July 2013

Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, NC, Features Works by Southeastern Artists Group

Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC, is presenting Life At The Beach, featuring works by the Southeastern Artists Group, on view through July 27, 2013.

The multimedia exhibition includes work by Babs Ludwick, Claire Sallenger Martin, Fay Terry, Prentiss Halladay, Carole Hickey and Suzanne Ellett. The artists each have their own distinctive painting style, but are drawn together by a love for the coastal environment.

Babs Ludwick, who is the wife of local beach music and blues singer, Calabash Flash, brings a highly creative vision and innovative approach to her colorful and thought-provoking art. She pulls order out of chaos, evidenced particularly in her collage paintings. Her motto in art and in life is “Do what makes your heart beat.” Ludwick will be showing works in acrylic, watercolor, collage and mixed media. Notable awards include: 2012 First Place Acrylic, Arts By the Shore (Oak Island, N.C.); 2007 Third Place, Associated Artists of Southport; 2006 Award of Excellence and 2004 Best In Show, Waterway Art Association.

Claire Sallenger Martin has also been honored by her peers, most recently with acceptance into the Raleigh Fine Arts 2013 Exhibition Show. She is known for her figurative and whimsical paintings. Recent works include a series of gouache sketches she calls “Seaside Comics”. They depict people enjoying the sun, walking their dogs, playing in the sand, hunting for shells and more.

Oil painter Fay Terry says, “Art can help us notice what we forget to notice in daily life. I am mesmerized by observing patterns of light and color. I seek to preserve them in paint and give you the moment through my eyes.” Terry’s paintings are in a variety of collections including Pinehurst Surgical Clinic, a University in Hunan Province, China and the studio of renowned NC potter Ben Owen. The artist was raised in Raleigh, NC, and now splits her time between Pinehurst, NC, and Oak Island, NC.

Prentiss Halladay’s watercolor paintings present a glimpse of time momentarily preserved in memory. She says, “I especially like working with primary colors. If I had to pigeonhole my style, I suppose it could be described as representational. A common theme for Halladay is children at play, both purposeful and full of abandon.

Watercolors by Carole Hickey are fresh and transparent due to the wet-in-wet technique she often uses. She starts loose with large brushes and a limited palette, then fine-tuning with smaller brushes and glazes, finally capturing the essence of her subjects, which range from florals and shells to landscapes and seascapes. According to the artist, “The flowing medium of watercolor is perfect for capturing the movement, patterns and fluidity of the ocean. It’s my favorite medium and crashing waves and sandy beaches are two of my favorite things.”

NC native Suzanne Ellet has found her artistic niche in the unique beauty of the Carolina coast. Her love of sand, surf and art has come together dramatically in her watercolor presentations of coastal scenes. Ellett received her formal training in art at the Virginia Commonwealth University where she was classically trained in charcoal, oils and pastel. She later studied water media with internationally known artist Fran Larsen and has continued her exploration of the medium.

Since opening in 2002, Sunset River Marketplace has become an active supporter of performing, literary and visual arts in the area. The 10,000 square-foot gallery features work by over 200 North and South Carolina artists. The on-site pottery studio has two kilns and three wheels for use by students. Ongoing oil, pastel and watercolor classes are also provided, in addition to workshops by nationally known artists. A framing department offers full-service, on-site custom frame design.

For further information check our NC Commercial Gallery listings, visit (www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com), call the gallery at 910/575-5999 or or “like” the gallery’s Facebook page, which is updated daily.

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