Hilton Head arts pioneer Walter Greer dies

Walter Greer, considered the founder of Hilton Head Island’s artist community, died Wednesday, friends said.

The visual arts gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is named for Greer.

Greer, 96, died at a Bloom Senior Living center on Hilton Head shortly before it was evacuated for Hurricane Matthew.

Greer latched onto Hilton Head on his first visit in 1959 and immediately celebrated its Gullah residents, wildlife, and coastal scenery on canvas. At that time, conventional wisdom said it was a foolish place for an artist to try to make a living.

Island Packet arts columnist Nancy K. Wellard wrote last year: “It has been said that Greer must be recognized as Hilton Head’s first permanent resident artist, first art gallery director and, as a founding member of the Art League of Hilton Head, he really became Hilton Head’s first visual arts advocate.”

He and his wife, Margaret, recently observed their 50th anniversary, all of it involved with what grew to be an artists’ community on Hilton Head remarkable in size and talent.

In a recent public appearance, Greer donated a work of his art, “The Acolyte,” to St. Luke’s Church.

His painting, “Adventure,” depicting an historical ship for the island, hangs at the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Greer chose art as a career over his family’s textile interests. He was born in Ware Shoals and was in the The Citadel class of 1942. He was a World War II veteran.

His art and quiet, joyful influence on the arts was widely appreciated.

Bluffton artist Louanne LaRoche told Wellard:

“What a difference Walter’s involvement has made on the artistic expansion of the visual arts throughout Lowcountry. He was graciously seen to the development of so many of the elements contributing to the appreciation and support of our art community.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2016 at 7:58 AM with the headline "Hilton Head arts pioneer Walter Greer dies."