Frederic Payet doesn’t approach his role as a gallerist solely from the standpoint of a businessman. Rather, he understands the challenges faced by artists from a personal perspective, as he has faced those same hurdles himself. Painters whose dream is to be recognized, creatives who aspire to find a home for their work on the walls of a gallery—these are individuals with whom he shares a common spirit. “I understand the struggle of artists trying to make it,” says Payet, who began painting at the age of 33, after he was hired to work at his uncle’s art gallery in Atlanta. “I was so inspired to stare at all of these great masters all day long that I got an urge to start painting. It was as if there was a force pushing me to start. I appreciate the need to create and how hard it is to follow that path and succeed because I was there myself.”
A French-national, Payet moved to the United States in 1989, four years before he ever picked up a paintbrush. As he established himself as an artist, he spent over 20 years traveling across the country for art festivals before deciding to refocus his energy. “I thought it was time to settle down and open my own art gallery,” he says. “After so many years, I believe I have a good eye for great works and talent, and my goal is to help.”
That goal was brought to fruition through his first gallery in Ashville, North Carolina, which he operated until Hurricane Helene swept through the city in 2024, leaving him with only a few paintings that were undamaged at the gallery. As much of a loss as it was, however, Payet found a new beginning in Charleston, where he moved with his recent bride in the hopes of starting fresh. Opened in February of 2025, Frederic Payet Gallery features Payet’s own originals in addition to works from about 12 other artists, a mixture of both active painters from countries like Russia, Australia and Cuba and famous artists, such as Salvador Dalí. “I choose what resonates with me. I want to share that feeling,” says Payet with regard to how he chooses artists to represent. “My hope is to represent international artists—whether they are famous or not. I’d like to bring more European artists, especially French artists that are struggling in France. It would be wonderful to bring new flavor to the already vibrant gallery community here in Charleston.”
