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MILL SPRING—Phil Garrett, a talented artist from Gowensville, welcomed visitors to his studio during an open house event on Saturday and Sunday. The open house, held at the Mill Spring Town Center on 156 School Road, coincided with the Greenville Open Studios, an initiative celebrating the local visual arts community by offering free studio tours to the public. 

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Greenville Open Studios, which began as a grassroots idea among a small group of artists seeking to raise awareness of their practices within the greater community. The event has since transformed into a well-established annual tradition, drawing in art enthusiasts from across the region.

Garrett’s artistic achievements extend to numerous private and public collections, including works featured at Bank of America and various state museums in South Carolina and Hawaii. His affiliation with the arts community is further highlighted by his role on the Board at the Upstairs Gallery.

With over fifty years of artistic experience, Garrett shared the enduring source of his inspiration.

 “I find inspiration in nature. A kind of mythical nature informs my work,” he said. “The power of storms, the spiritual quality of the elements, the beauty, grace, and ferocity of plants and animals.”

Anwar Timol, the owner of the Mill Spring Agriculture Center where Garrett’s studio is housed, expressed his support for local artists. 

“Supporting local artists of various mediums is essential to our community and culture here at the Ag Center,” said Timol.

Garrett’s artwork is exhibited at the Thornback Gallery in Greenville and the Corrigan Gallery in Charleston. It is also available online at philgarrett.com. The studio welcomes visitors by appointment; for more information, call (864) 561-5208. 

As the event highlighted, the fusion of artistic talent and community support continues to flourish at the Mill Spring Agriculture Center, nurturing a vibrant local arts scene.