Roots Up Gallery, a new regional and folk art gallery located on the second floor at 6 E. Liberty St. in the heart of downtown Savannah, is pleased to announce it will officially open for business on May, 1, 2014 and host a Grand Opening Celebration on May 9, 2014 at 6-9 p.m. at its new location. Guests will enjoy entertainment by Andrew Hartzell and fortune telling by Erin Ferdinand. This event is open to the public.

Owners Francis Allen and Leslie Lovell decided to open a regional and folk art gallery after relocating to Savannah four years ago. Both are passionate about the arts and quickly realized there was a gap in regional and folk art available in the Savannah community. Their goal is to offer affordable, fun and accessible art from artists in Savannah and around the Southeast in an effort to sustain the local artist community.

“We’re excited to introduce the Savannah community to some truly dynamic and talented regional and folk artists,” said Francis Allen, owner of Roots Up Gallery. “Traditional regional and folk art are rooted in the art of traditions that come from the local community and culture. I believe that art of this type is very often the genesis of the creative spirit and is a great opportunity to express the shared community values and aesthetics of the South.”

In honor of their grand opening, Roots Up Gallery will debut exclusive new art from respected local artists including Abigail Thomson, Bailey Davidson, Betsy Cain, Georgia Kyle Shiver, Harriet Speer, Jeff Ziegler, Joshua Beckler, Karen Harvell, Leslie Lovell, Matt Hebermehl, Panhandle Slim, Tex Slim, Rebecca Sipper, Rudolph Valentino Bostic and Meryl Truett. In addition, legendary artists Howard Finster, Willie Tarver, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Charley Kinney, Hazel Kinney and Missionary Mary Proctor will also be featured.