Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Myers. Them and their team share their story with us below:
In November 2019, Lisa Myers and Laura O’Neal opened ArtBox. Then covid struck! Thankfully our artists stuck with us, and we survived the lockdown and kept the ArtBox doors open. ArtBox consists of fine art, both 2D and 3d, all by local artists. We have had between 18-25 artists at a time. In late 2021 we became a co-op, allowing our artists to share in the profits and take on some of the daily responsibilities of running the business. We participate in monthly ArtWalk evenings each first Friday of the month and in local book signings and cinematic events. We also participate in local fundraisers such as Pie in the Sky and Alya’s Acres food drives. We were fortunate to be the featured gallery for an exhibit at the St. John’s County rotunda in 2021. The exhibit was curated by Laura O’Neal and featured 4 – 6′ x 10′ paintings featuring the local St. Augustine scene. Recently ArtBox remodeled, painting the walls a dark warm gray, and built movable partitions, which have almost doubled the exhibition space.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles, yes! This fall 2 storms have lashed StA and flooded downtown. First, there was Covid; during the shutdown, Lisa Myers was stricken with a life-threatening disease, and Laura O’Neal stepped in and ran the business until Lisa returned. Thankfully our landlords sealed up the building, and we had no damage. Now we are facing inflation and its consequences.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
The artists of ArtBox range from self-taught to graduates with fine art degrees; we also have a few art teachers who keep us all in line. Our mediums and styles are all very different, from abstract to photo realism and everything in between. Our eclectic style and determination to offer different art styles at all price points set us apart from other galleries. We pride ourselves on having something for everyone at every price point.
How would we have described you growing up if we knew you were growing up?
Lisa Myers did not express her artistic side until 2015 when she had a bike accident that included a head injury, and after that, she decided to paint. She was an Art History major, but before the head injury, she had never put paint to canvas. Always outgoing, she put her love of people and business into the creation of ArtBox.
In joining Laura O’Neal, she found a business partner, an artistic genius, and a dear friend. The two women have weathered personal and industry-wide bumps in the road but continue making ArtBox their highest priority. Laura never fails to encourage other artists and recognizes the inner artist.
Laura is a well-known artist in the Art community, and she continues to delight her followers with her whimsical, poetic take on creativity. She has been a featured artist in local restaurants and is available for commissions and in-home art consulting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbox-137.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artboxsta/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theartbox137
