Why I Wanted to Exhibit My Art in a Gallery that Represents My Local Art Association

My Town

It’s easy to see why I wanted to exhibit my art in a gallery represents the beauty of where I live.

I live in Beaufort, a gorgeous little coastal town in the South Carolina “Lowcountry” (the parts of our state that are far away from the coast, like Greenville and Spartanburg, are refered to as “The Upstate”). Founded in 1711, this place is so saturated with American history, I couldn’t even begin to list it all here. If you’re interested, you can read a brief version of my town’s history on Wikipedia.

Beautiful Beaufort by the Sea,

      Twenty-Six miles from Yemassee.

South of Charleston, South Carolina, and north of Savannah, Georgia, Beaufort is home to the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Hunting Island State Park. We’re also less than an hour’s drive to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Whether you prefer hunting, fishing, beach combing, visiting old graveyards and historic buildings, or taking photos of oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, everything is here and ready to be explored.

Why Should I Exhibit My Art in a Gallery When Everything is Online Now?

Okay, so I like where I live. Does that mean I should exhibit locally?

Galleries take percentages of sales, so why should I put my stuff in a gallery at all? We don’t really need galleries anymore, do we? Isn’t it good enough to sell only online? Those are questions that each creative person will ask themselves sooner or later. In my humble opinion, diversity is grand. Why not have an Etsy (or other web-based store) and a brick and mortar store? Like I’ve written before, shows, galleries, online stores, and social media are different venues to sell your work and let people know that you do what you do. More is better.

Why Exhibit Locally? Why Not Choose a Privately Owned Gallery Instead?

I wanted my art to be exhibited locally because I want to engage and support the arts in my own community. I love my Etsy store and plan to keep it open, but an online store doesn’t take the place of being part of a group of local artists.

The Beaufort Art Association Gallery was the place where I wanted to exhibit my art the most. Founded in 1957, this non-profit gallery is for the artists and by the artists. Exhibiting members (there are over 70) are required to work in the gallery one day a month. If you are a visitor walking into this art shop, you are greeted by a local artist every single time. The walls are stocked with abstract art, painted egrets, palmetto trees, marsh views, sailboats, and lots of other seaside subjects.

In addition to paintings, the gallery has photographs, jewelry, pottery, and woodturned items. Art can be expressed through so many different mediums, and I’m so glad our association tries to represent them all.

I love the mantra on the online gallery web page:

We are South Carolina, Lowcountry artists who believe in sharing our passion for our cultural artwork through our paintings, our jewelry, our fabrics, photography, wood and fired sculptures—unique to our geographical region.

I Love the Gallery Location

I love the location of the Beaufort Art Association Gallery. It is on Bay Street in the heart of downtown Beaufort. I’ve lived here forever, but I still like to go and puruse the galleries and stores, eat in the restaurants, then sit on one of the swings in the Waterfront Park and look at the ocean.

I also like the “First Friday” idea.

First Friday is a celebration of Downtown shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and community. It’s a fun night for the downtown businesses and for locals! Come explore downtown galleries, shopping, and eateries throughout the evening. Enjoy entertainment and live demonstrations too! The event is FREE and open to the public.

The Perks of Exhibiting My Art in a Gallery

One of my favorite things about this gallery is the people. The manager, Tracy Von Harten, is hilarious. She went to high school with me. All of the artists I’ve worked with so far have been interesting and very helpful.

The benefits of being an exhibiting member are also fabulous. For $200 per year, I’m allowed to show 4 items per exhibiting period (around 6 weeks each) and place 6 prints in the gallery as well. Shows and classes are included. Artists can also be featured after being exhibiting members for one year.

I enjoy volunteering in the gallery because I get to see what the other artists are painting and what people are buying.

If you’re ever down this way, drop by 913 Bay street and take a look at the talents of the Lowcountry artists!

Be the Maker,

Kristie

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