New gallery, instruction center to open Saturday

SALUDA — Saluda artist Laura Polanco said she found it challenging to get her art into galleries, so she decided to do something about it.

Polanco took a leap of faith and opened the Art of Yoga, Gallery and Yoga Studio in Saluda.

“Artists are continually challenged with having their work seen by art enthusiasts,” she said. “By opening the gallery and studio, I am living my dream of being an artist, and hoping to help other artists reach their artistic goals as well.”

In addition to being an artist, Polanco is also a certified yoga therapist through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. She has spent her full career in the wellness industry, and is a certified herbalist, fitness specialist and wellness consultant.

For Polanco, combining an art gallery and yoga studio was a natural fit.

“With a large portion of the population being retired seniors and artists, yoga makes a lot of sense bringing contemplation and inspiration together,” she said.  

In her “Art of Aging” class, Polanco teaches a type of gentle, restorative yoga.

“As we age, we lose muscle, our tendons and joints become stiff, and we’re not moving as much,” she said. “We can develop balance issues. This type of yoga helps to remind the body how to be flexible and balanced.”

Polanco is also offering children, ages 6 and up, a yoga and painting class in her, Saturday mornings kids workshop in July.

Polanco spent most of her life in Colorado, but moved east to be near an aging parent. Missing the mountains, she moved to Saluda in March, and has been working hard ever since to make her dream of a combination studio and gallery come to life.

The grand opening for Art of Yoga, Gallery and Yoga Studio is Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Polanco invites everyone to come out and view her artwork and works  by other area artists, and learn about current and upcoming yoga classes.

Polanco’s neighbor, Wildflour Bakery, is providing the food for the grand opening. The event will feature Jim Carson and Kristen Mode, along with four other Saluda artists, including a jewelry maker.

The Art of Yoga, Gallery and Yoga Studio is located at 19 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda. For more information about yoga classes or the art studio, people may contact Polanco at 803-627-5293 or visit LauraPolancoFineArts.com.