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November Issue 2003
Society of Bluffton Artists Open New Gallery/Learning Center in Bluffton, SC
The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) announces the opening of their new Gallery/Learning Center in historic old-town Bluffton. The former Bluffton library building at 48 Boundary Street is the Society's new home. "We believe our new facility will compliment the area's existing galleries and entice more visitors to Historic Old-Town Bluffton. The gallery will display art works of over 80 area artists, all work moderately priced." stated Emily Wilson, the Society's President.
At 3pm on Nov. 2, 2003, a formal ribbon cutting ceremony will take place followed by refreshments and a tour of the state-of-the-art gallery. The public is encouraged to attend. The celebration continues into the following week when local artists will be painting on site, and a silent auction conducted. The auction concludes Nov. 8, 2003, at 4pm. Regular gallery hours will be 10am to 5pm, Tue. - Sat.
The Society had a dual purpose in opening this remodeled facility. In addition to the 960 square foot gallery, space has been dedicated for a learning center where Bluffton's schoolchildren will receive specialized art training from the Society's experienced artists/teachers. "We've established a formal program with local middle and elementary school art teachers and Beaufort County's Board of Education art director, where the teachers select the students and we provide the training and materials, "a win-win situation," added Wilson. These after-school programs will be conducted at no cost to the school system.
"The mix of artists represented in the gallery is diverse" stated Terry Brennan, project manager. "We'll feature original watercolors, oils and pastel paintings along with photography and three-dimensional art work." All work is for sale and there will be a change of show every six weeks. Volunteer members will operate the gallery.
"We're excited to become a part of the fast growing Bluffton community... as Bluffton grows, so will it's needs for the visual arts. Our expanding "gallery row", which will encompass Calhoun and Boundary Streets, should attract many of the people who currently visit galleries in Hilton Head, SC, Beaufort, SC, and Savannah, GA. We are able to offer these people a facility where they can find an extensive selection of artwork done exclusively by local artists," added Brennan.
The Society received significant support from the Sun City Woodworkers Association and others during the remodeling phase of the project. "We couldn't have done it without them and the many Society members and community businesses who contributed to our fund-raising campaign" stated Helen Evans, fund-raising chairperson, who along with Wilson, were the initiators of this new facility. On Nov. 2, the Society will realize a long awaited dream come true.
The Society of Bluffton Artists, a non-profit organization, began in 1994 and currently has 113 members. The Society is dedicated to promoting the visual arts in the community and to enhance the art skills of its' members and Bluffton's youth. As part of its' community outreach program, the Society conducts monthly art demonstrations, open to the public.
For more information check our SC Institutional
Gallery listings or call 843/757-6586 or 843/681-8041.
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