‘The Aviatress’ by Dennis Lake
Art produced in the South Carolina Lowcountry just keeps getting better and better. Of course, the area gives its artists a step up on the creative process through its natural gifts of water, wildlife, and a quality of light that can stir the soul. As every artist is an individual, so is the translation of nature into subject matter and its rendering upon a surface.
An upcoming exhibition not to be missed presents a terrific opportunity to observe the influence of the Lowcountry’s magical setting on its artists.
From October 13 to December 12, the Center for the Arts at the
‘Bishop Alden Hathaway’ by Jennifer Heyd Wharton
University of South Carolina Beaufort will host “Portraits & More,” featuring 30-plus works by 15 South Carolina members of the Portrait Society of America (PSA). Put this one on your calendar now.
The opening reception is on Thursday, October 13 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the USCB Center for the Arts Gallery at 801 Carteret St. in Beaufort. Everyone is welcome!
Executed in a variety of media, the works on display are rendered in graphite, pastel, oils (on canvas, wood panel, and linen), and watercolor. Some of the artists paint abstractly and others, realistically. Far from one-trick ponies, these exhibitors have put together an exciting combination of portraiture, landscape, and other exquisitely-rendered paintings.
“As every artist is an individual, so is the translation of nature into the capture of the human spirit into portraiture,” says Jennifer Heyd Wharton, Co-Ambassador for South Carolina for the PSA and a Beaufort artist.
His Crown, by Anita Beaty
While many participants began their artistic journeys in college, others came to art later in life after careers in other fields. All now revel in the joy of artistic expression.
Says Beaufort artist Hope Cunningham, “…for me, art is about love…love for light, form, and color.”
Exhibiting artists are: Anita Law Beaty, Charleston, Pastel; Stephen Anthony Cefalo, Charleston, Oil; Hope Cunningham, Beaufort, Oil; Mary Hoffman, Summerville, Oil; Mary Houston, Kiawah Island, Oil; Dennis Lake, Bluffton, Oil; Laura Schuler, Beaufort, Graphite and Charcoal; Sandy Shuster, St. Helena Island, Oil and Pastel; Bob Sharpe, Summerville, Oil; Kyle Stuckey, Charleston, Oil; Angela Trotta Thomas, Johns Island, Oil; Suzanne Viechnicki,
Non-Commissioned Portrait by Mary Villon deBenveniste
Bluffton, Oil; Mary Villon de Benveniste, Walterboro, Oil; Heather Wanamaker, Bluffton, Oil; and Jennifer Heyd Wharton, Beaufort, Oil and Watercolor.
“This exhibit is extremely professional,” says Wharton. “The caliber of work will blow you away.”
Co-Ambassador and Beaufort artist Laura Schuler offers: “What if you could see a soul reflected through their drawn image?” Think about this as you peruse the exhibit. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. For more info, contact Jennifer Heyd Wharton, jenniferheydwharton@gmail.com.
