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April Issue 2009
Lowcountry Artists
in Charleston, SC, Offers Works by Guest Artists
Lowcountry Artists Gallery in Charleston, SC, will present the exhibit, New Talent, featuring works by guest artists Peter Scala, Jennifer McCooey, Michael Story, Robbie Claire, Marty Biernbaum, Bob Hasselle, Jason Luck, and Bette Muller-Roemer on view from Apr. 3 - 30, 2009.
Peter Scala refers to himself as a self-taught surrealist painter, influenced by Picasso and Miro. Working in egg tempera he creates from his experiences and thoughts. His work presents his surrealist view of the cultures in which he lives and paints. Scala has spent twenty five years abroad. The impact of Asia and Africa is considerable.
Jennifer McCooey
In marked contrast Jennifer McCooey is a young artist, still in school, currently at the Art Students League in New York. Don't be fooled by this short resume. During the time she has been at Lowcountry, her work has commanded attention and sales. McCooey states, "In my work I hope to capture moments of beauty - the way the light shines through the trees in the morning, or the sparkling reflection on your grandmother's silver pitcher."
Award winning Michael Story comes to the gallery from Columbia, SC, with a considerable reputation and following. His love of the water and familiarity with the southern barrier islands and a subsequent exploration of the Lowcountry is subject for many of his paintings. He says, "People want to be near water, both real and imagined, as it exudes a calm that seems magical. In the studio, I've discovered that a sense of calm often transcends the painting process when water is incorporated into the composition." Story's paintings often transfer that feeling to their viewers.
Robbie Claire, a native Charlestonian, has been with the gallery for some time. Although he lived and studied for 8 years in Japan, he has a deep connection with nature in the Lowcountry. His hand-blown glass forms reflect the shimmer of the sea breeze across the water. His colors reflect the whims of the sky and summer sun.
Mary Biernbahm has a long history of developing innovative and beautiful work. She has agreed to develop a series designed especially for this venue. Her Oyster Shell plates and bowls have met with great success, so much that she is debuting a new series of platters based on the fish of the area.
Bob Hasselle, an award winning artist from Rock Hill, SC, has brought not only colorful functional pieces, but more distinctive pit fired pots and sculptured pieces. The "sculptures" cause quite a sensation each time a new shipment comes with nude torsos, and horses in Asian motifs.
Seagrove, NC, the pottery capital of the Eastern United States, has given us Jason Luck, who now lives and works locally. His jug pots won't take second place to anything in grabbing attention. A tradition in the Carolinas, these grotesquely humorous faces are new to our gallery.
Bette Muller-Roemer, another Lowcountry resident, has absorbed the feel and coloration of her home. Pluff mud, reeds and murky waters must have been the inspiration for these pieces with wonderful and subtle textures in tans, grays, and mossy greens.
What a wealth of new work for patrons to enjoy! Of course these guest artists will join members, Norma Morris Ballentine, Dawn Caldwell, Rick Dean, Lynda English, Lynn Hardwick, Rana Jordahl, Steven Jordan, Bonnie Stabler, and Jackie Wukela in putting their best foot forward for a wonderful new spring show.
For further information
check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at
843/577-9295 or visit (www.lowcountryartists.com).
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