About & Reviews
Landrum Wanderings: The Millstone Gallery, a Landrum gemBy Linda List
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Published 8:33 am Monday, September 11, 2017
If you think “pictures” when you hear about a gallery, then you haven’t been to Ron Robbins’ Millstone Gallery tucked in Landrum’s Collective. Ron’s goal is to create a place where varied artists and artisans from the surrounding areas can show their work.
Ron was born in Trinity, N.C. on Christmas Day. He laughs, “This seemed like a double blessing—it was Christmas and it was in a town named Trinity!” His Dad taught him that if you want something done, you do it yourself. They cut their own trees for lumber and built their house. If something needed fixing, you learned to fix it yourself.
Ron graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia. He and his wife liked the Carolinas and decided to stay. “I practiced law in a large firm in Columbia, but now I’m semi-retired. I’m enjoying being a ‘small town’ style lawyer where I get to know and assist people in the community with the necessary legal issues, sort of like a small town doctor.”
“We scouted around the Carolinas to discover where we wanted to live. The mountains, the natural beauty, the interesting equestrian activities, the people, drew us here. I describe it as ‘a place to make dreams come true’,” he reflects. “You can create your own environment. There are no big box stores. You have the qualities and opportunities of a small town life.”
Following his father’s direction, Ron cleared property at Lake Lure and built his own house, which promptly burned completely to the ground. “That was it,” Ron shakes his head. “I didn’t rebuild. But I do love to work with wood. One day I went into the forest, picked up some wood and began to whittle. My dad used to whittle. I began to sit by the fireplace and carve bowls, spoons, and other interesting pieces.”
Ron continues, “I like to study the different types of wood, the colors, the grain, some are softer, some hard woods. Dogwood is a very hard wood. It was used to make wagon wheel spokes. I enjoy creating functional art that you can use, like the bowls. I made a guitar and I do play guitar.” Ron speaks Chinese and writes some Chinese music that is played in a Chinese Christian Church. “I’ve studied a lot about cultural anthropology,” he explains. He is a man of many talents!
The artists represented in Millstone Gallery are as wide-ranging as Ron’s interests. Of course Ron’s own creations are available. Don Blackwell, Tryon Artist of the Year, does wood and leather carving. He teaches at Isothermal Community College as does Mark Henneberry, another wood carver showing at the gallery. Ron’s wife, Kathleen, also an artist, will eventually add her talents to the mix.
The equestrian community is represented by Linda Evans’ charcoal drawings of horses, and New York professional photographer Monica Stevenson’s stunning equine photographs. Ron’s pecan wood carved horse head adorns a shop post, along with one of his inimitable, craggy faces. Equine veterinarian Dr. Sean Eastman’s pen and ink drawings are available framed and unframed.
Doug Dacey’s porcelain pottery is displayed. Doug is a member of the Highland Pottery Guild. Jerry Drew forges his own knives. Susan Wilson offers organic, creamy, all natural soaps and lotions, made with essential oils, coconut oil, shea and mango butters. Her natural deodorants are created using baking soda.
As Mark Henneberry, a wood carver from Brevard, described the gallery, “It feels like a New York City gallery with artists from around the country. There’s always something new coming in. It’s always fresh.”
A review by Don Blackwell, Tryon Arts & Crafts Artist of the Year, reads, “A true feast for the eyes, Millstone Gallery is a warm delight. From Folk Art to Fine Art, Ron and Kathleen Robbins have made this Gallery a “must see” destination for visitors and local folks alike. Their genuine welcome and hospitality make you know that “Southern Charm” is alive and well.”
TripAdvisor rates the gallery #3 under things to do in Landrum. Some of the comments on the site include “Millstone Gallery – A Must Visit place”, “Great spot for all sorts of things!”, “Lovely shop with incredible quality local crafts and goods!”, “If you pass Landrum S.C. And didn’t stop by you may regret!”, and “Stupendous works in here.”
If you’re hunting down a unique gift for a special occasion, spend some time browsing in Millstone Gallery. You’re sure to find a gift that will be treasured and bring years of pleasure to the recipient, who might turn out to be yourself! Stop in the Collective on Trade Street and visit with Ron.
Email the author
Published 8:33 am Monday, September 11, 2017
If you think “pictures” when you hear about a gallery, then you haven’t been to Ron Robbins’ Millstone Gallery tucked in Landrum’s Collective. Ron’s goal is to create a place where varied artists and artisans from the surrounding areas can show their work.
Ron was born in Trinity, N.C. on Christmas Day. He laughs, “This seemed like a double blessing—it was Christmas and it was in a town named Trinity!” His Dad taught him that if you want something done, you do it yourself. They cut their own trees for lumber and built their house. If something needed fixing, you learned to fix it yourself.
Ron graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia. He and his wife liked the Carolinas and decided to stay. “I practiced law in a large firm in Columbia, but now I’m semi-retired. I’m enjoying being a ‘small town’ style lawyer where I get to know and assist people in the community with the necessary legal issues, sort of like a small town doctor.”
“We scouted around the Carolinas to discover where we wanted to live. The mountains, the natural beauty, the interesting equestrian activities, the people, drew us here. I describe it as ‘a place to make dreams come true’,” he reflects. “You can create your own environment. There are no big box stores. You have the qualities and opportunities of a small town life.”
Following his father’s direction, Ron cleared property at Lake Lure and built his own house, which promptly burned completely to the ground. “That was it,” Ron shakes his head. “I didn’t rebuild. But I do love to work with wood. One day I went into the forest, picked up some wood and began to whittle. My dad used to whittle. I began to sit by the fireplace and carve bowls, spoons, and other interesting pieces.”
Ron continues, “I like to study the different types of wood, the colors, the grain, some are softer, some hard woods. Dogwood is a very hard wood. It was used to make wagon wheel spokes. I enjoy creating functional art that you can use, like the bowls. I made a guitar and I do play guitar.” Ron speaks Chinese and writes some Chinese music that is played in a Chinese Christian Church. “I’ve studied a lot about cultural anthropology,” he explains. He is a man of many talents!
The artists represented in Millstone Gallery are as wide-ranging as Ron’s interests. Of course Ron’s own creations are available. Don Blackwell, Tryon Artist of the Year, does wood and leather carving. He teaches at Isothermal Community College as does Mark Henneberry, another wood carver showing at the gallery. Ron’s wife, Kathleen, also an artist, will eventually add her talents to the mix.
- Nan Jacobsohn’s whimsical clay sculpture of three dogs entitled “Homeland Security” immediately draws my attention when entering the showroom. Dogs are a popular subject. Several paintings by Karen Killian of Tryon showing well-loved dogs, cover one wall. I’m especially drawn to a smiling dog relishing a joy ride in a convertible.
The equestrian community is represented by Linda Evans’ charcoal drawings of horses, and New York professional photographer Monica Stevenson’s stunning equine photographs. Ron’s pecan wood carved horse head adorns a shop post, along with one of his inimitable, craggy faces. Equine veterinarian Dr. Sean Eastman’s pen and ink drawings are available framed and unframed.
Doug Dacey’s porcelain pottery is displayed. Doug is a member of the Highland Pottery Guild. Jerry Drew forges his own knives. Susan Wilson offers organic, creamy, all natural soaps and lotions, made with essential oils, coconut oil, shea and mango butters. Her natural deodorants are created using baking soda.
As Mark Henneberry, a wood carver from Brevard, described the gallery, “It feels like a New York City gallery with artists from around the country. There’s always something new coming in. It’s always fresh.”
A review by Don Blackwell, Tryon Arts & Crafts Artist of the Year, reads, “A true feast for the eyes, Millstone Gallery is a warm delight. From Folk Art to Fine Art, Ron and Kathleen Robbins have made this Gallery a “must see” destination for visitors and local folks alike. Their genuine welcome and hospitality make you know that “Southern Charm” is alive and well.”
TripAdvisor rates the gallery #3 under things to do in Landrum. Some of the comments on the site include “Millstone Gallery – A Must Visit place”, “Great spot for all sorts of things!”, “Lovely shop with incredible quality local crafts and goods!”, “If you pass Landrum S.C. And didn’t stop by you may regret!”, and “Stupendous works in here.”
If you’re hunting down a unique gift for a special occasion, spend some time browsing in Millstone Gallery. You’re sure to find a gift that will be treasured and bring years of pleasure to the recipient, who might turn out to be yourself! Stop in the Collective on Trade Street and visit with Ron.
What People Have Written About The Millstone Gallery
***Convenient little gallery close to Tryon, NC in Landrum, SC. Beautiful fine art, professional craftsman wooden sculptures and functional pieces. A wide variety of local and regional arts and crafts. There is something for everyone here. (Ask the owner to show you and play his hand made guitar, he's a master.) J.B.
***A really wonderful store filled with all sorts of interesting, beautiful and useful things. Every item is unique and so many are just breath taking. Prices are reasonable and Ron is fun to talk with. They happily undertake custom projects as well! K.P.
***I have been to The Millstone Gallery many times. Love going there to visit with the owner Ron. you will always be surprised to see what is the new things he added at his gallery. It is such unique store. I go there to pick up gifts for my friends. My friends love the one of the kind gift from Millstone gallery. One thing for sure is you will be welcome by the most friendly and patient Ron. He is so interesting to talk to. If you have not seen the Glitter he made for himself at the gallery. You need to ask him to show it to you. D.G.
***Set in a beautifully restored home in downtown Tryon, this gallery is a one-of-a-kind. It features beautiful handcrafts, the collection carefully curated by owners Ron and Kathleen. While artwork from some of the areas most renowned artists/craftspeople is available, there are many hidden gems whose makers may be new to you. It is the perfect place to shop for special gifts, home decor items and more. Wonderful addition to the Landrum scene. C.W.
***The owner, Ron, gave me a personal tour of the gallery. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. This has been Ron's passion since he was a child. You can see this through his amazing wood carving skill. The little stories by the owner worth the trip alone. Besides owner's own works, there are also collections of works from other artist: range from homemade knives to orental jewelries. Definitely worthy the trip whether for personal collection or enjoy some beautifully made artworks. Can't wait to go back with family and friends enjoy this delightful experience again!
***Just starting out, but lots to look at. Very unique, hand-crafted items made of wood. I loved it all, but alas could only take home so much. Very much worth stopping in to browse. The owner/operator is very talkative and is actually one of the many artists featured. Be sure to stop in and browse. You will likely not leave empty handed. W.O.
***This is one of kind "art gallery" in Landrum s.c.very unique handcrafted woodwork that you'll never see it around.
Those artists spend hours to work on a piece of find wood and just get to pay a minimum-wage($7.15/hrs)
It's definitely good deal for us to "steal" it from them ,encourages them and supports them.
If you pass Landrum S.C. And didn't stop by you may regret!
***Excellent Art work from local artists in a wonderful environment.. owners, Ron and Kathlyn, can help you to choose a very stylish and one of a kind present for you or your family and friends. Millstone Gallery is a true gem in Landrum SC.
***Wonderful array of local artisan crafts. Unusual items and helpful, knowledgeable owner. Don’t miss this one. WKM.
***Ron and his talented woodworking friends have beautifully created this fine gallery. You will find wood art carvings by Ron Robbins, collectibles, fine jewelry and they even have wood scented soaps and lotion bars by CereArtStudio. Tosany
***Ron is super helpful and loves to show off the work of the local artist in such detail that you fall in love with every piece. Gorgeous and unique works of art, wooden sculptures like you have never seen, and exquisite etched glasses. This beautiful little shop is MUST see!!! M.E.
***Ron's hand-carved wooden spoons are almost too lovely to use! Although I purchased several, meaning to give them as gifts, I've yet to let them go! As a skilled woodcarver and artist, he has a natural talent for filling the Millstone Gallery with treasures that you and everyone on your gift list will enjoy! K.J.
***Its hard to find but once you locate the Millstone Gallery at the back of the building you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the unique gifts available for sale there. All the items have been crafted by local craftsmen and artist. A wonderful shopping experience even if you don't make a purchase. J.S.
