The Art Colony

The Art Colony Shops are located in the historic Alabama Row cottages which are among the oldest structures at The Greenbrier, built in the 1830s. Together, the Alabama Row cottages and the Presidents' Cottage Museum represent the most authentic remaining portion of the famed antebellum resort then known as White Sulphur Springs.  These were amongst the resort's best accommodations at the time for their sweeping mountain views and their porches designed to capture cooling summer breezes.

By the early 20^th century all of these cottages were showing their advanced age when Cleveland artists William and Natalie Grauer proposed an "art colony" where they could bring their Ohio art community associates down to The Greenbrier to provide guests each summer with a variety of art instruction.  The cottages were restored for this purpose in 1933.  During the Second World War while The Greenbrier hotel served as a hospital for the U.S. Army these cottages were used as military nurses' living quarters.

In 1956 a British sculptor, Gladys Tuke, persuaded The Greenbrier's management to revive the art colony concept and she opened the first post-war studio and shop in Alabama Row. From that one shop has grown The Art Colony Shops that we know today.

The Art Colony Shops

The Art Colony Shops are a unique experience that includes skilled artisans working with metals, leather, brass, wood, glass and pottery, as well as an artist-in-residence demonstrating his/her art. Located in Alabama Row, overlooking the Springhouse, The Art Colony Shops are just a brief walk from the Main Building or complimentary transportation is also available.

Atlantis Leather
Classic and lightweight fine leather bags and some of the most unique leatherwork being produced by American craftspersons.

Christie's Signature Art
Meet Michael Christie in his studio, where he works with mixed media bringing canvas to life.

Joseph Mendel Furniture Maker
A master woodworker and furniture maker who reproduces exceptional period furniture pieces, and original works of his own imagination and design.

Gibson's
An innovative line of heirloom-quality accessories of solid brass and precision-inlaid stone.

MacKenzie - Dow
Fine furniture that blends Old World heritage with modern practicality. Specializes in the craftsmanship of superb quality 17th and 18th-century European-inspired solid wood furnishings.

The Pottery at The Greenbrier
Enjoy one-of-a-kind pottery created by master potter, Tracy Brent Howard, along with live demonstrations using various sculpting techniques including the pottery wheel.

Studio 40
A wide selection of art-to-wear from painted and pleated silk evening wear and playful, silk-screened linen separates to colorful, one-of-a-kind outerwear and accessories.

Virtu
Features the handmade jewelry creations of Susan Chapman Thomas, and the beautiful and unique works of glass artist Alex Brand.