Hagan Fine Art, a cherished fixture of charleston’s art scene for more than 14 years, is poised for a transformative renaissance as it transitions into new ownership. Founded by artist Karen Hagan, the gallery has long been a haven for art lovers and collectors alike, showcasing a diverse array of more than 25 international artists. With new owner Wendy Carlin at the helm, Hagan Fine Art is set to continue its legacy while embracing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to building community.
Having built a reputation for creating a warm, welcoming space where clients and artists could connect, Hagan is stepping away to focus on her passions: painting, traveling and teaching. “Karen’s original vision was to create a warm, inviting space to connect clients with artists,” Carlin says. “She definitely achieved that.”
Carlin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh outlook to the gallery. Her journey began at Sotheby’s auction house in New York City, where her role sparked an even greater passion for art. “I was an English major and lived in Paris during my junior year. I got the art bug and loved my job at Sotheby’s,” Carlin recalls. Her career flourished as she worked with the [Donald] Judd Foundation in SoHo in New York and Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut. She also played a pivotal role in opening a gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut, which expanded its focus from local to national representation.
Carlin’s recent move to Charleston was in part motivated by a desire to be close to her two sons, who are at Clemson University. “I knew when I was ready for a change from the Northeast, Charleston was going to be it,” she says. Her transition from Mary Martin Gallery created an opportunity for a new chapter, and a fortuitous meeting with Hagan led to discussions about the gallery’s future. “I reached out to Karen, and she said, ‘Your timing is really interesting because I think I might want to just go paint, teach and travel.’ She loved her gallery time but was ready to move on. She’ll still be represented here, which is fantastic,” Carlin adds.
Carlin’s affection for Hagan Fine Art is genuine. “When I first came in, I loved that the programming is so bright and vibrant, and there’s such great energy in the way all of the art lives together,” she says. “It’s positive and happy when you walk in the door. I’m certainly going to keep it that way. You can sense Karen’s love and how it’s all come together in the way it’s exhibited here.”
Under Carlin’s stewardship, the gallery will maintain its welcoming atmosphere while introducing new artists. “I want to keep with the vision of making it a place where people connect and feel welcome, and art feels like an experience that’s accessible to them,” she says. “I want to keep all the current artists because they’re lovely. Also, I plan to bring in some new and different connections from my network. Keeping the same positive energy we have, I want people to feel like they can find a piece that speaks to them.”
The gallery has an exciting lineup of upcoming shows. A mini show will kick off in the first two weeks of October, featuring new works from past collaborators, including pottery artists and abstract painters. “The mini show is a taste of a couple of artists I’ve worked with in the past to give people a taste of some new works,” Carlin explains.
Following this, Alice Williams, renowned for her quintessential French impressionist style, will showcase her new pieces from October 15 to 31. Anna Carll will take center stage from December 1 to 31, unveiling new abstract works.
Looking ahead to 2025, Carlin envisions expanding the gallery’s reach and fostering community connections. “We’re going to reach out to other client bases, such as designers, retail spaces and corporate entities,” she says. “I’ve been talking to Realtors about hosting new buyer events so they can meet each other, too. Charleston has a lot of people who, like me, have dropped in. It’s a small town, and I love that feel and vibe. I want to grow the community to meet people and let them experience the gallery.”
With Carlin’s passion and expertise, Hagan Fine Art is poised to enter an exciting new era while preserving the essence that has made it a beloved part of Charleston’s cultural landscape. As the gallery continues to evolve, it promises to remain a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts and collectors, celebrating the joy and connection that art brings to our lives. *
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.
design
Art Gallery
Cindy Saadeh, Ablaze, oil and cold wax on panel, 30″ x 30″
Karen Hewitt Hagan, Whisper of White Rose in Tuscany, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 36″
Marcel Demangy, Jaune (Yellow), oil on canvas, 31″ x 31″
Noah Desmond, An Acre of Grass, oil on canvas, 48″ x 48″
Wendy Carlin | PHOTO BY HOLGER OBENAUS
