We're Expanding!
The gallery gals help Charlotte reps, Lacy & Elizabeth, load up for their first trek home.
Yep, it’s finally happening! We couldn’t be more excited to make our artists’ work even more accessible to friends across the map. As the pioneers of traveling fine art shows (our first one was 20 years ago!), we are proud to announce our permanent art consultants in Charlotte, North Carolina & Jacksonville, Florida. We can’t wait for you to meet the ladies who are making this possible!
Our gallery reps are at your service for all your art sourcing needs. If you are on the hunt for a particular painting, you can contact your local rep and have her bring options for you to see with her next delivery. Save on shipping and let us bring the artwork to you!
Avery Williams | Jacksonville & Ponte Vedra rep
Elizabeth Glasgow & Lacy Mattox | Charlotte reps
Avery Williams serves as the local rep in the Jacksonville & Ponte Vedra markets, while Lacy Mattox & Elizabeth Glasgow operate in the Charlotte area. These are two of our most concentrated client bases, so by having a constant flow of inventory in these cities, we are now able to provide original artwork to some of our favorite art collectors on an even more ongoing basis.
Florida friends, meet Avery!
A design enthusiast to the core, Avery is in constant pursuit of a good project. Whether it is a house reno or a hunt for antiques, she pours her heart & soul into every endeavor. But how did she come into the picture? Shannon shares a good ole’ fashioned Q & A to learn more about Avery, how collecting is second nature & what makes her tick :
S: You’ve been hosting home shows for Gregg for nearly 20 years now. We couldn’t do it with out you! How did you & Gregg initially meet?
A: It was friendship at first sight! We met through friends in Atlanta, and bonded over (Chardonnay-filled) playdates after our boys, Semmes & Sam, were born. Gregg’s passion for what she does is contagious, and I was itching to be a small part of that! In 2001, we dreamed up our first home show at my house in September to kick-off the Fall. However, it was scheduled just after the tragedy of September 11th. We considered cancelling the show, but ultimately decided to carry on. As it turned out, everyone was looking for something to get their minds off what had happened, and the event drew quite a crowd. Art & an evening with friends was the perfect distraction, and we will both never forget how much fun it was to bring a little joy into such a dark time.
S: That gives me chills. I can see how the happy & vibrant palettes of Gregg’s artists would help to lift people up.
A: It was a packed house!
S: I know that you have always been passionate about homes and interior design. Gregg has seen all of your renovation projects over the years and raves about them all. It sounds like you may now be in your “forever house.” Tell us a little bit about your house, the architecture, your vision when you walked in, why you made the move?
A: My husband, Taylor, and I have renovated 5 houses during our 24 year marriage… some of them multiple times! If you can find yourself a man that will put up with that, you’ve hit the jackpot. I know I did! We’ve had fun with each renovation together. Clearly, I love a good project, and our current home is no exception. Built in 1926 & covered in fig vine, the unique limestone facade stole my heart at first sight. My favorite feature of the entire house is the original iron gate at the front door. We weren’t even looking to move when we found it, but when we saw it, it really spoke to me. I heard the house say, “Save me!”
S: Creeping vines & limestone… this is what dream houses are made of! I can’t wait to hear about the inside. What is your favorite room in the house?
A: I love my living room -- it gets great morning light. I like to start each morning by sitting on my comfy green velvet sofa with coffee. It gives me a chance to have some quiet time before the business of my day starts.
Another of our guilty design pleasures in the house is separate master bathrooms and closets. This may also be a contributing factor to a happy marriage… it is a game changer. We worked with a fabulous architect to bring this idea to life, and I will admit that it’s one of my favorite features of the house!
S: Your home has such a sophisticated and refined look about it. I can see so many treasures in each space, and love how you combine collected antiques with modern elements like textiles & original art. What are your go-to resources for ideas?
A: My first stop for inspiration is my coffee table books & shelter magazines. In fact, I have been collecting design pictures from magazines for 25 years. I still do it, even in the age of digital media. Call me old fashioned, but there is just something about seeing things in print. I love it!
In all things, I prefer a mix of old and new. I love a layered and collected look. I have acquired antiques and objects through the years. My friends know that I would much rather go to an antiques store than shop for clothes!
S: You have many beautiful collections in your home including your amazing art collection. Have you always been a collector? What are some of your favorites?
A: I definitely get my love for interiors and collecting from my parents, especially my dad. He’s 6’5”, rides a Harley, and collects china! Having just one of something was not an option in my house growing up. I remember my dad buying an orchid, and by the following week, he had purchased several more and then ended up building a greenhouse where he now has hundreds of them. I grew up loving and appreciating old things. I treasure my English Staffordshire collection, my blue & white china collection, and my ceramic mushrooms collection!
S: I imagine traveling & collecting go hand-in-hand. Is there a place you have been that has inspired you above all other places?
A: I adore London and all things English. My ancestors settled in Connecticut before the Revolutionary War, so I suppose I’m largely influenced by my English heritage. From English furniture & porcelain, to the rich history, I’m fascinated by all of it!
S: Other than antiques, what is your current obsession or must-have of the moment?
A: My shelter magazine addiction would not be possible without one thing… GLASSES. I love my new Caddis readers and have been encouraging all my friends to get a pair! They’re under $100 so you don’t have to feel guilty if you lose them. I have the Miklos in Matte Bone. Go get a pair, or two!
cue the song : sweet Carolina girls
Next up, our North Carolina reps Lacy & Elizabeth!
S: Sitting here with you two, I can already see that you have been friends forever! How long has it been?
E: It definitely feels like forever! After college, Lacy introduced me to my now-husband, Wil, and I moved from Charleston to Charlotte to live with Lacy.
L: We’ve been thick as thieves ever since! From bachelorettes to being godparents to each other's kids, we’ve been through a lot together. We even have the same dog breeds (pugs & yellow labs)!
The Charlotte gals & their beaus, in Aerin x Williams Sonoma frames on Schumacher wallpaper.
S: We know you two love working together…tell us a little about your dynamic.
E: We have very similar personalities….I would say Lacy flies more by the seat of her pants than I do.
L: Yes, I like to get things done. Elizabeth takes her time to think things through in a deliberate manner. She’s very organized.
S: You’re both so approachable and fun to be around. It sounds like the slight differences in how you naturally operate make you such great friends and a perfect team.
E: We’re like sisters. Sometimes Lacy just tells me to shut the hell up and I’m like, “ok.”
Stagioni (image courtesy of Stefanie Haviv)
S: When you have visitors in town, where is your favorite place to take them?
E: Probably South End, the new “hip” part of town. We’d take them somewhere fun like Superica or Barcelona!
L: Or Stagioni. That’s my favorite neighborhood Italian joint. We love to go there and just sit at the bar. For shopping, we’d go to Sloan for some cute shoes & clothes!
E: And also Slate! It’s a furniture & art collective with the coolest things.
S: When you’re not in Charlotte, where are you? What is your favorite place you have traveled recently?
E: Well everyone needs to know that Lacy can’t fly unless she has 17 cocktails.
L: It’s true. I fly all the time, but I’m still so fearful of it. My family rented a villa on Harbour Island last year and we had the best time. Great dining, wonderful beach. Although if I’m in charge of planning a vacation, we’re going to Telluride! I love to ski.
E: We enjoy going to Figure 8 Island, a beach in North Carolina that we’ve been going to forever! I also took my 10 year old daughter and her friends to New York last year for her birthday - she had never been and we had the best time.
Bedroom designed by The English Room for the Southeastern Showhouse, featuring Gregg Irby Gallery original art
S: Who/what is your biggest design influence?
L: Well we’re both obsessed with Instagram, and have discovered so many talented designers that way. A few of our favorites are Barrie Benson, Peachy the Magazine, and our friend Holly’s blog, The English Room.
E: My mother-in-law has been a big design influence in my life. I love her style, and she has given me pieces over time that have meaning. I just love that!
L: We both enjoy mixing the old with the new. Nothing better than an antique piece of furniture with a loud piece of art that’s more modern.
An iconic Kay Flierl barn framed in gold adds a modern flair to antique furnishings in the Glasgow household.
S: Do you have a favorite podcast that you want to recommend to our readers?
L: Anything crime or murder! I just listened to The Catch & Kill with Ronan Farrow about the guy who busted Harvey Weinstein. Other faves are Culpable, Root of Evil, and Up & Vanished.
E: I love podcasts - it’s what I do! I enjoy all of the thrillers that Lacy listens to. I’m currently taking a 10-week class with some of my girlfriends called “Positive Psychology” and have been turned onto Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations in an effort to be more intentional with my time. Highly recommend!
With the help of our amazing reps, we are taking this show on the road! To stay updated on upcoming events, visit our Gregg on the Go page on our website, and also follow our gallery rep accounts on Instagram: @greggirbygallery.jax and @greggirbygallery.clt
