Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing has opened at 324 State Street in West Columbia. The ribbon was cut on the shop Thursday afternoon.

The gallery anchors the up and coming arts district forming in West Columbia.

“State Street is dotted with antique stores, boutique shops, an artistic eyewear store and amazing restaurants,” said Rob Shaw, gallery owner. “This is the place to be right now.” He said there is a beehive of activity surrounding his shop.

Shaw also teaches oil painting in a palette knife class.

“The class is so popular it has its own group of regulars who call themselves the “Shaw Artistas,” said Shaw. “They have group shows and regularly participate in local festivals.”

In addition to being an art instructor and business owner, Shaw, a USC grad, is an artist.

He has won numerous awards and is well known for his paintings using the palette knife.

Before starting Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing in April of 2019, he was the longtime manager of a frame shop in downtown Columbia. He said his passion for art and the desire to create a business of his own lead him to open his gallery.

Shaw said he hopes to differentiate himself by catering to a specific audience that is interested in a full-service experience.

Shaw offers home consultation, where he will meet clients at their home or office and help them choose the perfect art and framing for their space. He also stays on top of the newest trends in framing and design to ensure that customers get a unique one of a kind piece that makes a statement about them.

Beginning in the Fall, Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing will have a rotation of Art Openings for individual artists that will coincide with State Street’s Monthly First Friday Art Crawl.

For more information about shows, framing or classes please visit www.robshawgallery.com .