The Society of Bluffton Artists in Bluffton, SC, is Searching for Local Artists to Join the Group

The art district in Bluffton, SC, is growing, but where do local artists go to network, to exhibit or to sell their works?

The founding members of The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) had this in mind when they started the non-profit organization in 1991. Today, SoBA is a thriving community with an eclectic art gallery and Center for Creative Arts instructional studio in Old Town Bluffton.

The group’s organizers are ramping up their membership drive in search of new local artists — from painting and collage to print making and sculpture.

“Members are the lifeblood of SoBA,” said Bill Bogle, SoBA president and a local photographer. “Membership provides 11 display opportunities for the year, discounts on the annual Judged Show, consideration for our Featured Artist exhibition, workshops led by renowned art instructors and camaraderie with other artists.”

There are three levels of membership:

Starting Membership is $75 and includes discounted rental fees of the Center for Creative Arts for private events, invitation to artist member networking events, discounted classes and workshops, as well as promotional opportunities on the SoBA website and newsletter.

Exhibiting Membership starts at $200 and includes the starting membership. This level of membership offers artists the opportunity to display and to sell their artwork at the SoBA gallery.

The Friends of SoBA donor membership offers three levels of giving that range from $125-$500 and includes all of the benefits of the starting membership. Contributions are 100% tax-deductible will help support SoBA.

Membership is open in all visual art categories: painting, collage, photography, print making, jewelry design, sculpture and more. The jewelry membership categories are filled, but those interested can be added to a wait list.

“Running a Gallery is a business and our members help in this endeavor by taking advantage of the many volunteer opportunities, including staffing the gallery, where they greet visitors and promote member art,” said Bogle.

For more information about SoBA membership, visit (https://sobagallery.com/memberships/) or contact Mary Burrell, SoBA’s chairwoman of the membership committee, by e-mail at (maryellenburrell@aol.com).

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) is a non-profit organization established to promote a stimulating community environment for the visual arts and assist area students and artists in enhancing their artistic abilities. SoBA is the flourishing art hub in Bluffton’s historic District at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows and exhibitions. Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.

The Society of Bluffton Artists in Bluffton, SC, Unveils Winners of “25th Annual Judged Show”, on View Through Mar. 31, 2019

About 100 local artists entered in Society of Bluffton Artists’ (SoBA) “25th Annual Judged Show”, but only 16 walked away with awards this week.

Mary Ann Ford received top honors for “Oyster Shell In Grey,” which received “Best In Show.” First place winners included: Catherine Hester in oil; Julie Jones in acrylic; Joan McKeever in mixed medium; Donna Cole in watercolor; and Steve Edelstein in photography.

Other winners included:
• Oil: John Kenney, second; Sandy Rhodesl, third
• Acrylic: Bill Winn, second; Mary Tredwell, third
• Mixed Medium: Missy Gentile, second; Cynthia Zeiss, third
• Watercolor: Joanne Talbot, second; Brenda Fallon, third
• Photography: Jim Wilson, second; Clyde Lohere, third

The winning pieces can be found at (www.sobagallery.com).

The Society of Bluffton Artists is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.

The Society of Bluffton Artists in Bluffton, SC, Calls For Entries for Annual Judged Show – Deadline Mar. 4, 2019

The deadline for entries for the Society of Bluffton Artists’ 25th Annual Judged Show is from 9-11am, Monday, March 4, 2019. The exhibit runs from March 5-31 with a reception and awards ceremony held from 5-7pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

There is still time left for Lowcountry artists to submit their works of art for The Society of Bluffton Artists’ (SoBA) 25th Annual Judged Show.

Pre-registration is required by stopping by the gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton or by registering online at (http://bit.ly/SoBAJudgedShow2019). The cost to register is $25 for SoBA members and $45 for non SoBA members.

Deliver registered art Monday, March 4 at the Center for Creative Arts, located next door to the SoBA gallery at 8 Church Street. Label information for the artwork will be e-mailed after registration and the fee are received. No entries will be accepted after 11am.

To be eligible for an award, a minimum of 7 pieces of art must be displayed in any one category. The categories are acrylic, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, watercolor or 3D. Winners will be awarded first, second and third place cash awards. A full list of rules are available online at (http://bit.ly/SoBAJudgedShow2019).

The judge for this year’s show is internationally renowned watercolorist Judi Betts. Her paintings have appeared on national television, wine labels, CDs and DVDs, and in more than 35 books. She has served as juror or judge for more than 150 regional, national and international competitions. In 2009, Betts was on the awards jury for the American Watercolor Society’s 142nd International Competition. Additionally, she had presented more than 425 workshops, as well as invitational sessions for watercolor societies in Norway, Puerto Rico, Sweden and Canada. Betts is a signature member of the American and National Watercolor Societies, members of both the National and Salmagundi Art Clubs in New York City, and she’s listed in “Who’s Who in American Art.” Betts’ paintings are included in corporate, university, museum and private collections.

The Society of Bluffton Artists is the heart of the flourishing art hub in Old Town Bluffton’s historic district at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. As a non-profit art organization, SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions, scholarships, outreach programs and more. Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.

Bluffton Arts District in Bluffton, SC, Presents 2019 Annual Bluffton Old Town Paint Out – Apr. 27, 2019

Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10am-4pm, artists are invited to break out their paintbrushes and sun hats for this fun plein air painting event taking place in beautiful Bluffton, SC, in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The entry fee is $20 in advance and $25 walk up. Registration forms are available at any of the old town art galleries and on-line at (www.sobagallery.com). Register in person at Four Corners Framing, 1263-B May River Road with cash or check, or online with credit card at (www.sobagallery.com). Artists, check in at the event tent on the corner of Calhoun and Lawrence Streets between 10am and 1pm and then off to paint at one of the picturesque settings in old town Bluffton. Artists and visitors are invited to gather at the event tent at 4pm for judging, viewing and awards – cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

This event is just part of the Spring Fling Arts Weekend Celebration in Old Town Bluffton beginning with the Spring Art Walk 4-7pm Friday, April 26. The Plein Air Paint Out on Saturday, and Art of Cuisine Stroll & Savor event on Sunday April 28, 2019.

For more information please visit the Bluffton Arts District facebook page, (www.sobagallery.com) or call 843/757-8185.

Society of Bluffton Artists’ in Bluffton, SC, Presents Art of the Martini Fundraiser on February 16, 2019

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) non-profit art organization will present its first big fundraiser of 2019 with Art of the Martini from 5-7pm, on February 16 at Oscar Frazier Community Center in Bluffton, SC.

The fun-filled evening will include live entertainment, two complimentary martinis for each person (from which there will be six variety to choose), hors d’oeuvres from The Cottage and unique offerings for a silent auction. Each guest will take home a complimentary, hand-painted martini glass to remember the evening.

Tickets are $45 and help support SoBA’s outreach art programs, art workshops and operating expenses that support the community. Tickets are available for sale online at sobagallery.com or at the gallery located in Old Town Bluffton.

SoBA members are asked to purchase two tickets and to sell two tickets — which can be picked up from the gallery on Friday, December 21. Volunteers are needed to set up and break down the event, bartend with premixed martinis, food and greeting. Additionally, to make the silent auction a success, event coordinators need 25 unique pieces of art in the following categories: art to wear such as jewelry, stoneware, wood, sculpture, up-cycled furniture, photography and paintings.

Volunteers are needed to help with this event and artists needed to donate for silent auction.

If you are interested in submitting art, please send a photograph of the items you wish to donate by e-mailing to (hawleycollection@aol.com) or (gayle.miller@sobagallery.com).

“Help us to make this an event to remember and thank you in advance for supporting SoBA!” said Hawley.

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) is a non-profit organization established to promote a stimulating community environment for the visual arts and assist area students and artists in enhancing their artistic abilities. SoBA is the flourishing art hub in Bluffton’s historic District at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows and exhibitions.

Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.

Society of Bluffton Artists in Bluffton, SC, Announces Winners of “24th Annual Judged Show”

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) “24th Annual Judged Show” was a huge success. More than 100 artists from around the Lowcountry submitted work for the judged show. Here are all of the winners by category:

Acrylic:
3rd — “Any Which Way” by Mary Sullivan
2nd — “The Boatman” by Dave Dickson
1st — “Contemplation” by Jennifer Rocco Stone

Mixed Media:
3rd — “The Equestrian” by Anne M. Kennedy
2nd — “Out of the Blue” by Vicki Jourdan
1st — “On the Marsh” by Penny Beesley

Oil:
3rd — “Golden Glow” by Dennis Lake
2nd — “Race Day” by Murray Sease
1st — “Jessica” by Kristan Eisenbraun

Photo:
3rd — “I Bow to You My Queen” by Linda Moore
2nd — “Enchanted Forest” by Clyde Lohere
1st — “Owl Always Love You” by Sue Jarrett

Watercolor:
3rd — “Alex in Wonderland” by Mary Ann Putzier
2nd — “Coexist” by Brenda Fallon
1st — “Peony Patterns” by Christy McEvilly

Best in Show:
“Chef David” by LeAnn Kalita

Work by LeAnn Kalita

Honorable Mention:
Acrylic – # 9 – Solitude- by Bill Winn
Oil- # 5 – Summer Shines at the Bluff- by Nancy Dwight
Oil- # 10 – Beauty is Eternal by Pam Davis
Photography- # 7 – Eureka- by Diana Nadanyi
Watercolor- # 5- Resting Mates- Port Royal by Donna Cole
Watercolor- #15- Butterfly Dreams- Cynthia Zeiss

SoBA is the flourishing art hub in Bluffton, SC’s historic District at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions and more. Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.

The 2018 Annual Bluffton Old Town Paint Out Takes Place in Bluffton, SC – Apr. 21, 2018

On Saturday, Apr. 21, 2018, from 10am – 4pm, artists are invited to break out their paintbrushes and sun hats for this fun plein air painting event taking place in Bluffton, SC. The entry fee is $20 in advance and $25 walk up. Registration forms are available at any of the old town art galleries.

You may register in person at Four Corners Framing with cash or check, or online with credit card at sobagallery.com. Artists, check in at the event tent on the corner of Calhoun and Lawrence Streets between 10am and 1pm and then off to paint at one of the picturesque settings in beautiful old town Bluffton. Artists and visitors are invited to gather at the event tent at 4pm for judging, viewing and awards – cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

For more information please visit the Bluffton Arts District facebook page, and (www.sobagallery.com) or call 843/757-8185.

La Petite Gallerie in Bluffton, SC, Celebrates third Anniversary – Feb. 9, 2018

La Petite Gallerie, the intimate little art gallery on Calhoun Street, in Bluffton, SC, is celebrating its three year anniversary in February. There will be a party coinciding with the old town Bluffton Art Walk on Feb. 9, 2018, from 5 – 7pm. Enjoy bubbly prosecco, divine chocolate, and be a part of a grand art giveaway by the seven owner artists.

“We would like to thank our customers and our community for making our little gallery a grand success” says Murray Sease, one of the artists at La Petite Gallerie. “We will be giving away a piece of art each month for seven months, beginning with the original acrylic painting, ‘Hydrangeas,’ by Lauren Terrett. Simply sign up at the party on the 9th – or anytime during February – for the chance to win. The process will be repeated each month following with each of the remaining artists contributing a piece for this grand art giveaway. “This is a fun way to share our art and have a good time with friends” is the concensus of the artists involved including Don Nagel, Margaret Crawford, Bill Winn and Penny Beesley, along with Terrett and Sease.

Work by Lauren Terrett

Come celebrate with the artists and friends on Friday, Feb. 9 with wine and sweets, view Lauren’s beautiful ‘Hydrangeas,’ and sign up for the chance to win!

For further info visit (www.lapetitegallerie.com).

Society of Bluffton Artists in Bluffton, SC, Calls for Entries for “24th Annual Judged Show” – Deadline is Mar. 5, 2018

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) is reaching out to all local artists for a special call for entries for the “24th Annual Judged Show”, which will take place from Mar. 6-Apr. 1, 2018, at the SoBA gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton, SC.

The opening reception and awards is from 5-7pm, on Mar. 7 at the gallery. Artists are asked to fill out a registration form at the gallery or online at (www.sobagallery.com/24th-annual-judged-show). The Judged Show is open to the first 100 entries. The entry fee is $25 for SoBA members and $35 for non-members.

Artwork should be delivered from 9-11am, on Mar. 5, 2018, at the Center for Creative Arts, next door to the SoBA gallery on Church Street. No entries are accepted after 11am.

The Judged Show will include first, second and third place cash awards in acrylic, mixed media, oil, photography, watercolor and 3D. Rules for entry and other information can be found on the SoBA website.

Nationally acclaimed artist Linda St. Clair will judge the artwork. St. Clair’s paintings are exhibited and collected throughout the nation and worldwide. She is a two-time recipient of the Grumbacher Gold Medal and member of the Society of Animal Artists in New York. Her work is featured in galleries in Sedona, Arizona; St. Helena, California; Beaver Creek, Colorado; Ketchum, Idaho; Hilton Head Island, SC; Washington, DC; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and her home city of Santa Fe. She has exhibited nationally at The Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Wyoming, The Audubon Artists Annual Exhibition in New York, and The Salmagundi Club in New York. She is represented in galleries throughout the United States.

SoBA is the flourishing art hub in Bluffton’s historic District at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions and more.

Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.

Yard Sale to Raise Money for Society of Bluffton Artists in Bluffton, SC – Sept. 16, 2017

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) is reaching out to members and friends to donate art, art-related supplies or other materials to sell at a yard sale, proceeds from which will benefit SoBA maintenance and programs.

Those interested can bring items to the Center for Creative Arts, the building next to the gallery, after 1pm, Sept. 14, all day Sept. 15 and by 9am, Sept. 16.

The SoBA Yard Sale will take place from 10am to 4pm, Saturday, Sept. 16th at the SoBA gallery, located at 6 Church Street.

SoBA is the flourishing art hub in Bluffton’s historic District at the corner of Church and Calhoun streets. SoBA offers regular art classes, featured artist shows, exhibitions and more.

Please visit (www.sobagallery.com) for a complete calendar of events and other information or call 843/757-6586.