By Lessle Rodriguez
The Society of Bluffton Artists will be showcasing the talents of some of the community’s young artists during February when it hosts “Young Talent” at SOBA’s Old Town Bluffton gallery. The exhibit runs from January 31 through February 26 and will feature varied mediums from the area’s most promising young artists, ranging from oil paintings to pottery.
The show will feature the best works from roughly 20 artists of Bluffton High School at various levels of art education. Many are members of the National Art Honor Society, which seeks to bring awareness of the importance of the visual arts to the community.
“Providing art education and art appreciation to persons of all ages
‘Lemons’ by Frances Hackett
is part of SOBA’s mission statement,” says SOBA vice president Cynthia Van Nus. “For high schoolers, we provide the student art show and college scholarship award. The art show gives students a chance for public recognition for their talents and achievements, the same that is given to student athletes, science projects and music concerts.”
Visitors will be able to purchase the artwork and meet the student artists during the show’s opening reception at the gallery on Saturday, February 5, from 3-5 p.m.
’14th Street Port Royal’ by Nikki Olivera
“As art teachers, we value the opportunity to give students real world experience with the demands and rewards of being a gallery artist, including presenting and pricing their work in a professional manner,” says Bluffton High art teacher Kristen Munroe. “The students are very proud of their work and gain self-esteem and confidence through displaying their work to the community at large.”
SOBA is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Please visit www.sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.
