By Paula Thommen
Natural Beauty, a hand-built ceramic piece by Betsy Sellers.
Ceramic artists, painters, and sculptors from throughout the Carolinas are showcased in Southport’s Franklin Square Gallery‘s highlight of the season, The Summer Regional Show. Regional artists have been invited to join gallery members and submit their latest work for judging, and the selected art comprises this juried exhibition which runs from June 18 until July 15.
“I’ve seen 20 summer shows at Franklin Square Gallery, and I believe it gets better every year, ” notes chairperson Joyce Grazetti. “I can’t wait to see what our talented artists submit this year.” Many of the well-known guest artists submit their new work each year, but new talent often makes its first appearance in the gallery circuit in this open invitation to be juried into a large, regional show.
Allie Lull, Impressions of Light, mixed media, acrylic over texturized gesso, "with some collage buried in there."
The artists are vying for a range of prizes from Honorable Mention to Best of Show, in both two-dimensional and three dimensional categories. Carrie Burns Brown, of Greenville, S.C., an experimental watermedia artist, national juror, and instructor at the Greenville Museum and Springmaid, will judge the 2-D work. Cynthia Bringle, designated a North Carolina Living Treasure now working in Penland, N.C., is the 3-D judge. Award winners will be announced at a reception for the artists and the public on Tuesday evening, July 19, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Over 100 exhibiting members of The Associated Artists of Southport, the organization which manages this cooperative gallery, will also have artwork on display in the pottery rooms and upstairs Art Loft.
Claire Martin, Playing for The King, oil on canvas.
Patrons look forward to another traditional part of the Summer Show, the July 4 Raffle. The Associated Artists have contributed a selection of framed paintings and ceramic art, and these items are also on exhibit.The public is invited to buy raffle tickets and a drawing will by held on July 4 at 5 o’clock,. Ticket-holders need not be present to win. These proceeds go to the maintenance of the historic building which houses this non-profit community gallery.
Franklin Square Gallery is located in historic downtown Southport directly behind Franklin Square Park. A former schoolhouse and town hall, the building is a tourist attraction in itself. It is open to the public daily, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. For more information call 910-457-5450 or visit the website at www.franklinsquaregallery.com.
Note: Paintings shown are entries into the juried Summer Regional Show.