SOBA featured artist captures Bluffton ‘State of Mind’

from VOLUME 26, ISSUE 9 • MAY 2, 2023

Phone rings, door chimes, in comes Sondheim’s ‘Company’

John Kenney captures a colorful expression of the Bluffton State of Mind in “May River Magic,” the May featured artist exhibit at The Society of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton.

The oil painting exhibit will run through May 28, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 6 at the gallery. The events are open to the public.

Kenney’s work is characterized by a wide range of expression and bold use of color. Kenney was Influenced by iconic pop culture artist Andy Warhol – who was friends with Kenney’s mentor – as well as the industrial cityscape of his native Pittsburgh. Kenney’s skills utilizing light, tone, color and form were refined by his studies with Rick Weaver in Charlottesville, Va.

Kenney works in oil and focuses on figure, still life and the everyday. “Art allows you to look at the world around us differently,” said Kenney. “The relationship between shape, line, color and tone come to life and are constantly changed by light. My oil paintings are about the manipulation of light and geometric shapes. The direction and intensity of light controls the image and the texture.”

Kenney strives to create a mood for the viewer, whether as an abstraction or as modern impressionism.

His works are in private collections throughout the Southeast and Midwest He is an award-winning artist and exhibits in Virginia and South Carolina. Kenney was born in Pittsburgh and discovered his interest in painting while attending Washington & Jefferson College.

SOBA is located in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. A nonprofit art organization, SOBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Visit sobagallery.com for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843-757-6586.

On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone New York bachelor, surrounded by his married friends, is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot in life or wish for his own romantic partner. Company, Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and “being alive.”