38 minute read
Color & Creation
We’ll start with art in the Great Outdoors. Georgia’s top recognized masters of plein air painting, including four local artists, will be gathering in the Golden Isles to paint the picturesque local scenery during Olmsted Arts’ third Georgia Color Plein Air Competition. This year marks the inaugural Georgia Color partnership with Glynn Visual Arts (GVA), and this juried event exclusively for Georgia artists will take place from October 21-24 in Coastal Georgia with headquarters at GVA on St. Simons Island.
The translation of the French term en plein air is “in the open air.” The popular practice, defined by outdoor painting, has been around for centuries and requires special skills and techniques. Plein air traditionally captures landscapes and locations using natural light. Featured artists will put brush to canvas to capture the autumn light over the waters and marshlands and historic towns of the Georgia Coast, bringing a fresh eye to the changing lights and colors, using an array of styles that draw from the rich traditions of plein air painting.
Olmsted Arts was founded by artists Lillian Ansley and Andy Hall to help activate the organization’s namesake, Olmsted Linear Park, in Atlanta. According to Ansley, they wanted to create something low impact that would invite visitors to explore and enjoy the park’s beautiful landscape. She explains, “Plein air was a movement in the late 1800s that got the artists out of the confines of the studio and painting among the people. The Olmsted Plein Air Invitational is in the spirit of those early impressionists.” After noting the reemergence of the popularity of plein air painting in the 1980s in coastal and mountain communities, she stated that this was the inspiration for the creation of the Olmsted Plein Air Invitational. “We thought: why not have a plein air event in the city? There are so many beautiful spots here that lend themselves to creating still life art.”
She adds that the non-profit art organization’s mission is to nurture the visual and cultural art education and experience through the art of plein air painting. They execute this mission through events like Georgia Color, workshops, lectures and demonstrations by some of the most esteemed artists in the U.S. Both Ansley and GVA Executive Director Terri Evans expressed their excitement that Georgia Color will now be taking place in the Golden Isles and the important role the participating artists will play in making and documenting history by capturing our coastal home at this moment in time.
In this issue, we are embracing artful life from canvas to copper and cotton to kiln. Our feature is designed to serve as a sort of road map marking visual arts in the Golden Isles and will highlight various galleries, art organizations, and events taking place in October.
Jennifer Broadus
On Thursday, October 21, grab your coffee and greet the sunrise with the Georgia Color artists who will be up early and painting on St. Simons Island and in the surrounding area throughout the day. The Exhibition Gallery at GVA will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the evening, there will be a Welcome Reception for artists and sponsors held at The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Arrive early and catch artists painting on the grounds. At this ticketed event, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Georgia Color artists, enjoy light fare and drinks, and purchase collectible paintings from the 36 featured artists that were created the first day of competition. Tickets for the reception are $60. On Friday, October 22, the Exhibition Gallery at GVA will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and artists will be painting on St. Simons Island and in the surround area throughout the day. In the evening, Georgia Color artists will be in Historic Downtown Brunswick for a Sunset/Nocturne Paint the Town from 4:30-8:30 p.m. The public is invited to join featured artists actively demonstrating sunset and nocturne paintings in the magical setting of historic Brunswick’s downtown, dock and marina. Arrive early to explore the shops, restaurants, brewery, and experience artists painting throughout the town. This will be a fun and memorable evening for artists and the public to enjoy. Paintings will be available for purchase.
Catherine Hillis
Saturday, October 23, continues with the artists painting on St. Simons Island and in the surrounding area. The Exhibition Gallery at GVA will be open 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The preview for the evening’s Georgia Color Artists Awards & Collectors Celebration event will take place at GVA at 4:30 p.m., with the ticketed event commencing at 5:30 p.m. This is where the featured artists will display what they’ve chosen as the two best works they’ve created over their four days of painting. The Awards and Collectors Celebration offers the first opportunity to see the entire competition show. It will be an evening bustling with excitement. Attendees can purchase paintings created during the Invitational, as well as those from a library of the featured artists’ work, in advance of the general public, and sales are generally brisk.
Sunday, October 24, will feature a PaintQuick session for artists at Musgrove Retreat and Conference Center on St. Simons Island in the morning. The general public is invited to visit the Exhibition Gallery at GVA from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to meet the featured Georgia Color artists at the exhibit of over 200 original works which are available for purchase. Admission is free and all artists will be in the Exhibition Gallery on Sunday. Many will be painting live. Before the show concludes at 4:00 pm, you’re invited to share a Champagne toast to the show.
During the Georgia Color event, all paintings created throughout this coastal plein air invitational will be showcased at GVA in an exhibition that also includes a library of paintings supplied by each artist. Fresh paintings from the event will be added daily and all paintings displayed will be available for purchase. Upon completion of the event, the Exhibition Gallery of the plein air paintings will remain on display online through November.
Art enthusiasts of all ages will be able to enjoy free and ticketed events throughout the week, including daily artist demonstrations by the Georgia Color judges, award winning artists, and knowledgeable collectors. Keep an eye on the Georgia Color Plein Air Competition page on the Olmsted Plein Air website at olmstedpleinair.com for schedule updates and ticket information. This information will also be available at GVA and on their website at glynnvisualarts.org.
SAVE THE DATE
February 4, 2022 Golden Isles Fiberarts Guild Show & Sale The Quilt “KABOOM” will be raffled (Donated by member Janie Pritchard) SoGlo Gallery Historic Downtown Brunswick
The Fiberarts Guild Encompasses Beading, Embroidery, Felting, Garment Construction, Knitting, Quilting, Rug Hooking, Surface Design & Weaving.
For more information on the Golden Isles Fiberarts Guild visit goldenislesfiberartsguild.com
The Fiberarts Guild meets monthly October – May featuring fiber art technique skills/demonstrations by members sharing and displaying their current work.
Visitors are welcome!
Of special note to our local community is that four local artists have been selected as featured artists in the Georgia Color Plein Air Competition: Catherine Hillis, Ella Cart, Jennifer Broadus, and George Netherton.
CATHERINE HILLIS
Catherine Hillis describes her paintings as “traditional with a twist.” Her love for the arts began at a young age. She says, “I was always drawn to the arts. I worked as a child model and actor and was gifted musically. I could draw and paint without effort. Creating art makes me feel good. I’m relaxed and healthy when I paint and if I’m working outdoors, with the sun shining, birds singing and breezes blowing, I cannot be happier.” Clearly plein air painting is just her cup of tea!
When asked about her inspiration, Catherine cites the greats. She says, “Throughout my career, I have admired, studied and found inspiration in past masters of my medium, Winslow Homer, who tells stories with paint, John Singer Sargent with his marvelous technical ability, Edward Hopper and his brooding landscapes and the masterful Andrew Wyeth. I greatly admire and follow the work of contemporary painters Joseph Zvisbuk, Andy Evansen and Alvaro Castagnet.”
Catherine admits that as an avid traveler she might have a bit of the gypsy spirit and she approaches the world by looking at everyday subjects with fresh eyes. Her works incorporate beauty in unexpected places and are often infused with a sense of humor. Windows and glass objects are a fascination and common theme, as Catherine loves to paint reflections, and does so beautifully! Her still lifes are anything but still, evoking a sense of color, motion and energy. But she can also capture a sense of calm with shrimp boats at rest along the dock and marsh views. Catherine explains, “Our daily lives are hectic. I like to think my work can slow the pace, and make a troubled world feel better as I take a wide view of the chaos and bring focus and order to the pandemonium around me by squinting, and then positioning my pencil and brush onto paper or canvas.”
Catherine has a studio here on St. Simons Island and her works can be seen at and purchased through Anderson Fine Art Gallery, where she also teaches workshops, another passion of hers. “Teaching art provides me another regular, joyful outlet. I believe in giving back. I’m devoted to sharing what I know with students. I’m a believer in common sense instruction and providing lifelong skills to each learner. I have proudly served as a member of the faculty at the renowned Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia; Frederick Community College in Maryland, and in many art centers across the USA and around the world.” To see Catherine’s work and learn more about her, visit catherinehillis.com.
GEORGE NETHERTON
After having built and sold a successful Software and Data Services Company, George Netherton left the business world behind and focused on a lifelong love of art and painting. Since relocating to St. Simons Island, GA on a full-time basis in 2004, George has pursued an interest in art and painting that goes back to his childhood. He began as a student of Chris DiDomizio in Atlanta from 2000 to 2004, and has since studied with nationally known artists, including Scott Christiansen, Roger Dale Brown, Larry Moore, Chris Groves, Ken Backhaus, Morgan Samuel Price, Dee Beard Dean, and many others.
George’s preferred medium is oil, and his subject matter is primarily the landscape of the Southeastern coast. Although an avid outdoor painter (South Georgia weather permitting, of course!), George now spends about half his time in the studio developing work originated in the field. He has been continually active in both national art organizations and the
Ella McBee Cart
George Netherton
local art community. George is currently the President of Georgia Coastal Artists’ Guild. He is a member of Glynn Visual Arts and McIntosh Art Association, the American Impressionist Society and Oil Painters of America. He has also been actively involved in Albert Fendig’s Plein Air Affair in connection with Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation and its traveling exhibit since the event’s inception almost a decade ago. George has taught Oil and Acrylic Painting at Jekyll Island Art Association for the last several years (with the exception of 2020), but continuing this year and he will also teach at McIntosh Art Association. To keep up with George and see his paintings, visit Georgenetherton.com.
ELLA MCBEE CART
Ella McBee Cart divides her time between the Georgia Coast and the mountains of North Carolina, finding inspiration all around her. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Arts Education from Columbia College in South Carolina. Ella in works in all mediums, but especially enjoys the creative challenge of mixed media and the techniques of minors in Photography and Art History, Jennifer went on to work in New York as an art director and later as a freelance illustrator in advertising and publishing. She has also worked extensively as a graphic designer and was the Creative Director of Broadus Advertising, an advertising and marketing firm she owned with her husband, Bob, for over 30 years. Yet, painting, photography, and travel have always been Jennifer’s true passions. Combining the three, she has traveled the world capturing intriguing images with the camera which later translate into paint on canvas. While she usually paints from her own photography, she also enjoys painting en plein air.
Primarily a landscape painter, Jennifer creates works that depict the scenic locations in which she lives or places she has visited. She also paints on commission, including portraits, especially of children. Jennifer has been the recipient of numerous awards for her creativity in Atlanta and the Southeast, several of which have been honored with Best in Show. She has shown in galleries in Buffalo, NY, Atlanta, GA, Hilton Head Island, SC, and Santa Fe and Taos, NM. Beyond bringing inspiration to her paintings, Jennifer’s photography appears on the international stock photography market represented by Getty Photo Library Worldwide. Jennifer is active in Glynn Visual Arts Association where she teaches painting. She is also a member of the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild. For more information about Jennifer’s work, visit Jmbroadus.com.
painting in oil. Her creative focus is to bring the natural form to a unique medium by concentrating on coastal wildlife and landscape depicting both conceptual and realistic aspects. Her work has been honored with numerous awards and honors. Ella has been a longtime member of Glynn Visual Arts and has instructed classes in mixed media and painting techniques there. She is a founder of ArtTrends Gallery on St. Simons Islands, where her works are on display. She is also a member of the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild. You can see Ellen’s portfolio on the ArtTrends website and at ellacartart.com.
JENNIFER BROADUS
An artist since childhood, Jennifer Miller Broadus received her first set of oil paints for Christmas when she was just eight years old. “From the time I entered my first art competition at the county fair when I was about ten and won a blue ribbon, I was hooked! There was never a question that I would make art my career.” After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kent State University in Painting & Illustration with
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Although not a plein air painter, Gogo Ferguson also creates art that incorporates her natural surroundings. This internationally renowned artist and part-time Cumberland Island resident is known for her amazing jewelry and artistic creations as much as for her passionate love of the earth and its creatures that inspire her. It was through the eyes of her grandmother that imprinted on Gogo and began the creative process of transforming nature into adornment.
“My inspiration from nature was nurtured from growing up on Cumberland Island and a grandmother who instilled the knowledge and curiosity of our surroundings. Intuitively, I was fascinated with the patterns of an armadillo shell, the spirals of a conch shell, the intricate designs of seed pods,” Gogo says. She left to attend art school, but Gogo’s heart and inspiration were always on Cumberland. She returned to begin her now 30-year legacy of designing her line of jewelry and inspiring others to look at nature as she was taught.
“I began transforming the perfection of nature into wearable and functional art. The delicate curve of a rattlesnake rib or vertebrae became earrings, shark vertebrae combined with semiprecious stones became necklaces. As I roamed the island, I found that those before me, the Timucuans, thousands of years ago, were incorporating nature for functional use and adornment. Conch shells were used for scraping tools, ladles, and beads for adornment.” Gogo has expanded her collection beyond jewelry over the years and adds, “I now have a line of homeware using oyster shells as serving spoons, shark vertebrae as drawer knobs, sea kelp votives, sea urchin candle holders. Wherever I am, I am constantly
Art Inspired by Nature
MILLS OLIVIA
collecting and creating, and with great honor I transform what Nature provides me.”
Gogo’s accolades include designing gifts for the Atlanta Olympics as well as the G-8 Summit meeting held on Sea Island, inclusion in two presidential collections, being honored with a major exhibit and retrospective of all of her work at the High Museum in Atlanta, featured on CBS Sunday Morning, honored by 100 Miles of Georgia as one of the top 100 people to have made a difference in Georgia. She has had her designs featured in many movies and on television and has been a featured speaker at TEDx. Gogo’s creations can be found locally in her store at 217 Redfern Village on St. Simons Island or online at gogojewelry.com.
C E L E BR AT I NG O U R Creative Community Photos by Annaliese Kondo
CVB ISLES GOLDEN Those of us who live, work, and play in the Golden Isles know that it’s a unique and special place. The natural beauty of our marshes and shorelines, Spanish mossdraped tree canopies, and acres of undisturbed maritime forest beckon visitors. They are intrigued by our rich history and cultural heritage. They enjoy our vibrant arts scene and plentiful options for delicious dining. They fall in love with our warm Southern hospitality. As an introductory gateway to the area, the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau Welcome Center on St. Simons Island reflects its surroundings. It too is charmingly unique.
When you think of a typical welcome center, art probably isn’t what comes to mind. Brochures and pamphlets about tourist attractions and local amenities, you expect; but fine art photography, handcrafted jewelry and pottery, you might not.
Here, however, items that highlight our local artists are spotlighted and available for purchase among the myriad of other information that visitors find useful during their stay in the area.
Your first clue that this Welcome Center, and this island, might be a little different, greets you outside the building at 529 Beachview Drive. “The Siren of St. Simons” is one of several of the iconic tree spirits on the island created by Keith Jennings and his son, Devon. The life-sized mermaid carving was commissioned by the CVB to turn a dead section of the tree, which had been hit by lightning, into a piece of art representing the character of the island. To find the other tree spirits “hidden” around the island, ask for a map from the friendly staff in the building. This artistic “treasure hunt” in nature is fun for all ages. You can dive deeper into the story behind the tree spirits by visiting the organization’s website at GoldenIsles.com.
When you step inside the Welcome Center itself, you find an open, sunny space, including an inviting seating area with comfortable furniture where you can rest and get your bearings or peruse some of the leaflets from the racks of helpful information the CVB provides. They offer welcome guides, brochures for local attractions and amenities, and this publication too! But even a cursory glance will tell you that this isn’t your typical visitors center.
On the walls you’ll see beautiful paintings by local artists. This revolving collection is curated and managed by Glynn Visual Arts, the previous inhabitants of the space, and our longtime community art collective. When the CVB chose this building as the Welcome Center, they forged a partnership with that organization to maintain high visibility for what they believe is an integral part of our island’s character—its art.
“The Golden Isles CVB is a partnership organization that works to not only promote this amazing community but also celebrate our rich history and culture,” said President Scott McQuade. “By showcasing the work of local artists and artisans, we can share their talents with visitors to the Golden Isles and support the local arts community, which is an essential part of the fabric of these islands.”
In addition to the impressive array of photography and paintings that capture Golden Isles beachscapes, marsh views, and other scenery, flora and fauna, there is a well-stocked gift shop offering other artisan creations. It’s a perfect spot for a traveler to find a souvenir or to pick up a hostess gift. The wide range of items have something to appeal to everyone.
“Our goal for the Welcome Center store is to showcase a range of work by local artists and artisans and offer items that will spark great memories from a visit to the Golden Isles,” said McQuade. “Whether someone purchases a nature photograph, a hand-crafted piece of jewelry or pottery, an RSM Classic polo shirt, or a child’s toy, they are capturing a part of their experiences here and taking it home with them. It is also an excellent place for residents to buy gifts from their hometown while supporting other locals.”
The last point is one that can’t be emphasized enough. The Welcome Center isn’t just for visitors! Christy Lynn Wilson, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Golden Isles CVB, said of the Welcome Center, “It’s a place of discovery, not only for people visiting from outside the area, coming from out of state, or around the world, but also for those who live here. It’s somewhere that makes residents fall in love with this area all over again.”
McQuade shares that it was a sculpture of St. Simons Island historical icon Neptune Small that helped the CVB to learn how important it was to use the Welcome Center to let the community know what’s here. After its completion by local artist Kevin Pullen, the statue of Small was on display in the Welcome Center. Visitors who came in learned of Small’s heroic acts of service to the Butler family during the Civil War and took that
history with them when they explored the island. Residents came in to see the figure of the former slave they’ve heard stories about and for whom the park near the pier is named. When the statue was purchased, people were still coming to look for it, and it was later replaced by another created by Pullen.
McQuade points to Kevin Pullen as a perfect illustration of our creative community reflected in the art at the Welcome Center. Pullen is a St. Simons Island resident who has just been named artist-in-residence at Glynn Visual Arts—a newly created position there. Pullen, who recently retired from teaching at the Golden Isles Career Academy, previously played the same role at the College of Coastal Georgia. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Hampton University, where he studied painting, drawing, design, metal sculpture and casting, and his art education credentials from Georgia State University. His masters degree in education leadership and curriculum was obtained at the University of West Georgia. The works of this talented painter and sculptor have captured historic and cultural icons and moments in history, as well as the nature that surrounds us. He’s been active in the Golden Isles art community both as an artist and as a member of the board of directors for GVA. Pullen is excited to reach broader audiences by presenting different new artists with more diverse styles and backgrounds. Glynn Visual Arts Executive Director Terri Evans is thrilled about the creation of the artist-in-residence position and to have Pullen as the first of many talented creatives who can fill this role in the future. There is no shortage of artists here!
The CVB estimates that its gift shop and gallery currently features art and handmade pieces from more than 50 local artists, as well as books by local authors, plus some stuffed offerings for children. In addition, the Welcome Center offers Golden Isles-branded items and attire with its distinctive live oak logo, so you can proudly represent our beautiful home or visitors can take home a souvenir of this beloved vacation spot. of PGA Tour veteran and World of Golf Hall of Fame inductee Davis Love III, the Welcome Center is the only location where you can get RSM Classic gear year-round. In fact, if you enjoy watching great golf and you’ve never attended the Fed Ex Cup tournament hosted by the Davis Love Foundation and held at Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside course, that’s something to put at the top of your to-do list! The tournament will be here November 15-21. If you’re here to see it, be sure to drop by the Welcome Center too! Not only is the art a lovely preview of what you can find on our picturesque island, and the array of information useful for discovering activities, the friendly staff members are engaging and eager to assist you in any way they can. Here, welcome is a feeling, not just a word.
Golden Isles CVB President & CEO Scott McQuade and artist Kevin Pullen with Pullen’s sculpture of Neptune Small.
Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau 529 Beachview Drive 912.638.9014 goldenisles.com
Brunswick Mural Project collaboration by Megan Torello and Cullen Peck
St. Simons Island Galleries
Glynn Visual Arts (glynnvisualarts. org) is a community art center and fine art gallery, located at 106 Island Drive, that has been serving Glynn County and the Golden Isles for over 68 years. By hosting monthly exhibitions in its Portman Gallery, including the annual Big Photo Show for the Coastal Photographers Guild, curating art for the CVB Welcome Center, presenting seasonal festivals, and offering classes, camps, workshops, and lectures, GVA demonstrates its continued commitment to showcasing and celebrating artists from Coastal Georgia and beyond. GVA Executive Director Terri Evans is excited for this season of firsts with the inaugural year of the Georgia Color partnership with Olmsted Plein Air and the introduction of Kevin Pullen as the first artist-in-residence for the non-profit arts organization. Although many planned events have been altered or limited due to health and safety considerations during the ongoing pandemic, they’re still hosting exciting exhibits and are eager to bring new art to the community.
The current exhibit on display in the Portman Gallery is “The Brunswick Muralists Come Inside,” running through October 8. Work from the portfolios of Kevin Bongang, Rodderick Davis, Catherine Durrett, Jeff LeMieux, Cullen Peck, and Megan Torello is featured. While the opening artists’ reception was postponed, you’re still invited to stop in and see the work of these extraordinary artists who have brightened and enlightened our community with their contributions to the Brunswick Mural Project. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
We spoke to one of these muralists, Megan Torello, who moved here from Maryland with her family four years ago. She says her art adventures have been continuous and serendipitous since that time. Megan’s Brunswick murals can be seen on Gloucester, Albany, and Union streets. She also painted the tables at Chile Peppers on St. Simons Island and the vintage beach mural at The Collective in Redfern Village. Megan says, “I love painting on everything from walls to tables to faces and canvases. I also enjoy creating digital art and special effects makeup. I’ve always been fascinated by the creative process which is why I love just about every art medium, and I refuse to pick a lane!” She even created the SSI pizza slice T-shirts for CJ’S Pizza! Megan has a background in Art Therapy and works in education. Her passion for art lies in the process: how we create; the tools we use; the steps we take; the explorations, connections and choices we make; the joy we experience, and the lessons we learn. To see some of Megan’s creations, purchase prints, or learn more about her commissions, follow Megan Torello Art on Facebook and Instagram or visit Megan-Torello.pixels.com.
A fabulous new feature at GVA is their Art Market. Located within GVA, and open during normal gallery hours, this is the spot where you can see artists demonstrating their techniques in all types of media. Over 20 artists are cooperative members of the Art Market, and each one participates during the month by sharing their love of the medium in which they work. Every day is an art adventure, but there are some extra special days to check out the Art Market this month. On Friday, October 8, Sue Clements demonstrates her colorful abstract painting. On Wednesday, October 13, Elizabeth Holladay will show her technique for producing beautiful coastal wildlife on clay by painting her bisqueware with underglaze. Lisa Cushing Kent will demonstrate manipulating silver when she exhibits her jewelry Thursday, October 14. There are so many opportunities at Glynn Visual Arts to imagine, inspire and create!
Located at 3309 Frederica Road, Anderson Fine Art Gallery (andersonfineartgallery.com) has been a destination gallery for the finest in original representational paintings for almost 25 years. The gallery’s roster boasts an outstanding group of professional and emerging artists that includes Roger Dale Brown, Christopher Groves, Loren DiBenedetto, Armand Cabrera, Paula Holtzclaw, Judy Kudlow, Jeanne Rosier Smith, Rani Garner, Paul Batch, Laurel Daniel, Ronald Tinney, and Georgia Color Plein Air Competition featured artist Catherine Hillis. Works are primarily landscapes and still life paintings, as well as some nonrepresentational pieces.
From October 15 to November 12, the gallery will host a show by Rani Garner. A career artist who has been painting professionally since 1989, Rani received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University. Early-morning walks down the low-country roads of her rural Georgia home and the beaches of the Golden Isles are a major source of inspiration for her landscapes. She seeks out exceptional light as the main subject of her art and is an avid painter of coastal skies and water. Her work has been exhibited widely in both solo and group shows and is prized by collectors who are reminded of their own meaningful moments of communion with light and what it symbolizes to them. Another artist has said of Rani’s work, “It is as if she has taken the best parts of a day and condensed them down into one single, perfect moment.” Her paintings grace many walls of homes and corporate collections across this country, including the collections of Baptist South Medical Center, Federal Reserve Bank, Wachovia, Bank of America, Marriott Hotel, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic. Come see what she’s captured in her new paintings. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or call 912.634.8414. The gallery also offers year-round classes by local artist Sherry Egger and in-studio workshops taught by visiting professional artists in The Artists’ Annex Studio. The workshop instructors are artists who teach throughout the country and abroad and whose work is collected both nationally and internationally. They are carefully chosen to work with small groups of students, at all skill levels, and to assist them in improving their techniques. In February 2022, The Annex will host a workshop taught by internationally known watercolor artist, Mary Whyte. Currently, Zoom workshops taught by Chris Groves are also being offered. More details can be found at workshopsonstsimonsisland.com.
Rani Garner
Founded in 2015, ArtTrends Gallery (arttrends.gallery), at 3305 Frederica Road, is owned and operated by nine distinctive Golden Isles artists, including Georgia Color Plein Air Competition featured artist Ella McBee Cart. The gallery offers original artwork in a variety of styles and mediums, including sculpture. From traditional to contemporary, abstract to realistic, ArtTrends has something for every collector and also invite requests for commissioned pieces. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment by calling 912.268.4761.
The Wallin Gallery (wallinfineart.com), at 3600 Frederica Road, is where Ken Wallin displays his daily creative experiences from his working studio. His recent work pushes the boundary between Impressionism and abstraction. Ken’s love of nature is presented in many different forms using various techniques. Wallin often works in both two and three dimensional styles that include wall sculpture as well as canvas. Inspirations come from his extensive travels throughout the world. Ken’s work is available for review and purchase at the gallery, which is open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or contact 912.222.6073. Commissions are available.
The Georgia Coastal Artists’ Guild (georgiacoastalartistsguild.com) was formed in 1983, when a number of artist members of the Glynn Art Association, encouraged by artist and instructor Bill Hendrix, decided to form a guild of professional artists. The artists of the guild had common goals to market their work, promote high-quality art, and accept new members by a jury of their membership. Today, the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild is a 35-member group that holds three or more shows per year and is involved in numerous art-related events in the community. The group holds monthly meetings, often inviting guest speakers to present information relevant to marketing and presentation of art or other special topics. Within the group, a wide range of media and a varied number of styles are represented, giving the guild depth in the visual arts. Works by guild artists will be featured in the October exhibit at Goodyear Cottage on Jekyll Island, open October 1-30 from noon to 4:00 p.m. daily, with an opening reception on October 3 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. In addition, the guild will host a fall show at the St. Simons Casino Building, Room 108, November 6-7, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The St. Simons Island Welcome Center will have works by Guild artists on display November 22-December 31.
by Designer DeLeon W. Peacock Historic Ritz Theatre, Downtown Brunswick Friday October 1, 5-8 p.m. Our very own Harlan Hambright will be signing his latest book Roma 1971 featuring his spectacular photos 912.222.4410 peacockdeleon62@gmail.com Ken Wallin
RAFFLE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MORNINGSTAR CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
Brunswick Galleries
The Historic Ritz Theatre, located at 1530 Newcastle Street in Brunswick, is the home of the Mildred Huie Wilcox Gallery. Named for one of the Golden Isles’ biggest champions of the arts and former owner of Left Bank Art Gallery, the gallery hosts monthly exhibits curated by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Opening receptions for exhibits are generally held during First Friday. Normal gallery hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or call 912.262.6934.
On display in the gallery October 1-November 19, is “Non-Objective Abstract Art” by DeLeon W. Peacock. Colorful, swirling, and powerful pieces that are intuitive and inspiring. DeLeon Peacock was born in Savannah in 1954 and spent close to 4 years as a citizen of Boys’ Estate, GA, a chartered boys town located in Glynn County. After leaving at the age of 14, he returned to the Golden Isles in 2007, and wrote and published the book Boys’ Estate, Georgia’s Town Just for Boys ten years later. DeLeon started his journey as a visual artist in January of 2020 based on his belief that everyone should be able to have art in their homes. DeLeon has tremors brought on by a nervous condition but has found a way to turn that into a positive to enhance his technique. Embracing the Gerhart Richter process, he developed his own style. Pandemic isolation enabled him to produce a large number of paintings and to expand his desire to provide accessible art to fabric. Apparel with his designs will be displayed in the Golden Isles’ 1st Four Seasons Wearable Art Fashion Show taking place at the Historic Ritz Theatre during First Friday, 5:00-8:00 p.m., October 1st. A musical performance by the Frederica Academy Music Department will be featured. DeLeon’s paintings are available online at Fine Art America and locally at Creative Frameworks, or contact him at 912.222.4410 or peacockdeleon62@gmail.com.
DeLeon W. Peacock
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If you’re interested in wearable art or fiber arts, there’s also the Golden Isles Fiberarts Guild (goldenislesfiberartsguild. com). The group began 33 years ago when three women all having common interest in fiber arts techniques met at a weaving class at the Art center. They decided to form a group dedicated to fiber arts, and more than 60 interested people showed up at their first meeting. The group’s works encompass beading, embroidery, felting, garment construction, knitting, quilting, rug hooking, and surface design & weaving. Over the years, members have contributed time and handmade items to many local organizations including hospitals, hospice, nursing homes and International Seafarers Center. Members continue to provide fiber related demonstrations at local historic sites and elementary school. Fiberarts Guild shows have been generously hosted by patron Lynda Dalton Gallagher at her SoGlo Gallery in Downtown Brunswick. The next Golden Isles Fiberarts Guild Show & Sale is planned for February 4, 2022 at SoGlo Gallery. The Quilt “KABOOM,” donated by member Janie Pritchard, will be raffled.
SoGlo Gallery (soglogallery.com) at 1413 Newcastle St. was originally established as Art Downtown, a cultural arts center featuring a fine art gallery, studio, and production company. Owner Lynda Dalton Gallagher made it her mission to represent and showcase nationally and internationally known contemporary Georgia artists and writers. Artists featured have included paintings and sculpture by Jim Jones and Christophe Goodstein, mixed media by Irwin Berman and Anne Goodstein, paintings by Sue Byrne Russell, Glenda Cason, and Marion McClanahan. 1413 Newcastle is also the home of Brunswick Actors’ Theatre (BAT), an intimate 113-seat boutique theatre that hosts a season of six shows with Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon performances, accompanied by coffees and desserts. In addition to the SoGlo galleries and theatre, Dalton Gallagher curates and manages Southeast Georgia Health System’s Outpatient Care Center Art Gallery.
In October, the gallery will host an artist retrospective of the late Raymond “Rusty” Dumas III, curated by Noelle Dumas. A 1991 graduate of Glynn Academy, Rusty studied art at Cambridge University, the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI, and Cooper Union in New York. He earned his Bachelors of Fine Arts in 1995 from the School of Visual Arts, in New York and followed that with a Masters of Fine Arts from Yale University School of Art in 1997. The late artist traveled throughout the US and lived abroad as well, working extensively in the film, television, print, and advertising industries. Stop by to see the creative expression of this extraordinary human who left us too soon. SoGlo Gallery hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
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The Brunswick Artery (brunswickartery. com), located at 2524 Stadium St., aims to provide a reasonably priced space for artists of various disciplines. It is a place for artists to work, share ideas and inspiration, encourage one another and help each other to achieve their artistic goals. With 11 in-house artists, they give feedback as requested, share information on showing opportunities, competitions, social media and new materials. They host several classes and will have semi annual shows as well as numerous serendipitous gatherings, which often result in fun and interesting art. To visit, call 651.528.4198.
The Huie-Wilcox Gallery at the College of Coastal Georgia honors the enduring artistic legacy of Mildred Nix Huie and Mildred Huie Wilcox in the Golden Isles. Located in the lobby of the Hargett Building, the gallery houses the permanent collection of the College of Coastal Georgia, Coastal Visions. The original collection, donated by local artists, consists of more than 30 works that reflect the beauty and wonder of our coastal region as well as the vision of the College of Coastal Georgia. In addition to the gallery’s namesakes, artists represented in the collection have included Tori Anderson, Jim Bishop, Jack L. Chilton, Jr., Terry Craig, Ann Marie Dalis, Jack Davis, Mary B. Dinos, Majid Ejlali, Peggy Everett, Albert Fendig, Sonia Grineva, Bill Jones III, Jim Jones, Dennie McCrary, Nancy Muldowney, Tom Nielsen, Hillary Parker, Janet Powers, Patricia Rugaber, Gene Threats, Marta Bender Torrey, and Dick Yarbrough.
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Other Art Jekyll Island Gallery
The Jekyll Island Arts Association (jekyllartists.com) is a nonprofit membership organization interested in enjoying and promoting the arts. They host monthly exhibits at Goodyear Cottage in the
Jekyll Island Historic District that include painting, sculpture, woodworking, photography, pottery, weaving, needlework, and ceramics. Monthly programs on topics in varied artistic disciplines are presented in other venues. The October show at Goodyear Cottage features the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild. The exhibit of over 150 paintings opens on October 1 with a reception on Sunday, October 3 from 1-3pm. Visitors to the Goodyear Cottage gallery will be amazed at the 12 guild members’ artwork depicting local scenes.
The Association also maintains and staffs a gift shop in Goodyear Cottage with the work of members displayed on consignment. Goodyear Cottage, located at 321 Riverview Drive, is open Monday-Friday from noon until 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 912.635.3920 or visit the website at jekyllartists.com.
While we highlighted several galleries here, they aren’t the only places to find art in the Golden Isles! On St. Simons Island, look for Crafts in the Village (craftsinthevillage. com) events in Postell Park.
In this monthly outdoor local artists’ market, you’ll find an eclectic group of diverse and talented artisans. Shop for handmade art and décor, gourmet goodies, and a wide variety of other items in the 40 booths under the oaks in Postell Park. Vendors’ offerings include bird houses, tote bags, apparel, photography, original art, soap, wood crafts, leather, jewelry, candles, specialty foods, and so much more! October’s shows are scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, October 9-10 and October 23-24.
You can find information about art events in Historic Downtown Brunswick at discoverbrunswick. com. There will be vendors set up in the historic squares from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during Crafts Along Newcastle on October 23. Also keep your eye out for Brunswick Art Walk events by following their page on Facebook. The Art Walk is an excellent opportunity to find the perfect gift, or treat yourself to something special. Although the planned Brunswick Holiday Art Walk has been cancelled, there may be online offerings from vendors or a later scheduled event. You’ll also want to be sure to check out any Moxie CraftFest (moxiecraftfest. com) events or pop-up markets in the upcoming months. Now is the time for holiday shopping! There are numerous small boutiques offering artisan wares and works by local artists, like Bateaux: A MidIsland Market in Redfern Village, and SSI Made, and The Blue Cottage Artists Market. We encourage you to shop locally and embrace all the art that surrounds us.
As John Lubbock said, “Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.” So go grab, see, or create some art, and color your life!
