By Karina Timmel
Job: Owner of Gregg Irby Fine Art
Born in: Columbia, South Carolina
Lives in: Buckhead
When she first moved to Atlanta in 1994, Gregg Irby thought that the city really needed a place to find beautiful and livable art by talented artists at affordable prices. Her mother is an artist, and with her professional experience in marketing and business, she went for it. The humble owner of the popular eponymous Buckhead gallery is known for championing emerging artists.
“I am inspired by their art and I want others to be inspired by it, too,” she says. “It is amazing how art can really make you feel good, energize you—it’s all about expressing yourself.”
Her artists, many of whom have gotten their start through her, include Sally Benedict, who was just featured as a top 10 Southern artist by Southern Living. Irby spends a lot of time working with her artists, offering feedback, looking at works in progress and helping them plan for future work. A jack-of-all-trades, she has her hand in every aspect of gallery work, including marketing, website updates, outreach to tastemakers, getting ready for out-of-town shows and working with walk-in customers.
“Ever since I can remember, I knew that I would one day own my own business. Art has long been my passion, so I’m lucky that I have been able to make a living doing what I love.”
Her Biggest Life Lesson:
“It’s so important to love what you do and make every day count. Take the initiative!”
