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SALUDA–River Dog Run is a new store that has opened up in Saluda, specializing in vintage art and reclaimed furniture.

 

Lisa Preston Clark grew up in Tryon with a family who understood the importance of beauty within the mountains that surround us. She thanks her grandfathers, Arthur Pack and Dr. John Z. Preston, for instilling that love of community and nature in her by their involvement within the county. She also shares her thankfulness to her grandmother who, as Clark explained, decorated their home so stunningly as she grew up that it was what inspired her love for art. 

 

Over the years since leaving Tryon, she has lived in Charleston, Hendersonville and finally Saluda. Since she has returned to Saluda, she has met no less than eight new family members and many more for whom her grandfather, Preston, was the doctor. Preston had even delivered some of Clark’s new friends when they were babies. She explained, “I have been so well received into the community, it truly is a homecoming!”  

 

Her desire to create River Dog Run spawned from her love of family and the mountains and the coast. Clark said, “The store is such a celebration of my past and the current blending of all things good about the mountains, the Lowcountry and the beautiful diversity of artisans and people in general from all over who have made this area their home.” 

 

Clark believes family is the most important thing, which can be seen throughout her store. Her story of how she grew to love art as she does is very prevalent as well.

 

River Dog Run’s name not only came from her shared love of the coast and mountains, but also came from her nephew, Cole Preston. Cole passed away in 2015 at a young age. She knew how much he loved kayaking, getting lost in the mountains with his beloved dog and finding peace only the mountains can give. 

 

River Dog Run offers exquisite reclaimed and vintage pieces. Everyone is guaranteed to find something they love when they walk in. Clark finds joy in repurposing a piece of furniture and giving it a new life as if it takes a breath of fresh air when it is complete. What was once a dream has turned into a passion.

 

Because of Clark’s love of the coast and the mountains, the two themes have been joined together to create something for all. River Dog Run celebrates the hard work of local artisans and so the store provides hand made pieces of art. Shoppers can find leather journals, candles, furniture, pottery and art. 

 

This shop is a place where contemporary artisans and upcycled classics create an intersection of art and history that later travels into homes to have a new life. It is a beautiful picture of something bringing joy into the lives of others.

By Carson Parnell