Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Knox.
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We are an independent, family-owned art gallery showcasing work from local artists.
We opened almost ten years ago, with a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and increasing art awareness. We want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be seen and heard, and that everyone has an opportunity to engage in and appreciate art.
Currently, we have over 35 local artists with work in the gallery. We offer monthly curated themed shows, as well as having a body of local art and special shows including shows to support the community.
Our themed shows are open for submissions from anyone in the area. They frequently include work from both experienced artists and from artists who may be showing in a gallery for the first time. Opening receptions for the themed shows are held during Hillsborough’s Last Friday Art Walks.
Community shows include the annual Something to Say shows that feature both visual art and poetry from the men at Orange Correctional Center. We recently put on the 6th of these shows.
We also host Cedar Ridge High School International Baccalaureate Art senior student shows — 2026 was the 7th year for these shows. We typically show work in three-week rotations from two students at a time, for a total of 6 to 9 weeks.
The gallery offers art workshops taught by local artists, can arrange and provide space for private art lessons, and holds open studio sessions.
In our commitment to ensuring families with young children know they are welcome to the gallery, we offer free art activities whenever the gallery is open. We also welcome school groups, and other school groups to come visit the gallery — and if we know you are coming, we will have something special for you!
We are always seeking new artists, and new art adventures.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a gallery — or a business of any kind for that matter — was new to us. So just about everything was a challenge to us when we began!
The one challenge we expected to have that we DIDN’T have was finding artists to fill our space. When we opened our doors, artists began appearing. We have are fortunate to be in a community with many creative people who are eager to share their work.
We continue on our learning curve, gaining experience and best practices as we go. It has been quite an adventure!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am not sure what you are looking for here.
As a gallery owners, we do a bit of everything, from curating and installing shows, marketing, social media, graphic design, website design and maintenance, advising artists, working with community groups.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.margaretlanegallery.com
- Instagram: @margaretlanegallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretLaneGallery
