Neighborhood Business Highlight: Oxford Treehouse Gallery
Walter & Vivian Neill, owners of Oxford Treehouse Gallery
Always interested in the arts, Walter and Vivian Neill had early careers in the restaurant and plumbing businesses. They married and settled in Oxford in 1999 where they began their art careers and business in earnest. They have since developed a sort of arts compound where they live, work and promote the arts, and this compound/art haven IS the Oxford Treehouse Gallery.
Walter and Vivian initially purchased the property to build Walter’s blacksmith shop, but they quickly realized they wanted to live there as well. They knew they needed space for the noise of large tools (power hammers, etc.), for their animals to roam and to ultimately open Oxford Treehouse Gallery to the public. With a bit of effort, they were able to acquire enough surrounding property to build their home and have a buffer from future development. The blacksmith shop was built in 2000. Walter then built a painting studio/gallery nestled in the trees (some of the trees are actually supporting the porches) in 2005. Their chicken palace was built in 2008. They used the art gallery as their primary residence until their home was completed on the same property in 2013.
We asked Vivian what she loves most about Oxford Treehouse Gallery’s location and she shared, “I love the privacy and the proximity to town. Our location is our biggest asset and at the same time our biggest hurdle. Though we are only 7 miles from Oxford, we are in a rural area. When people make the effort to visit the gallery, they inevitably remark on how peaceful it is.” With its tucked away location on County Road 418, it really is so peaceful and lovely. Not only is the art so fantastic to view, but the screen porch is a wonderful spot to have a cup of coffee or cider and enjoy the quiet. And, since 2018, you can also find Oxford Treehouse Gallery’s art showcased at the Chancellor’s House Hotel on the Oxford Square.
Oxford Treehouse Gallery will be having its Holiday Open House this Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. Tisch Jewelry will be on hand with lots of new work and you will also find some of the Oxford Treehouse Gallery artists there. What better way to shop for the holidays than being surrounded by great art, live music, tasty beverages, good food and interesting people! As Vivian shared, “We opened Oxford Treehouse Gallery to share this space with other artists and to provide the public with a fine art experience in an unconventional gallery setting. We strive to fill the gallery with art that we love and appreciate – that is both functional within the home and adds to the simple beauty of everyday life.”
We ask our Neighborhood businesses how the Oxford and Lafayette county real estate market affects them. Vivian shared, “Of course, we love filling people’s walls with more art. We get really excited about people who visit who are new home owners and new art collectors. We love that we can offer both affordable options of $10 prints up to art pieces that are in the $6000 range. Art and homeownership go hand in hand.”
We are so grateful for Oxford Treehouse Gallery and their commitment to supporting regional and local artists by sharing their art with the public in a really cool space. Oxford Treehouse Gallery is located at 328 CR 418. They are open regularly Thursday – Saturday Noon – 6:00 pm. They are always happy to open anytime, just contact them and set it up! You can call the gallery at 662-236-1667 or email Vivian at vivian@oxfordtreehousegallery.com.
Neighborhoods close by: Franklin Farms, Yocona Ridge, Hwy 334 homes, Edgewood
