Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Art Professor Jim Arendt Wins $50,000 Top Prize at 2013 ArtFields

Jim Arendt, director of the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery at Coastal Carolina University, n Conway, SC, won the $50,000 grand prize at ArtFields, a juried art competition and festival held in Lake City, SC, from April 19-28, 2013.

Arendt’s winning entry was a piece titled Jamie, composed entirely from cut denim fabric. Arendt uses blue jean material to produce his three-dimensional, wall mounted artworks, because, he says, “for the people I want to depict, this material is truer to their experience.”

Jamie

Arendt, who joined the CCU staff in 2011, is a native of Flint, MI. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI, and a Master of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in painting from USC.

Arendt’s work has been exhibited regionally and internationally, most recently at the Hub-Bub Gallery’s Emerging Carolina exhibit in Spartanburg, SC, where he was awarded Best in Show. His work will also be displayed in the Fiberarts International 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA, and the 2013 Museum Rijswijk Textile Biennial in the Netherlands. Prior to joining CCU, Arendt was the gallery director at FAB Gallery at South Carolina State University and an art instructor at the University of South Carolina.

More than 400 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, photography and two- and three-dimensional pieces, were exhibited in Lake City’s inaugural ArtFest. A total of $100,000 was awarded to participating artists at the 10-day event.

Works by Arendt will be featured in the exhibition Jim Arendt: Selvage, on view at the Sumter County Gallery of Art in Sumter, SC, from May 16 through July 5, 2013.

For further information call 843/349-2711 or visit (www.coastal.edu/bryanartgallery/) or (http://jimarendt.com/JimArendt.com/Home.html).

Conway Glass in Conway, SC, Offers Glass Blowing Demo by Wayne Fitzgerald – Dec. 1, 2012

Join Conway Glass in the Warehouse at 209 Laurel Street in downtown Conway, SC, on Dec. 1, 2012, from 11am – 4pm, for fun glass blowing demonstrations! See how glass candy canes, holiday ornaments and colorful vases are made from molten glass. Meet Pennsylvania glass blower Wayne Fitzgerald!

Wayne Fitzgerald

While in Conway don’t miss the art at Riverfront Park in downtown Conway! “Dancing with Wool”, is a Public Art Project presented by CREATE! Conway.

Site of yarn bomb at Riverfront Park

Conway Glass is open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm and Sat., 10am-5pm.

For further info call Barbara or Ed Streeter at 843/248-3558 or visit (www.conwayglass.com).

Downtown Conway, SC, Offers Arts Events in November 2012

November is an exciting time of the year for downtown Conway, SC! The weather is cooler, the air smells fresher, the sky is bluer and Thanksgiving Day is just right around the corner! Add to that all of the wonderful  events downtown, no wonder it’s our favorite time of year!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Nov. 11 & Dec. 1, 2012, 11am – 4pm – Free Glass Blowing Demos at Conway Glass – Learn about glass blowing at Conway Glass. Free glass blowing demonstrations allow visitors to see and learn about the ancient art of glassblowing. Glass blowers make colorful glass bowls, vases and ornaments from molten glass.

Ed Streeter demonstrating glass blowing

Now until Dec. 1, 2012 – Dancing With Wool – CREATE! Conway, the Dixie Knitters and 20 fiber artists have installed “Dancing with Wool,” the largest ever yarn bomb installation in South Carolina! The bomb site is the Riverfront Park at 3 Elm Street in Conway. The exhibit is on view now until Dec. 1, 2012. Over 27,000 yards of yarn went into creating the 25 yarn bombs which have been installed at Riverfront Park, most reaching 12 feet in height.

Nov. 3 – 11, 2012 – Holiday Wreath Silent Auction & Fundraiser – Create! Conway, Inc. is holding a fundraising event the first week in November. Proceeds will be used to promote arts programs and arts education in downtown Conway. The Holiday Wreath Silent Auction will also coincide with the Conway’s Downtown Holiday Open House. Local businesses have donated festive decorated wreaths; some contain gifts certificates and gift cards that make them even more valuable. The wreaths will be on display and a Silent Auction will be held Saturday November 3 until Sunday November 11. All proceeds from the event will benefit Create! Conway, Inc. Wreaths will be on display at Bodega located on the corner of 3rd Ave. and Main St. Silent Auction Bidding will take place throughout the week and winning bids will be announced at 4pm on Sunday November 11. You do not have to be present to win. The mission of CREATE! Conway, Inc, a non-profit educational and charitable organization, is to maximize the cultural and business potential of Conway, South Carolina through exhibition, performance, demonstration and promotion of all forms of art. Our vision is to create, develop, nurture and promote all forms of art in all venues and levels for the community of Conway. The downtown Conway historic district is our canvas, stage and gallery. To learn more about CREATE! Conway visit (www.createconway.com) or call Ed Streeter at 843-248-3558.

Nov. 11, 2012, from 1-5pm – Holiday Open House – Start your holiday shopping at the eclectic shops of Olde Conway. On Sunday, November 11 select merchants (15+ shops) open their doors to welcome visitors to explore the hidden gems of Conway on this special Sunday afternoon

For further info contact Barbara or Ed Streeter at Conway Glass Center by e-mail (popsglass@aol.com), visit (www.conwayglass.com) or call 843/248-3558.

Riverfront Park in Conway, SC, Has Been Bombed! Yarn Bombed That Is

CREATE! Conway, the Dixie Knitters and 20 fiber artists have installed “Dancing with Wool,” the largest ever yarn bomb installation in South Carolina! The bomb site is the Riverfront Park at 3 Elm Street in Conway. The exhibit is on view now until Dec. 1, 2012.

Over 27,000 yards of yarn went into creating the 25 yarn bombs which have been installed at Riverfront Park, most reaching 12 feet in height.

The mission of CREATE! Conway™, Inc., a non-profit educational and charitable organization, is to maximize the cultural and business potential of Conway, South Carolina through exhibition, performance, demonstration and promotion of all forms of art. Our vision is to create, develop, nurture and promote art in all venues and levels for the community of Conway. The downtown Conway Historic District is our canvas, stage and gallery.

The Dixie Knitters a loosely knit group of local fiber artists who make art that is focused on color and design using yarn. They are working on several “Yarn Bombing” projects in the Conway, SC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, area. Fiber artists, knitters, and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome to join and participate in upcoming projects. We make our projects as green as possible. The overall idea is to use up-cycled materials.

To find out more, call Barbara Streeter at 843/248-3558.

7th Annual Live Oak Art and Music Fest Takes Place in Conway, SC – Oct. 6, 2012

The 2012 Live Oak Art & Music Fest takes place on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at the Historic Horry County Court House Lawn, 1201 3rd Ave. in Conway, SC, from 10am-5pm.

Artists are invited to join us at the 7th Annual Live Oak Art & Music Fest. If you are an artist, we would love to have you participate! If you know of an artist or artist group that may want to participate, please forward this info.

If you love original art and crafts and appreciate live music mark your calendar and come out and enjoy the day! This event is held in conjunction with Conway’s Fall Festival, a festive day of family fun.

Artists, please click this link to register (http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=gbya88cab&oeidk=a07e5q8rar71e3f7614&oseq=a0159fvfnlqfi).

If you have any questions, need further information, or would like to volunteer, please call Barbara Streeter at 843/248-3558.

 

 

 

Organizers of the 2012 Live Oak Art and Music Festival Taking Place in Conway, SC, is Calling for Participation

Artists are invited to apply for the 7th Annual Live Oak Art & Music Fest to be held under the oaks at the Historic Horry County Court House in downtown Conway, SC, Oct. 6, 2012, from 10am-5pm.

The Live Oak Fest is held in conjunction with the City of Conway’s Fall Festival and brings thousands of visitors to downtown Conway for a full day of music, a car show, and 3 stages packed full of live entertainment. All booths are 10 x 10.

Work by Ruth Cox

Create! Conway is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and economic development in downtown Conway.  The Live Oak Art & Music Fest is made possible through the generous support of our volunteers, sponsors and the City of Conway.

For more information and to apply online visit (www.createconway.com) or call 843/248-4527.

CREATE! Conway in Conway, SC, Presents the Equinox Art and Music Fest – Mar. 24, 2012

On Saturday, Mar. 24, 2012, from noon-8pm, Conway’s Farmers Market, located at 217 Laurel Street in downtown Conway, SC, will come alive with demonstrations by regional artists as well as live music. Visitors to downtown Conway can meet talented artists and musicians and purchase original art directly from the makers.

The Equinox Art & Music Fest is proud to welcome artists Erin Adams, Susan Allen, Gail Baillargeon, Lon Calhoun, Danita Cole, Johnny Dawsey, Terri Eddinger, Dan Foley, Debbie Hicks, Jim Hossbach, John Johnson, Lori Kiam, Elizabeth Knipes, Emil Koepcke, Amy Osborne, Mike Causey, Emily Smith, Janet Mintz, Monica Moore, Tony Morano, Peggy New, Jentry Rose, Wendy Shelly, Terra Thompson, Beth Wicker, Jackie Witek, Kathie Wolk, Cat Wondergem, Rick Steingrass, Ed Streeter and Barbara Streeter.

Work from Conway Glass

Come out and see original paintings and drawings, hand blown glass, photography, pottery, unique wine bottle lights, bonsai, hand crafted wood, handmade soaps, jewelry, textiles, and pine needle baskets will be available for sale.

Watch as glass blowers create colorful works of art from molten glass; see potters shape clay into functional forms on the wheel; learn about encaustic painting techniques using heated wax and colored pigment and you will be amazed to see how baskets are made from pine needles.

Listen to a variety of great tunes and original music performed by local favorites: Coman Sproles, Randall Hill, Dan Barnhart, Matt Parris, Jesse Uzzel, Gray Click, Candice Marotta, Charles Grace, Brian Roessler and Wicked Gift!

CREATE! Conway presents the Equinox Art & Music Fest through the generous support of our volunteers, members, sponsors and the City of Conway.

For further information contact Barbara Streeter at 843/248-4527, e-mail to (popsglass@aol.com) or visit (www.conwayartdistrict.blogspot.com).

Coastal Carolina University Art Professor Elizabeth F. Keller Brings Home “Best in Show”

Elizabeth F. Keller, professor of ceramics at Coastal Carolina University, in Conway, SC, was recently awarded Best in Show for her entry in the Concordia Continental Ceramics Competition 4 at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. The competition is one of the premier international juried clay exhibitions in the country.

Keller’s ceramic sculpture titled “Momiji” took top honors in the show, which featured work by 50 artists, including submissions from Canada, Mexico and Hawaii.

Keller’s ceramic sculpture titled “Momiji”

Juror Sarah Millfelt and curator Marko Fields selected Keller’s sculpture from among pieces from North and Central America, including the Caribbean. Professor Keller joins other noted ceramic artists, such as Diego Valles, Leopold Foulem, Yoshiro Ikeda, Virginia Scotchie and Mika Negishi, to be awarded this honor.

Keller is noted for her narrative ceramic sculptures and whimsical teapots. Her work has won awards both regionally and nationally, and has been featured in solo exhibitions, numerous regional and national juried exhibitions, in several Ceramics Monthly publications and in two recent book publications, “500 Animals in Clay” and “Teapots: Makers and Collectors.”

Additionally, she has studied Christian theology and Jewish Studies at various institutions including Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Judaism. She joined the art faculty at Coastal Carolina University in 1994.

For further info call Keller at 843/349-2715 or CCU at 843/349-6409 or visit (http://www.coastal.edu/bryanartgallery).

Conway Glass in Conway, SC, Offers Glass Blowing Demos – Feb. 4, 2012

On Saturday Feb. 4, 2012, from 11am-4pm, Conway Glass in Conway, SC, will be creating blown glass hearts and all things red and pink! Glass demos are free and begin at 11am. This is a fun, family friendly event and demos begin each hour, on the hour and continue until 4pm.

Conway Glass is located at 209 Laurel Street in Conway.

For further information call them at 843/248-4527, 843/248-3558, or visit (www.conwayglass.com).

Conway Glass in Conway, SC, Offers Glass Blowing Demonstrations and Art Gathering – Dec. 3, 2011

On Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, enjoy glass blowing demos, holiday shopping and then make time to relax at an afternoon “Art Gathering”.

Conway Glass, located at 209 Laurel Street in downtown Conway, SC, will host glass artist Wayne Fitzgerald of Hatboro, PA, who will offer glass blowing demonstration from 11am-4pm. Visitors are invited to see how glass candy canes are made. See Fitzgerald make a glass snowman from molten glass right before your eyes! This is a fun FREE family friendly event. Glassblowers will be demonstrating a variety of glass blowing techniques throughout the day.

An Art Gathering will follow the demonstrations at 4pm. Enjoy a bite to eat, and enjoy liquid refreshment and “live” music by singer/songwriter Brian Roessler. An Art Gathering is defined as a casual social event that celebrates local art with good food, great music, and awesome people.

For further information call 843/248-3558 or visit (www.conwayglass.com).