New Upstate art gallery features first public exhibition
Studio 232 Gallery opened its doors in Spartanburg this September, turning the Hot Eye Photography studio on Union Street into a public art space. Its inaugural show, "Bench To Blue Chip," debuted on Sept. 23.
The exhibition pulls from the private collection of Joseph McMillan, spotlighting graffiti legends from the 1970s‑2000s. Highlights include works such as “COPE2” by Fernando Carlo, “CORNBREAD” by Darryl McRay, “A‑ONE” by Anthony Clark, and “TOXIC” by Torrick Ablack, among many others.
Founder Carroll Foster, a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate whose own images have appeared in Times Square and at Yankee Stadium, says the gallery is meant to bring urban art to a wider audience and nurture local talent.
Beyond the walls of the gallery, the venue continues to function as a photography studio and a flexible event space, hosting everything from private parties to international concerts. A solo show titled "POP CYANS" by Foster is slated to open Oct. 15 and run through Jan. 1, with free admission.