Grand Bohemian Lodge at Falls Park offers art destination without leaving town

Renata Parker
·3 min read

Greenville’s new luxury hotel, The Grand Bohemian Lodge, is not only a place to stay, but also a destination for art. Delivering an art-enriched travel experience is at the heart of the Bohemian hotel brand, a collection of luxury boutique hotels founded by Richard C. Kessler. Each Bohemian hotel is an art gallery as well, thoughtfully organized by Kessler and a team of curatorial professionals.

“Mr. Kessler is an avid art collector, and the Grand Bohemian Galleries were born of his love for art and his passion for discovering emerging artists,” says Kara Blanken Soper, the gallery director for Greenville’s Grand Bohemian Lodge. “With six locations throughout the Southeast, each Grand Bohemian Gallery features works from local and international artists who are contributing to the contemporary mindset of today.”

Kessler’s passion for art can be found at every turn. An impressive collection of works fills the walls and public spaces, ensuring guests are never far away from a piece to pause and contemplate.

Private Collection of Native American Art  

A permanent installation displayed throughout the hotel includes works from Kessler's private collection, which centers around the natural environment and Native American culture.

In galleries and throughout the public spaces, art everywhere you turn at the Grand Bohemian Lodge at Falls Park in Greenville. The collection includes commissioned sculptures, a stunning and comprehensive collection of Creek Nation arrowheads from the Tanner Bay site.
In galleries and throughout the public spaces, art everywhere you turn at the Grand Bohemian Lodge at Falls Park in Greenville. The collection includes commissioned sculptures, a stunning and comprehensive collection of Creek Nation arrowheads from the Tanner Bay site.

Soper says that Kessler has chosen to share his collection with the public and hotel guests, “with the aim of sparking the same curiosity and love of art that he has developed throughout his lifetime.”

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While some of the art, fine crafts and artifacts are historical objects, many of the works from Kessler’s collection were made by contemporary artists and artisans,” she added.

The collection includes commissioned sculptures, a stunning and comprehensive collection of Creek Nation arrowheads from the Tanner Bay site, museum-quality Navajo and Zuni vintage turquoise jewelry, Tigua Nation headdresses and paintings.

“When it was discovered how vital the Reedy River was to the prosperity of the Cherokee and Catawba peoples, it made natural sense to showcase Mr. Kessler’s Native American collection at this location,” says Soper.

In galleries and throughout the public spaces, art everywhere you turn at the Grand Bohemian Lodge at Falls Park in Greenville
In galleries and throughout the public spaces, art everywhere you turn at the Grand Bohemian Lodge at Falls Park in Greenville

Must-see works include a pink marble and black amphibolite bison sculpture by Austrian artist Thomas Gyori and Red Cloud by Lakota Nation sculptor Ed Natiya.

On View at the Lodge Gallery

The works in the Lodge Gallery cover various contemporary themes interpreted by a diverse group of local, national, and international artists. Works on view rotate weekly, so there’s always something new to experience. Current exhibits highlight local artists Mark Mulfinger, Janina Tukarski Ellis, Maggie Macdonald, Joseph Bradley, Lewis Carl, Llyn Strong, and Mara Labell. Also featured are artists based in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia and works by acclaimed national and international artists, such as contemporary French Expressionist Jean Claude Roy.

“The current exhibition on Matthew Baumgardner includes notable paintings, works on paper, and objects that have never been on public view prior to this curated survey of his work,” Soper says. “This particular exhibition is one of our most high-profile programs of the year and one not to miss.”

Located in the lobby, the Lodge Gallery is open Sunday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 7 pm. For more information, visit artcloud.com/gallery/gbg or Instagram @grandbohemiangallery.gvl

YOU CAN GO

Each month, the Lodge Gallery hosts exclusive art events where guests can meet artists and learn more about their work. Here are a few highlights.

Matthew Baumgardner: Portals to the LightExplore selected works, paintings, works on paper, and objects from mid-1990s to 2018.  Artist Reception, Saturday, May 13, 2023, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Exhibition on view, May 5 through June 14, 2023

Leandra Hill. Exclusive Collection Release Precious metal jewelry artist Leandra Hill launches an exclusive collection of handmade and custom works.  Exhibit on display May 5 - 6, 2023, 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Summer Exhibitions Look for a lineup of summer exhibitions featuring Greenville artists Joseph Bradley and Mark Mulfinger and Charleston artist Sardine Press.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Grand Bohemian Lodge at Falls Park offers art destination without leaving town