Art show to feature equine, sports theme
Equine and sporting artwork from artists throughout the country will be on display for the Aiken County chapter of the American Red Cross’ Sporting Life Art Show and Sale.
The event will be held at the Aiken Center for the Arts on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The event is free to attend. The proceeds from the show will benefit the local Red Cross.
Suzanne Jackson, executive director of the Aiken County Red Cross, said the Aiken Center for the Arts and Beresford Gallery in Unionville, Pa., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., have partnered with the Red Cross to put together the event.
“This show is very important to the Red Cross to support local disaster preparedness,” Jackson said.
Elizabeth Beer with Beresford Gallery of Unionville, Pa., said the two-day show will feature sculptures, bronzes, wall hangings, oil paintings, watercolors, pastels and some photography. There will also be several works from international artists, as well as those who are well established or developing.
“We tried to bring good pieces that are well priced,” she said.
Janet Harkins, the co-chairman of the event, said the show will offer a good representation of Aiken’s equestrian and sporting interests in the works being displayed.
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Annual Heart of Aiken show, sale coming Feb. 5-7
The 11th annual Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Show and Sale will be held from Feb. 5-7 at the Aiken Center for the Arts.
The show offers an opportunity to view and purchase fine antique furnishings presented by 23 specialized dealers from across the Southeast, while supporting fine arts activities and programs.
During the three-day antique show, a variety of special events will be held. Aiken has served as the winter home for some of America’s greatest antique collectors of the 20th century with names like Vanderbilt, Whitney and Hitchcock.
There will be a preview party, on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. The party allows attendees to view and purchase items in advance of the show and is also held at the ACA. Tickets to the preview party are $60 and include a weekend show pass. Tickets can be purchased by calling 641-9094.
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Aiken’s birthday subject of exhibition
Celebrate Aiken’s anniversary and submit your artwork to a juried exhibition.
This year the Aiken Center for the Arts is celebrating Aiken by holding their fifth juried exhibition titled “Aiken: Retrospective, 175 years.” The exhibition will be displayed in the main galleries at the art center on Jan. 6-29 with an awards ceremony and opening reception on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m.
“This year the subject matter can include anything pertaining to the rich 175-year history of the City of Aiken. The title of the works of art should provide the relationship to the 175 Year focus of the exhibition,” said Kristin Brown, executive director of the ACA. “The exhibition is open to the Aiken Artist Guild members and other artists. Although an artist’s statement is required, there is no guarantee it will be framed beside the artwork.”
All participants in the contest must be at least 18 years of age. Judging will be conducted by Dorothy Fletcher of the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art with a strong focus on quality. Cash prizes will be awarded during the awards and opening reception.
All submissions (up to two entries per person) must be framed or gallery wrapped, for sale, ready to hang, two-dimensional works should not exceed 60 inches by 60 inches (three-dimensional work should not exceed 15 inches by 15 inches by 30 inches), be a new piece (created within the last two years) and not previously exhibited at Aiken Center for the Arts.
All entries must be delivered to the ACA for consideration on Saturday, Jan. 2 between 10 a.m. and noon. The artwork will be juried on Jan. 4 and hung.
Artists will be notified if their work is not accepted into the show on Jan. 5 by 5 p.m. and must be picked up on Jan. 6. Artwork accepted into the show must be picked up on Jan. 30 between 10 a.m. and noon.
Completed contracts, identification paperwork and artist’s statements must be completed upon drop-off. For more information, e-mail ACAexecdir@Bellsouth.net or call 641-9094.
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Painting workshop offered at art center
A plein-air workshop will paint the town.
Join other artists who take inspiration from their environment for a day of painting in the sunshine under a professional instructor.
Charleston artist Rick Reinert is teaching a one-day painting workshop at the Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) on Saturday, Nov. 21. The plein-air workshop is open to oil and acrylic artists.
Reinart studied at Western Kentucky University and has won numerous awards for his work. His art hangs in both private and corporate collections around the world. His work will be on exhibit at the center in the main galleries during the month of November. His work shows a passion for expressing light and shadow in nature as well as pure color.
The workshop will last from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is $112.50 for members and $125 for nonmembers.
Pre-registration is required for the workshop by contacting Cathy Rumble at 641-9094.
Registration may also be completed online at www.aikencenterforthearts.org.
A limited number of need based scholarships are available for this workshop.
In case of inclement weather, the workshop will be held indoors at the Aiken Center for the Arts.
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Meet the artists of Center’s new exhibition
The Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) will hold an opening reception for its November exhibitions on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The new exhibitions include Sandra Etherington Tucker and Dick Dunlap, Rick Reinert and the “T’is the Season Invitational” exhibition by ACA members. The exhibition will be on display from Wednesday through Dec. 30 in the main galleries. During November, the artwork of Marsha Shelburn will be on exhibition in the Aiken Artists’ Guild Gallery.
Tucker, a Hitchcock Woods Foundation trustee, and Dunlap, a retired physician, are showing together for the first time as both friends and teacher/student. Tucker has studied under Dunlap and considers sharing an exhibition with him a high honor. Both are plein air painters and enthusiasts of their local natural environments, which have been the inspiration of their numerous paintings.
As a youth, Tucker began drawing and painting animals. After college where she majored in art, she painted many of the top equine hunter-jumpers. After a hiatus from her art in the 1990s, she returned to focus on landscapes in oils and watercolors. It is at this time she first met and began training under Dunlap. Full Details…
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ACA seeks members to feature artwork
A two-dimensional art show is coming to Aiken and needs local artists to feature.
The Aiken Center for the Arts has launched a call to ACA members for entries into its “T’is the Season.” The exhibit will be featured in the main galleries and/or the Brooks Gallery of the ACA from Wednesday through Dec. 30.
The theme of the artwork is not required to be seasonal; however, the price point should be $300 or less. The artist call is open to all ACA members 18 or older. Two entries are permitted per member, and all artwork must be for sale, framed, ready to hang, not to exceed 24-by-24 inches framed or gallery wrapped and a new piece created within the last two years that has not been previously exhibited at the ACA.
The commission on sales will be 60 percent for the artist and 40 percent for the ACA. Sold artwork may be taken by the purchaser and replaced by the artist with the same size work.
Artwork should be delivered to the ACA on Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon. Required forms and information are available at the center’s front desk or at www.aikencenterforthearts.org.
Membership is also available at the ACA front desk or by calling 641-9094.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Want to participate?
What? “T’is the Season” exhibition
When? Drop-off Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon
Where? Aiken Center for the Arts
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Taste of Wine, Art event set for Thursday
The ever popular Taste of Wine and Art at Aiken Center for the Arts is scheduled for Thursday.
Always a sellout, the evening features fine art from local artists, delectable cuisine from local restaurants and caterers plus the opportunity to sample sumptuous offerings of select wines and unique beers. Live music enhances this special¬ evening with friends and tickets are available for $50 at the center.
The event is a fundraiser for general operations of the Aiken Center for the Arts.
This year the Taste of Wine & Art fundraiser will be a top 10, and the artwork created for the print material used by the event is also a top 10.
After a trip to France visiting museums and galleries, Kimberly Guillermo returned to Aiken inspired.
She used that inspiration to paint an acrylic painting that represents the theme and excitement of the Taste of Wine and Art event.
An image of the painting has been used for the invitations and posters.
Guillermo has generously donated the painting to be in the benefit’s silent auction. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in bidding for original art and gifts, mountain, lake and beach vacations, dinner and cocktail parties and all-inclusive golf packages. Full Story…
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Sign up for weekend workshops at Aiken Center for the Arts
This fall the Aiken Center for the Arts will offer weekend workshops in watercolors, fused glass, painting a still life and plein air painting under the guidance of guest teachers.
Michael Pearson, a Beaufort artist, will teach a watercolor workshop called “No Fear” on Friday and Saturday. Color, composition, washes, wet into wet and dry brush are just a few of the techniques she will cover in her “No Fear” watercolor workshop. Tuition is $180 for the two-day workshop.
Charleston glass artist, Mike Heister, will teach students how to create a colorful, fused-glass panel, perfect for your own home or to give as a gift. The class is open to anyone; no previous experience is necessary. The workshop is Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and tuition is $85.
On Oct. 24, John Radeck of Aiken will teach a still life workshop. This workshop is open to all levels; no drawing ability is needed. The class meets from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and tuition is $125.
Charleston artist Rick Reinert will teach a plein air workshop on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. His paintings combine a dramatic use of natural light and shadow with pure colors and brush strokes. The cost for the one-day workshop is $125.
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to qualified seniors. Arts Center members receive a 10 percent discount on all classes and workshops. For more information or to register, call 641-9094 or visit online at www.aikencenterforthearts.org.
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Get a peek at new exhibitions
New art is on display in the galleries at the Aiken Center for the Arts.
The ACA will present the Richard Hagerty, Dale Keene and Women on Women group exhibitions in the main and Brooks galleries from Wednesday to Nov. 13. Jenny Courtenay’s works will be on display in the Aiken Artist Guild Gallery during October.
A free opening reception for the gallery exhibitions will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. A free lecture by artist Hagerty will be held before the reception at 5 p.m. Advance registration is required.
For more information on the reception or to register for the lecture, call 641-9094. The ACA is located at 122 Laurens St., S.W.
Richard ‘Duke’ Hagerty
Lower level main gallery
Richard (Duke) Hagerty is a self-taught artist who draws his surreal, fantasy-based imagery from dreams, mythology, history, science and stories.
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Meet original artists at ACA art reception.
A whole new world of art visits Aiken during September.
The Aiken Center for the Arts will hold an opening reception Thursday for its new gallery exhibits. The opening reception is a time to meet the artists in person at the ACA.
Helene Verglas, South Carolina Cotton Trail Group Show and the Class of ‘69 with Kesler Woodward, Linda Prior and Esther Randall will be featured in the first-floor main galleries.
The Aiken Artists’ Guild Gallery will show the paintings of Dawn Beckering.
The Brooks Gallery will feature the work of Hitchcock Healthcare students and ACA’s Van-Go into Art Revisited.
Want to Go?
What? Opening Artist Reception
When? Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where? Aiken Center for the Arts
Cost: Free
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Attend screening of new Civil War film at art center.
From the director and creators of the “Battle of Aiken” comes a new film to premier in Aiken.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m., the Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) will screen the latest Civil War film from Christopher Forbes called “Perfect Disguise.” The 103-minute film will be shown in the Brown Pavilion.
“‘Perfect Disguise’ is a feature-length motion picture that takes place in the South during the Civil War. The story concerns a young woman who joins the Confederate cavalry disguised as a boy to avoid marriage to a terrible man,” Forbes said.
“Perfect Disguise” is based on the novel of the same name by Lydia Hawke. Nearly a third of the film was shot in Aiken County.
Forbes and nearly the entire cast will be on hand for this screening, including lead actors Heather Clark of Augusta, Dave Long and Tripp Courtney, both Aiken County residents. Most of the actors will be dressed in period costumes.
At the conclusion of the film there will be a question and answer session. “Perfect Disguise” posters, DVDs and memorabilia will be available for purchase at the screening.
“Perfect Disguise” is a PG-13 level motion picture. It does contain mild language and some realistic depictions of wartime violence.
General admission is $8 and $2 for children and those with military ID. Tickets are available now at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Tickets will also be available the day of the show. For more information, call 641-9094.
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Center for the Arts helping Equine Rescue of Aiken
Buy a painting; help a horse.
Two local artists have teamed up with Aiken Center for the Arts to help the efforts of Equine Rescue of Aiken by offering original works of art and donating the proceeds to the effort.
Carol Sue Roberts and Sharon Taylor Padgett paint on location throughout Aiken, and recently completed two small paintings at Equine Rescue of Aiken. The framed oil paintings are on display at the Art Center and they have decided to donate the full price back to the facility that helps rehabilitate abandoned and neglected horses.
“The rolling hills and beautiful setting of Equine Rescue of Aiken made a perfect setting for us to paint,” Padgett said. “Carol Sue chose to capture the reflections in a pond on the property, and I painted the rolling hills and a pasture.”
Equine Rescue of Aiken provides a haven for race horses, show horses, event horses, trail and draft horses, polo ponies, saddlebreds, barrel racers, broodmares and foals that were destined for slaughter. Safe now, thanks to owner Larkin Steele, these horses now have food and water and veterinary care on a beautiful 80-acre farm in Aiken.
“While painting on location, Sharon and I were both thinking the same thing; we wanted to donate the paintings back to this cause in some way,” said Roberts.
The two paintings are on display at Aiken Center for the Arts and the entire sale will go back to Equine Rescue of Aiken.
“We are very supportive of this partnership with the artists to support Equine Rescue of Aiken. Everyone will enjoy seeing the artist’s view of the Equine Rescue environment which provides an essential sanctuary for horses,” said Kristin Brown, executive director of the Aiken Center for the Arts.
New shows opening at Aiken Center for the Arts
Local artists are set to be showcased this month during a juried show.
The Aiken Center for the Arts will hold an opening reception on Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m. for four new shows on exhibit this month.
During the show, the winners of the juried Aiken Artist Guild show will be announced.
The main galleries will feature the artwork of Michael Pearson and the Aiken Artist Guild. The Aiken Artist Guild Gallery will showcase the work of Judy Adamick and Anne Smith in a joint exhibition that will run through June 26. The Brooks Gallery houses the Home School Art Exhibition during the month of May.
Michael Pearson – Main Gallery
Michael Pearson has designed artwork all over the United States and Europe. After moving to South Carolina, she has dedicated her talents to capturing the beauty of the people, flowers and scenery of the Southeast.
Judy Adamick and Anne Smith – Aiken Artist Guild Gallery
The Aiken Artist Guild Gallery combines the talents of friends Judy Adamick and Anne Smith for the months of May and June. Adamick created images of barns and farm scenery while Smith created the animals to accompany the barns.
“We requested a joint showing,” said Adamick. “We had to work on a way to make the show meld because we paint so differently.”
The pair coordinated their color palettes and created a exhibition like no other. Both are members of the AAG; however, they have been friends for years. They met in Ridge Spring while both living on farms; both still reside on farms.
Want to Go?
What? Art Opening Reception
Where? Aiken Center for the Arts
When? Thursday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Full story….
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Vote for your favorite dog art.
The Aiken Center for the Arts has unleashed the dogs in its newest exhibition called “Dogs Let Loose” and is hosting an opening reception on Thursday night.
“‘Dogs Let Loose’ is a new opportunity for area artists to respond to an ACA call for artists to create a piece of artwork of a dog or dogs as the main subject and work in a style that is nonrepresentational – or loose,” said Kristin Brown, executive director of the ACA.
“Twenty-four artists have let their creativity flow and have presented a piece in the exhibition. The exhibition is held in partnership with the Paws for Cancer Walk held on May 2.”
The public is invited to drop by and vote for the best in show.
All votes are $1, and at the end of the exhibition, a $100 award will be presented to the winners of the Loosest and Best Friend categories.
In addition to “Dogs Let Loose,” the galleries are adorned with the art of Bea Kuhlke, Leslie Alexander, Frank Lustig and St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School students.
An opening reception for all the exhibits begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 641-9094.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Want to Go?
What? ACA Art Opening
When? Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where? Aiken Center for the Arts
Cost: Free
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Cancer walk will honor pets, too.
The 10th annual Paws for Cancer Walk to promote awareness that cancer is the number one killer of dogs and cats will be held at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Saturday, May 2.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. The one-mile dog walk will pay tribute to those affected by cancer, including pets. All proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society
“In some way cancer has or will touch all of us within our lifetime. By taking part in Paws for Cancer, we as a community, have the opportunity to honor loved ones and help raise funds to continue the battle against cancer,” said founder Dr. Holly Woltz. “Come celebrate the people (and pets) who have fallen victims to this terrible disease. This year will be our notable 10th year in saluting those (human and pets) who have had cancer. It will be a special morning beginning with the walk, demonstrations, dog celebrity visits and more.”
Photographs for a memory board must be submitted by April 25. A $5 donation will be accepted. Photographs may be e-mailed to AikenPetVet@bellsouth.net or dropped off at Veterinary Services located at 1721 Whiskey Road.
Corporate sponsorships are available. Registration for the walk is $20 if registered by April 21 and $25 after the deadline and the morning of the walk. All dogs must be on leash.
For additional information, call 648-5489 BrendaPetVet@bellsouth.net.
The Aiken Center for the Arts is holding the “Dogs Let Loose” art exhibit in partnership with Paws for Cancer. The gallery opening is Thursday, April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Glamour Pet Portrait Studio is holding a special portrait session on May 1 from noon until 6 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Costumes are available as are group photos and portrait packages.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Want to Go?
What? Paws for Cancer
When? May 2 at 10 a.m.
Where? H. Odell Weeks Activities Center Track
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Calling all artists, canine art wanted.
A tribute to canines comes to downtown Aiken, and your dog could be on display.
The Aiken Center for the Arts has issued a call to all artists to participate in its April exhibit called “Dogs Let Loose.”
The exhibition is open to all artists 18 years of age and older. All artwork must be non-representational or loose in style and must feature a dog or dogs as the main subject.
“Let your creativity flow,” said Kristin Brown, executive director of the ACA. “The exhibition is open to members of the public. It will not be juried, and an artist’s statement is not required.”
The exhibition will be held at Aiken Center for the Arts in the Galleries, Gallery Store or Rear Foyer from April 15 until May 15. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition is being held in partnership with the Paws for Cancer Walk on May 2 at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center track. More Info.
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New artists on display at the ACA.
The Aiken Center for the Arts will hold an opening reception on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. for all of the new exhibitions in the galleries.
Main Galleries – March 18 through April 10 – Hickman, Adamick & Steppe Exhibitions
Harrison Hickman – Edgefield
“My work takes advantage of memory within the clay. My purpose, my goals, my vision, my practice and my discipline bring focus to my inspiration as I create new and exciting forms. Clay has memory and preserves what has occurred during its making. How an object is made, the mechanical working of moist, malleable and fluid clay leaves forever instilled in a vessel the mark of the potter’s hands. The process of pushing clay outward in a rhythmic manner around a pot’s surface to create convex impressions leaves the viewer with questions and answers,” said Hickman in his artist’s statement. More Details
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