Tyler Spears at the gallery.
SPEARS continued from 23 Kyle has his own business, but is part of the team at Spears Gallery, where he says all members of the family do whatever needs to be done.
He said his mother“ taught me everything about running a business and how to be a salesman.”
Spears Gallery is also home to other artists’ works from Brown County and beyond, including works in wood, jewelry, basketry, metal, weaving, glass, paintings, and more.
Jan said the studio carries the work of about 20 Brown County artists, plus a few who live outside the county.
“ People have an interest in locally crafted work, and it just seemed like a natural fit to invite others in,” she said. Plus, it gives artists without a retail space a place to sell their wares.
“ We’ re fortunate to have other artists allow us to represent them.”
In Gatlinburg, the couple met many other artists, including jewelers, and Larry began collecting jewelry for Jan.
“ I was intrigued by the process,” Larry said.“ I learned from other jewelers, from reading, and from just practicing.” He uses mainly sterling silver, copper, and brass, and occasionally gold for accents. And he incorporates stones he picks up from lapidary artists, other jewelers and elsewhere. He has been selling jewelry at the gallery for about six years, and loves making rings.
“ I’ m still learning,” he said.“ That’ s the fun part of it, you never stop learning. And it’ s the same with pottery. I’ m having fun with both; I’ m doing shows with both.”
At 72, Larry shows no signs of slowing down, and has no plans to retire.
Jan says the family plans to keep the gallery going in the foreseeable future.
“ There will never be a day when Larry’ s not making something,” she said.
“ I wouldn’ t be doing this at all without Jan,” Larry said.“ She’ s the business lady, she’ s the juggler, she keeps the books, does the taxes. The shop is her gallery. I just work there to fill in when I’ m needed.” Jan says it’ s actually a team effort.“ It takes the whole family to keep everything rocking and rolling,” she said.“ It takes the four of us, plus a couple of very good employees.”
“ We’ re grateful we actually reside in and make a living in this little county,” she said. •
Spears Gallery is located at 15 S. Van Buren Street in Nashville. They are open 10 a. m.-5 p. m. daily, but hours may vary depending on the season. For more information, call 812-988-1286 or visit spearspottery. com.
24 Our Brown County • Sept./ Oct. 2025
Kyle Spears at the gallery.