We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vivian Neill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vivian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Our journey with the Oxford Treehouse Gallery truly began with our own daily lives as working artists and our deep roots in the local community. Having been a part of the Oxford creative scene for over two decades, we always felt a strong desire to surround ourselves with the environment and aesthetic we loved, while finding a way to uplift the incredible talent around us. The idea for the gallery actually evolved organically out of our own need for space. Because Walter is a blacksmith and sculptor whose work involves massive power hammers, blazing forges, and heavy machinery, we had to establish ourselves out on some land. We built Walter’s workshop first, right in the middle of an ample, wooded plot in Lafayette County, allowing him the freedom to create without limits.
The real catalyst for the business came shortly after, when we constructed a painting studio for me nearby on the property. As the walls went up, we looked around this beautiful, serene setting and realized it was far too special to keep to ourselves. We knew right then and there that we wanted to share this space with other creators. So, we temporarily renovated the studio’s basement into a little apartment, living there while we built our permanent home just a couple hundred yards away. Once we officially moved into the house, we were able to open the gallery doors full-time, and the basement apartment has become an Airbnb or what we affectionately call artists retreat.
We feel like we’re a bit of a hidden gem of a destination. Just seven miles from the square seemed like an incredibly unlikely location for a commercial gallery. We relied on a bit of a “Field of Dreams” logic. We had a collective belief that if we built an enriching space, people would eventually come. Our faith in the community was rewarded instantly and we couldn’t have appreciated it more – local residents and travelers alike seem to embrace us.
What makes us most excited about this endeavor is our departure from the traditional gallery model. Instead of hosting rotating solo shows featuring just one artist a month, we decided to solve a different problem: giving visitors an immediate, sweeping look at the region’s immense talent. We proudly represent about thirty different regional artists at any given time, showcasing a fast-moving, wide variety of styles, mediums, and price points. From striking landscape paintings to casual ceramic mugs and bowls. We paired this abundance of art with an intentionally relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Our massive, screened-in back porch is engulfed by trees and filtered daylight, creating a uniquely calm environment where people can slow down, listen to live music at one of our many events and soak in the arts!
Vivian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For anyone discovering us for the first time, Oxford Treehouse Gallery is a bit of a hidden gem. We’re a fine art gallery tucked away in the woods, just about 15 minutes from the Oxford square.
We’ve been a proud part of the regional arts community for twelve years now, hosting an incredible collection of original fine art from Mississippi and Southern artists. Traditional galleries often stick to a single rotating artist each month, but we like to do things a bit differently. We keep a fresh, fast-moving inventory by representing almost 50 artists at any given time, giving visitors a truly diverse look at the region’s best work. And because our patrons come from all over, we provide professional worldwide shipping to get your new favorite piece safely to your door.
What really sets us apart is the environment. We’ve traded the cold, sterile feel of traditional city galleries for an architecturally unique sanctuary wrapped in trees and natural daylight. At the heart of the space is a stunning, screened-in porch that lets you experience exceptional original art while feeling completely connected to the quiet woods around you.
Ultimately, we’ve built a dedicated destination that balances a high level of professionalism with a deep, genuine respect for original visual artistry.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think our reputation really comes down to our deep, ongoing commitment to the local art scene and the relationships we’ve built right here in our community. From the very beginning twelve years ago, we didn’t just want to be a place that sold art; we wanted to be an active champion for the incredible talent coming out of Mississippi and the Southeast.
Artists know we respect their craft and provide a professional, unique space to showcase their vision, while collectors know they can rely on us for authentic, high-caliber regional work. Because we’ve remained genuinely invested in the growth of our local creative community, that community has invested in us, helping our reputation spread organically by word of mouth from one art lover to the next.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
Yes, we absolutely do! We are thrilled to share that we’ve recently launched our revamped website, which brings the Oxford Treehouse Gallery experience right to you at home.
Through our new online platform, collectors and art lovers from anywhere in the world can easily browse and purchase from our fast-moving inventory. Every piece listed online is available for secure purchase, and just like when you visit us in the woods, we provide professional shipping to ensure your new artwork arrives safely at your doorstep. It’s the perfect way to stay connected with our latest acquisitions and support our regional Southern artists, whether you’re down the road or across the globe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oxfordtreehousegallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxfordtreehousegal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OxfordTreehouseGallery
Image Credits
Carol Roark
Chesley Pearman
Church Goin Mule
David Rawlinson
Ellen Langford
Rebecca Browning
Richard Kelso
Steven Schneider