Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie King.
Hi Laurie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been surrounded by art my entire life. If you had asked me as a kid what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said, without hesitation, an artist. Like many people, though, life pulled me onto a more traditional path. I focused on building a “professional” career and, for a while, art took a back seat.
That changed during COVID. I was unemployed for six months, what I jokingly call living my best life, because for the first time in years, I got to paint every single day. I was incredibly prolific during that time, and eventually I faced a new question: how do I get this work seen?
I began submitting to galleries and was fortunate to be accepted into a couple in Los Angeles. Through those experiences, I got to know the gallery owners and learned firsthand how the art business works, what supports artists, what doesn’t, and where there’s room for something more human and flexible.
When I returned to work full time, I quickly realized how much I missed being part of the art community, connecting with other artists, sharing ideas, and creating space for dialogue. Living in Oceanside, I also noticed that the local gallery scene leaned more traditional than what I’d experienced in LA. That gap sparked an idea: maybe there was room for something different.
Covet Art Gallery grew out of that realization…a desire to create a gallery that feels accessible, contemporary, and artist-centered, while still respecting the craft and professionalism of the art world. Oceanside felt like the perfect place to do that.
We opened our doors in December of 2023, and now, just over two years later, what’s been most rewarding is building and contributing to a growing art community here, one that supports artists, invites conversation, and makes people feel connected to the work on the walls.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any new business, there were plenty of obstacles, especially since I had never formally run or worked inside an art gallery before. The first year was very much a learning year. I was building the plane while flying it…figuring out operations, pricing, artist relationships, exhibitions, and what actually resonated with our audience. We tried a lot of different approaches, some worked and some didn’t, and we paid close attention to that data to refine how we operated.
Year two became about focus and execution. We leaned into what had proven successful, strengthened our processes, and invested heavily in building an online presence alongside the physical gallery. Developing the website and marketplace was a major challenge, but it also became a turning point. Today, we have over 1,800 works online at CovetArtGallery.com, and that collection continues to grow every day.
Of course, there were moments of uncertainty and growing pains along the way, but we’ve also been incredibly fortunate. The artists we’ve connected with over the past couple of years are exceptionally talented and deeply supportive. The gallery’s success and growth have truly been a collective effort, we wouldn’t be where we are without the trust, collaboration, and commitment of our artist community.
We’ve been impressed with Covet Art Gallery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Covet Art Gallery is a creative space in more ways than one. Founded as a brick-and-mortar gallery in Oceanside we’ve always been focused on showcasing bold, unexpected, and emotionally resonant work. Art that sparks curiosity and connection rather than just filling wall space. We specialize in rotating monthly exhibitions featuring emerging and independent artists with distinctive voices, and we lean into the fun, funky, and slightly offbeat.
What sets Covet apart is how we’re evolving. While our roots are local, our vision is expansive. We’ve grown into a hybrid gallery with a strong digital presence, featuring a growing marketplace of over 1800 works, while continuing to curate thoughtful, in-person exhibitions. That balance allows us to support artists in meaningful ways and connect collectors with work that reflects who they are and what moves them.
This year, we’re taking things to the next level with new programming, including exclusive art drops that feature curated collections created by a single artist specifically for Covet Art Gallery. Our first drop launches in April with Paula Hathaway, a North County tattoo artist, who has participated in several of our exhibitions, followed by a solo show with the talented Oceanside local Margaret Chiaro in May. These projects are just a teaser of what’s ahead.
At our core, Covet is about discovery, creativity, and community. We’re small, intentional, and doing big things…and we’re just getting started.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I think most of us would agree that we’re incredibly fortunate to live in San Diego, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country. Beyond the obvious natural beauty, there’s a creativity and openness here that really supports artists and small businesses.
Specifically in Oceanside, what I love most is how supportive the community is of the arts. There’s a real embrace of work that’s a little more unique, experimental, or unconventional. Oceanside has a rich cultural history, and that sense of identity really drives community, creativity, and connection through the arts.
If there’s anything I like least, it’s probably that Oceanside is still shaking off outdated perceptions from the past. For some people, it’s still overlooked as an arts destination compared to other coastal cities, but that’s also part of what excites me. There’s so much momentum here, and being part of a city that’s actively redefining itself through culture and the arts feels really special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.covetartgallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covetartgallery/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CovetArtGallery/shorts
Image Credits
Dave Condit
