Luther Taylor

Hell on Wheel’s

1 Mar, 2025 — 31 May, 2025

01 March, 2025 — 31 May, 2025

Discover the artistry of resident and local multi-disciplinary artist Luther Taylor at the Hell on Wheels exhibition, opening Saturday, March 1, 2025. This stunning showcase blends the adrenaline of speed with captivating oil paintings, mixed media, and photography—all exquisitely framed in hand-crafted, reclaimed wormy chestnut, tinted with natural, plant-based stains.

See Exhibiton

Meet Luther Taylor

From Tazewell County Virginia’s Rolling Hills to Timeless Masterpieces—The Appalachian Roots of Haus of Taylor

I often find myself reflecting on the footsteps that brought me back here, to Tazewell, Virginia, where my creative journey first began. Looking back, it amazes me how remarkably straight my path has been—each step, each risk, each act of courage unfailingly steering me toward the life of an artist. And now, at 55 years old, I can say with pride that I’ve been pursuing my craft professionally for 40-plus years. How many people say they’ve dedicated their entire lifetime to their passion? For me, that passion is art and design.

It all began in my childhood, where growing up on Dry Fork Road and later Tazewell Avenue instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of rural Virginia. By age five, my creativity had already begun to take shape, and those early years, immersed in the rolling hills and vibrant culture of my hometown, planted the seeds for a career that would evolve in ways I could have never imagined.

One pivotal memory remains indelible in my mind—airbrushing a 1971 Camaro under the guidance of my high school art teacher, Richard Smith. That piece earned me first place in the Southwest Regional Art Contest at the Crab Orchard Museum in 1986. It was the first time I realized art could be more than just a hobby; it could be a lifelong vocation.

From summers spent perched high above the Southwest Virginia mountains, hand-painting billboards for Harry’s Outdoor Advertising, to mastering the intricacies of screen printing at SunFire Graphic, I learned to respect the tactile, traditional techniques that would define my work for decades. It was during these formative years that I developed not just my technical skills but also my unwavering work ethic—a foundation that would serve me well as I pursued greater ambitions.

Fueled by a desire to grow, I moved to Atlanta in 1989 to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta, where I majored in Visual Communications and Commercial Art. It was a time of technological revolution, and I found myself at the crossroads of traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation. My love for process-driven work combined seamlessly with emerging tools like computer-aided design, opening up new creative horizons. I still remember the goosebumps I felt while framing an original Picasso drawing as an employee at a fine art gallery—it was a humbling moment that cemented my dedication to artistic mastery.

My career flourished in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I climbed the ranks from Art Director to Creative Director. I earned national recognition for innovative designs and marketing strategies while working at boutique ad agencies. Yet, I couldn’t ignore the longing to create something that was entirely my own. By 1998, I realized that vision and founded Blevins Creative Group, combining artistry, efficiency, and innovation to serve Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike. Over 25 years, the studio became synonymous with award-winning campaigns and reshaped Raleigh’s real estate marketing landscape.

But even as Blevins Creative Group thrived, my heart remained tethered to my fine art roots and the town that inspired me. Marrying Mary, my high school friend and now wife brought me full circle. Together, in 2019, we boldly decided to return to our hometown of Tazewell and transform our lives again. We resurrected a 100-year-old building, reinventing it as the Haus of Taylor—a boutique art gallery that serves as the ultimate expression of my life’s work.

The Haus of Taylor is more than a gallery; it’s a testament to decades of passion, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Every piece we create—whether an original oil painting, a sculpture, an architectural photograph, or a mixed-media work—is imbued with the beauty and spirit of rural Virginia. From hand-stretched Belgian canvases to custom frames crafted from reclaimed barn wood, we aim to offer more than art; we offer timeless experiences. Our inaugural exhibition, “Faith Framed,” in 2024 marks over 25 years of artistic exploration and celebrates a lifelong commitment to creative excellence.

Walking through the gallery, I often think about the long, winding path that brought me back here. This venture wasn’t born overnight—it’s the culmination of a legacy that began in 1968, the year I was born and took flight in 1986 with that airbrushed Camaro.

If you ask me whether I think the Haus of Taylor will be a success, I’d say it already is—every step of this life has been dedicated to art, craftsmanship, and storytelling. And now, as I stand here alongside the love of my life in the town that shaped me, I know we’ve created something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply an admirer of beautiful things, I invite you to visit us at One Thirteen Fincastle Turnpike in Tazewell, VA. Come experience the artistry, the nostalgia, and the heartfelt stories captured within.

The Haus of Taylor isn’t just about art—it’s about community, history, and the enduring power of creativity.