Artist Mac Rogers celebrates Beaufort’s 300-year history in painting
The Beaufort Art Association is pleased to present the work of featured artist Mac Rogers, whose work will be on display at the BAA Gallery from January 10 through February 19. The title of his exhibition is “Beaufort, SC – Past, Present, and Future: A Celebration of Our Town’s 300-year History in Painting.” Beaufort’s 300th birthday is on January 17, 2011, and Mac has attempted to complement the celebration with paintings that illustrate how the city has evolved over the years and even offers a glimpse into the future.
An opening reception in honor of the artist will be held at the BAA Gallery on Friday, January 14, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Throughout much of its 300-year history, Beaufort depended upon water transportation. Mac’s paintings show how Beaufort’s waterfront has changed over the years and reflect the evolution of Bay Street. They also reveal how little many of the city’s original places of worship and the sea island 
plantation owners’ homes have been affected by the passing of time. The exhibit includes what the artist considers Beaufort’s “timeless treasures”—its natural setting and its people.
A native of Orangeburg, SC, Mac began flying planes and painting at a young age. After graduating from Clemson University in 1972, he became a pilot for Delta Air Lines, a career he enjoyed for 25 years until his retirement in 2004, when painting became a very pleasurable second career.
Mac’s initial interest in painting was directly influenced by the art of Jim Harrison of Denmark, SC. While he was living in the Atlanta area, Mac studied with Ben Shute, founder of the Atlanta College of Art, and Tony Couch, fellow Delta pilot and nationally known watercolor artist, author, and teacher.
Melanie, Mac’s bride of 40 years, is also from Orangeburg. The Rogers have been residents of the Beaufort area since 1989. They have two children and four grandchildren.
When asked what, specifically, he likes about landscape painting, Mac replied that while he enjoys opportunities to paint in all areas, he is especially fond of the places and people of the South Carolina Low Country, viewing each new project as a fresh challenge.
Mac’s exhibit will be on display at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery from January 10 through February 19, 2011. The Gallery, located in the historic Elliott House in Beaufort–at the corner of Bay Street and Charles—is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also on display are the works of over 75 member artists—including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and glass. For further information, please call the Gallery office at 379-2222.
