Big Dreams
and The Little Gallery

Written by Elizabeth Parsons
Photography by David Hungate

The evolution of Smith Mountain Lake’s The Little Gallery in Bridgewater Plaza mirrors the evolution of the lake itself. Co-owner Carol Swain remembers when she first started the business in 1986. The space housing the gallery was not much larger than a spacious bathroom, and surrounding it, “there was nothing. No Food Lion, no pharmacy, no mini-golf. People thought I was crazy.” Today, the gallery has expanded to nearly three times its original size; its walls and tables glitter with original art pieces from artists in Southwest Virginia and beyond. “We started with a little wicker table and a change box,” Swain adds, smiling. Now a darling of area residents, the gallery—like its hometown—has come a long way. 

The Little Gallery celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, and although the friendly Swain wouldn’t dare say it, one has to think that the naysayers of yesteryear are eating their words. Run by Swain and her partner Kay King, the gallery today features the work of nearly 300 artists, including local favorites like Greg Osterhaus, Pat Dougherty, Ed Hatch, David Heath, Mei Shu, and many others.  The gallery started with one worker (Swain) and now employs twelve. It has won numerous awards from City Magazine, The Roanoker and others, and a feather in the business’ cap came from the venerable Southern Living magazine. The Little Gallery was featured as one of the South’s “203 Favorite Shops” in 2003.

King came on in 1995, buying out a silent partner who launched the business with Swain. Like Swain, King had little experience in art—“I dabble,” she says—although her late husband, Ed King, was a well-known painter. (Swain claims her business partner is just being modest: “She’s an artist, too. She paints wonderful watercolors.”) Swain, a New Jersey native, has a background in hospital administration, and full-time motherhood. “But I always wanted to run a business.” Although she never expected to work in the art world, “Now I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love it so much.”

It shows, and this, perhaps, is a principal reason behind The Little Gallery’s success. The likeable Swain and King treat their customers like family—they know most by name, and have had people come from as far as New York to visit the gallery.  One often overhears Swain or King asking after a customer’s children, grandchildren, or a recent golf game. In the corner, the women keep a book for customers to record their thoughts. A not atypical message reads, “Max and I cannot thank you enough for all of your help and patience with us throughout the years. It is always such a pleasure and joy seeing you and picking out our new piece of art. Your passion and joy makes it such a fun and great experience.” As they pour over the book, King and Swain’s faces glow.  It is apparent that while they are thankful for success, it is their love of people that really drives their work.

In the fickle world of the art business, Little Gallery thrives. The entrepreneurs see their success as hinging on their selection of “really good, varied art—without a stuffy atmosphere,” says Swain.  Greg Osterhaus’ colorful, jovial cow paintings share wall space with David Heath’s classically styled interior and coastal landscapes.  On the tables, gleaming handcrafted napkin holders cozy up to hand-made, essential oil infused candles. Jewelry cases brim with fun, funky earrings and classic, sophisticated necklaces. Swain and King even keep a basket of tiny, beaded bracelets for kids. “There’s something for everyone here,” King says proudly.  The gallery and its owners have developed a reputation in the community for more than the art. Annually, the business owners contribute to over 50 organizations, and partner with others to sponsor charity home tours, fundraising events, and scholarships.

But despite all this, the women remain humble. King remarks, “It’s God who gets the glory for this business surviving, for the beautiful people he sends us.”

In celebration of The Little Gallery’s twentieth anniversary, King and Swain are holding numerous special events June 1 through June 30. On June 10 from 1-3 pm, visit the gallery for an anniversary party featuring refreshments and a live “paint out” on the deck with six artists. You’ll receive a free poster by L. Diane Johnson with purchase, and can enter a drawing for an original painting and a $100 gallery gift certificate. Every Saturday in June, the gallery offers drawings for a free original artwork or prints, plus artist demonstrations on the deck and drawings for $20 gift certificates. Visit The Little Gallery on the web at www.thelittlegallerysml.com; there you will find photos of art for sale and more information about upcoming events and their twentieth year of business. The Little Gallery is located in Moneta at the Bridgewater Plaza, 16430 Booker T. Washington Highway; the phone number is 540.721.1596.

Posted: June 1st, 2007 under Visions.

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~Elizabeth Parsons’ passion for culture and the arts has earned her a degree in Anthropology and stamps on her passport from places as diverse as Ecuador, Turkey and the European Union. Recently working as a Writer and Event Planner for the Grammy Music Awards in San Francisco, CA, she returns to her hometown of Roanoke to pursue her M.F.A./Creative Writing at Hollins University. Elizabeth can be contacted at 540.345.6300 or elizabeth@citymagazineonline.com.