The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) presents “Side By Side,” an art exhibit that explores photography and its mixed media interpretation July 2 – August 5 at the SoBA gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton. An opening reception is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. July 8 at the gallery.
Side by Side is the pairing of photographers and other artists to show their interpretations and renditions of the same scene. It starts with the photograph, and the other artist, in whatever medium they use, completes their version of that scene or item depicted in the photograph in their own way. It can be in oil, acrylic, watercolor, fiber art, drawing, mixed media, and even stained 
glass.
“Some of the interpretations are realistic, some are impressionistic, some are quite varied,” said Bill Bogle, a photographer who is chairing the event. “It can pick a part of the photograph, add or eliminate features, or change from color to black and white, or vice versa.”
This is the second year SoBA has held the Side by Side exhibition. There are 13 photographers and more than 40 artists involved. This year, there will be a “People’s Choice” in which visitors will be available to vote for their throughout the month of July using paper ballot. One artist will receive the “People’s Choice” award.
Side by Side is open to how the artists want to work and what they see.
“The end result is a wonderful comparison of artists’ work, in many media,” Bogle said.
SoBA is the flourishing art hub in Bluffton’s historic District at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions and more. Please visit www.sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.
Above: Photo of a Juvenile Blue Heron by Melinda Welker; painting of the same by Mary Sullivan
