Wally with ‘Pearl’ a stone and tabby fountain purchased by The Pearl restaurant in Bluffton
La Petite Gallerie, an intimate Old Town Bluffton shop featuring local art, continues to introduce residents and visitors to its exhibitors with monthly artist spotlights.
This month, the gallery is featuring Wally Palmer, a sculptor who has been immersed in the art world his entire life. The son of famed sculptor Walter Palmer, Wally spent his childhood working in his father’s studio. After studying at the Atlanta College of Art, Wally moved to New York City where he held the much coveted position of studio manager at Rocca Noto Sculpture Studio. While at Rocca Noto, Wally worked alongside Frederick Hart and many other world renowned sculptors. Wally would eventually move back to his beloved hometown of Bluffton to
Bonded bronze of egret
start his own art career. He created his idyllic Smoking Bird Studio along the banks of the Okatie River. There, never satisfied with working in a single medium Wally has created a diverse collection of work including “Lowcountry” bas reliefs, mosaics, and large conceptual fountains.
Wally’s pieces available at La Petite Gallerie include “bonded bronze”
relief sculptures. He creates them with a hearty resin material, poured into moulds (cast), and finished with a bronze coating. The bronze takes
‘Lily’ tabby and stone fountain
on a gorgeous green patina and weathers beautifully. They are finished with a wax and clear coat seal which will protect the finish whether displayed indoors or out.
In addition to his skills as a visual artist Wally is a talented musician – you can enjoy his southern charm and guitar playing on festival days and Fridays on the La Petite Gallerie decks. Please stop by to see Wally’s latest creations at 56 Calhoun Street in Bluffton.
