Though the name Art on the Square is relatively new, the gallery itself has been a creative cornerstone in Summerville, South Carolina, for more than two decades. Originally founded in 1998 as Art Central, the artist-run co-op has long served as a hub for visual art, creativity and community connection. “At a time when there were few dedicated venues for visual art in the area, the original concept was simple but ambitious: to create a brick-and-mortar space where local artists could exhibit, sell and build community while inviting the public into meaningful encounters with art,” says marketing director Lori Anderson-Datus. “From the beginning, the gallery was artist-led, community-focused and rooted in the belief that art belongs in everyday life—not just in major cities or museums.”
That philosophy has carried the gallery through each chapter of its journey. The gallery first took root in Downtown Summerville and later relocated to Nexton, where it spent five years continuing to grow and serve the community. Today, Art on the Square has found its home on Hutchinson Square in the heart of historic Downtown Summerville. “Being back in the center of town feels like a return to our roots,” says Anderson-Datus. “We’re finally back where we belong.”
Such an evolution has come with growth not only in the gallery’s footprint but also in its focus. “While our early years emphasized providing space for local artists to show their work, the gallery has increasingly embraced thoughtful curation, higher standards of presentation and a clearer artistic identity,” she explains.
Despite those changes, Art on the Square has maintained its original commitment to supporting working artists, facilitating meaningful connections between artists and collectors, and serving as a cultural anchor for Summerville through its focus on local artists telling the stories of the Lowcountry.
“The gallery offers a diverse range of artists across styles, mediums and generations in an atmosphere that invites conversation, questions and discovery,” says Anderson-Datus, noting that Art on the Square represents sculpture and mixed media in addition to painting—though it is the artist’s voice that ultimately guides selection. “As the gallery has grown and changed over the years, we have placed greater emphasis on education, storytelling and curatorial clarity—helping visitors understand not just what they’re seeing but why it matters,” she adds.
It’s a tenet that has kept Art on the Square distinctive and relevant within a competitive gallery scene—welcoming visitors, locals and artists alike into a space filled with beautiful work and grounded in a deep commitment to community.
