United Community’s new HQ brings art gallery to East Camperdown Way
Quietly residing within the new United Community headquarters at 200 E. Camperdown Way in Greenville is a remarkable art gallery. The collection is mostly made up of works from Southern artists, with the majority hailing from South Carolina.
Acquired in 2015 by United Community, the former Palmetto Bank was over 100 years old and had a significant art collection. The bank’s last CEO, Leon Patterson, spent decades curating the majority of the works. For Lynn Harton, United Community’s CEO, and his wife, Flavia, it was a perfect marriage of interests. Flavia Harton serves on the South Carolina Arts Commission Board.
“The bank has a foundation that supports different things in the community,” Flavia Harton explained. “One of the pillars of the foundation is artistic expression, because the foundation believes the arts make such a big impact in the community.”
On May 9, Flavia Harton gave a tour of the bank and its works to David Platts, the executive director of the South Carolina Arts Commission, and Deputy Director Ce Scott-Fitz. The art collection is displayed throughout the facility on multiple floors, with the lobby being accessible to the public.
Flavia Harton curated the artwork’s placement in collaboration with the building’s architects, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. As a trained interior designer, she thought about wallpapers and wall colors that were neutral to showcase the artwork.
“We at the South Carolina Arts Commission are really about promoting equitable access to the arts,” Platts said, “and this is a lovely example of a public space where anybody can walk in and see this art.”
The art collection includes works by notable Southern artists such as Philip Mullen, Jeanet Dreskin, and architect Robert Mills. The pieces are displayed in different areas of the building, creating a cultural ambiance that highlights the diversity and talent of Southern artists.
Visitors to the United Community headquarters will be greeted by a stunning array of paintings, sculptures, and other mediums of art. The collection showcases the vibrant creativity and unique perspectives of Southern artists, providing a visual feast for the eyes.
The United Community headquarters building itself was designed to complement the art collection. With its sleek and modern architecture, the building serves as an ideal backdrop for the artwork on display. The thoughtful curation of the collection enhances the overall aesthetic of the space, creating an immersive and inspiring environment for employees and visitors alike.
United Community’s commitment to supporting the arts is evident throughout the building. The art collection not only adds beauty and visual interest to the space but also serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment within the community.
Flavia Harton expressed her hope that the art collection will inspire and uplift those who visit the United Community headquarters. “Art has the power to challenge, provoke, and inspire,” she said. “We wanted to create a space that celebrates the incredible talent of Southern artists and encourages dialogue and engagement with the arts.”
As United Community continues to grow and expand its presence in Greenville, the art gallery within its headquarters will serve as a constant reminder of the company’s commitment to supporting the local arts community and creating spaces that inspire and uplift.