Redefining the Contemporary

A New Beachside Gallery Opens

By Caitlyn Burrus | Photography courtesy of Ria Leigh Gallery

Ria Leigh Gallery began with the shared vision of Rebecca Elliott, Alexandra Hartsfield, and Sharon Hathaway, who wanted to bring something new to the cultural landscape of Northwest Florida’s 30-A region. In July 2025, that vision came to life when the gallery opened its doors in the Shops of Grayton, and it is carving out a place as one of 30-A’s most engaging spaces for contemporary art. Its debut celebration brought together artists, collectors, and the community, setting the tone for what the gallery represents today. From the beginning, the gallery has showcased a wide range of artists whose works span styles, mediums, and perspectives, creating a collection as diverse as the community it serves.

RRebecca and Alex each carry a deep-rooted connection to the art world. Rebecca grew up surrounded by it; her family runs the Elliott Gallery in New Orleans, and her grandfather founded Nahan Galleries. Over the years, she has built her own expertise through consulting, management, and education. Alex followed an academic path, studying Art History and Museum Studies at Florida State University, spending time abroad in Florence, Italy, and working in nonprofit, retail, and consulting roles. Their complementary skills—Rebecca’s curatorial eye and Alex’s organizational and business strengths—shape a gallery that feels both professional and personal.

The gallery’s guiding phrase, Redefining the Contemporary, sets the tone for its approach. “We want to offer something for everyone,” Rebecca says. “Art should bring joy and fit meaningfully into people’s lives, whatever that looks like for them.” Alex adds, “At the core, we both came into this with a clear sense of how we wanted to run things: support the art, support the artists, and support each other.”

That sense of mission resonated with Sharon Hathaway, who joined them as an investor. A lifelong art collector, she recalls her first purchase more than thirty years ago during a trip to Hawaii. Since then, she has collected pieces wherever she traveled, turning a personal passion into a dream realized through the gallery. “I feel very fortunate to have been able to have this experience,” Sharon says. “I never really thought I’d own an art gallery, but I’m in the stage of my life where I’m able to do what my passion is, and my passion has always been art collection. Rebecca and Alex have been so wonderful at executing that.”

Alexandra Hartsfield, Sharon Hathaway, and Rebecca Elliott

While Sharon’s adventurous taste has helped expand the gallery’s eclectic voice, Rebecca and Alex remain at the heart of its direction. Visitors encounter a diverse collection, from Craig Alan’s witty Populous series to evocative works that capture the essence of the Gulf Coast. The gallery also highlights artists such as Torabi, whose figurative pieces are full of movement, Lun Tse, known for bold contemporary compositions, and Devyn Yeager, whose paintings bring fresh energy to coastal and abstract subjects. Kathleen Broaderick, Taylor Cox, Mark Dickson, and Vincent George also contribute to the gallery’s dynamic roster, each adding a distinct voice to the overall collection. “Our strength lies in how personally we connect with both our clients and our artists,” Rebecca explains. “We take the time to understand each client’s style and interests, sourcing works that feel unique and meaningful to them.” Their programming also reflects this philosophy. Rebecca recalls the energy of their August Local Artist Showcase, which featured Kristine Senft, John Maher, and Michael Scott. Looking ahead, their October exhibition with Craig Alan promises to continue that spirit of curiosity and connection.

For Rebecca and Alex, Ria Leigh is not only a gallery but also a cultural anchor for 30-A. They envision expanding into commercial consulting, helping businesses curate environments that inspire creativity and warmth. Sharon hopes the gallery will continue to be a force in showcasing local talent while drawing collectors from far beyond the Emerald Coast. “If you step into the gallery, you already share something with everyone else there: a love of art,” Alex says. “That’s a powerful starting point for building community.”

With its roots in passion and its future anchored in possibility, Ria Leigh Gallery is more than a space to view art. It is a canvas for community, connection, and creativity; a place where color blooms by the beach.

— V —

For more information, visit RiaLeighGallery30A.com, follow along on Instagram at @rialeighgallery30a, or stop by the Shops of Grayton, 26 Logan Lane, Unit F, Grayton Beach, Florida.