who’s suffering from a loss, and/or bad health issues that lots of light can come from your darkest times. He was our best friend so life often feels very odd and sad, and we already experienced the loss of my dad in 2014. I am now 30 years old and can say I have already went through the worst things ever but look at where my life is at now that I didn’t give up on my mom’s “big dream” that she turned into a real business that helps lots of people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegallery259.com
- Instagram: gallery259hochatown
- Facebook: Gallery 259
- Other: Tik Tok: artgallery259
