Southern Byways

If Senoia, Ga., looks a little familiar to you its because the town’s streets were used as the settings for such films as “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Fried Green Tomatoes.”

What may be considered as one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Senoia is home to quaint shops, eateries and over 100 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When you visit here, you feel as if you have step back in time. You come to Senoia to unwind and experience life at a slower pace.

The Veranda Historic B&B Inn, located one block from Main Street, has an interesting past. Opened in 1907 as the Holberg Hotel, it has hosted such guests as William Jennings Bryan and Margaret Mitchell. Once the hotel closed in 1920, the property served as a private residence and then was bought, refurbished and opened as The Veranda Historic B& Inn. After going back to a private residence, in 2005, it was bought again and has remained as an inn.

On August 9, The Veranda is opening the Veranda Inn Gallery, featuring works by local artists. The will be Senoia’s first fine art gallery. Southern Byways (SB) had the opportunity to briefly speak with Laura Reynolds and Chelsie Comprosky, owners of Veranda Inn Gallery, about the new gallery and The Veranda.

SB: How was an idea for an art gallery conceived? Why this, why now?
The Veranda: We have both always wanted to own a gallery, but never able to fulfill that dream. We just happened to meet through a mutual friend and it just sparked.

Senoia is just begriming to blossom, and we really felt that it was an opportune moment to introduce a fine art gallery into the city. The town is such a work of art itself. We really wanted to enhance the beauty of it and see it reflected through an artistic eye.

SB: How are the artists chosen? How many will be featured?
The Veranda: The artists are chosen by panel consensus. We’ll review the work sent to us and decide on an exhibition schedule.

Our first artist is a photographer who is creating a body of work surrounding Senoia and its historic beauty. We felt this was important in keeping with the theme of our gallery and the vision behind it.

We plan to begin with four exhibitions per year, one per quarter, featuring one 2-D artist and at least one 3-D artist. The exhibits will run for one month and then we will have some flex time for group shows and gallery refreshing.

SB: What are some future plans for the gallery?
The Veranda: Our goal is to have a gallery that features emerging artists. We hope to create an environment that helps upcoming artists get their foot in the door and teach them the inner workings of a gallery. I have always been passionate about local artists and would love to be a part of their success. The drive, energy and enthusiasm that accompanies emerging artists will keep the gallery young and fresh and exciting.

SB: With so many galleries, how will this one stand out from the rest? What makes it special?
The Veranda: We have decided to feature women artists. Women have such power and passion in their art and we are delighted to recognize phenomenal women who are following their hearts.

Even though we will focus mainly on emerging artists, we’ll make space in our exhibitions schedule for mid-career artists as well.

SB: Tell me some about the Inn - why should guests stay here?
The Veranda: Guest can enjoy the historic quality of the Inn, featuring original Georgia heart pine floors, light fixtures and a claw foot tub. The slow paced relaxing atmosphere seeps into your soul, allowing you to completely unwind.  It is a place for people to escape into a true, old-style, southern, traditional place that is historic. It is not a manufactured place, like so many destination sites in Georgia, but has the heart and history of an old town. In fact, there is a third generation Holberg, one of the founding families, who lives in Senoia. He visits the Inn quite often to show off his grandfather’s legacy.

Photo credits: (top) Dreamy Venice, (middle) Reaching and (bottom) Woven Air, all courtesy of Veranda Inn Gallery/The Veranda Historic B&B Inn.