Feature Articles


December Issue 1999

Bernie Horton Celebrates His Second Year in Charleston

by Linda Annas Ferguson

Bernie Horton was unknown to many Charleston, SC residents in Nov., 1997 when he first opened his doors for business at 108 Church Street as Bernie Horton Gallery. He had previously owned and operated Bernie Horton Studio Gallery in Pawleys Island, SC since 1989, but had been concentrating on a different market. During that time he experimented with watercolors and acrylics of marshscapes, Lowcountry locals, and golf and sport images. They were quickly snatched up by Pawleys Island residents and visitors.

Since moving to Charleston, Horton's work has been received with enthusiasm. His art has expanded to include large format oils which reveal the many moods of the surrounding landscape. He has done research from Pawleys Island to St. Helena Island, SC, searching for subject matter in numerous locations of the southeast. His paintings capture the peaceful marshes, winding creeks and the people of the land - shrimping, crabbing, and fishing at the water's edge.

The volume of work he has produced and sold has surpassed all of his initial expectations. Horton contributes much of this success to the flourishing Charleston art scene, which was referred to in the autumn issue of Art World News as "the next Santa Fe." The French Quarter Gallery Association, one segment of the art community, grew within a few years from 15 to over 30 galleries and more galleries continue to move into town.

Although market is important, Horton's talent and experience are the principal factors in the recognition he has received in such a short time. He comes from an extensive background in art and attended the Ringling School of Art In Sarasota, FL before embarking on a 25 year career in advertising as an art director. During that time he won hundreds of regional and national awards in his field. Professional acknowledgment continued without pause as he shifted his interests to the fine arts. His work has hung in regional and national competitions as well as in five one-man shows.

When asked about his achievements, Horton downplays his success. Although his work sells almost faster than he can paint, he stills says " I strive daily to improve my work. I am never content. I am always studying new techniques and subject matter, always seeing something new in the landscape. Art is a continuous realm of discovery and I am a perpetual student."

His continued growth as an artist and in sales has prompted a need for more space. Along with the celebration of his second anniversary in Charleston, Horton is announcing the plans for a new gallery at 111 Church Street, just a few doors from his present location. He hopes to open that space in Feb., 2000. The new gallery will offer double the square footage over his current site and will still be an integral part of the French Quarter. It will include a separate viewing room for the convenience of the customer and office space for the staff.

In the heart of the art venue, the new gallery will be only steps from the well-known Dock Street Theater and the often photographed St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Tucked among other galleries, law offices, and small shops, the new location will meet Horton's need for growth but continue to fit into his desire to help preserve the charm of Charleston and the draw of its unique ambiance.

The anniversary celebration will continue throughout the month of Dec. The gallery is also featuring the work of Mark Kelvin Horton.

For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings or call the gallery at 843/958-0014.

Linda Annas Ferguson is a freelance writer and poet living in Charleston.

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