“South Carolina Watermedia Society Traveling Exhibition” and “Sumter Artists Guild Winners Show”
The South Carolina Watermedia Society (SCWS) is the largest statewide visual arts guild with a mission to promote South Carolina artists by providing exhibition opportunities and educational programs. The 2009 SCWS show is an especially vibrant one. The juror for the 2009 SCWS show was Pat Dews, a signature member of several watercolor societies including the American Watercolor Society, and the National Watercolor Society, and winner of many national awards. Winner of the Best in Show award was “Belly Dancer” by Claire Farrell of Columbia, SC, who will be in attendance at the Sumter opening Thursday night. Sumter’s own Rose Metz, a perennial winner, won the Trenholm Artist Guild Award for her acrylic abstract “As the Crow Flies”. Karen Watson, Director of the Sumter County Gallery of Art says that this show: Has something for everybody’s taste. The selections are just alive with color and include a rich variety of imagery; abstracts and representational work of varied subject matter including landscapes, figural, and still life. The South Carolina Watermedia Society Show, more than any other, showcases the vast talent of South Carolina artists.
Watson says that this year’s Sumter Artists Guild Winners Show is also an exciting one because it includes several long time Guild members who have never been represented in the Winners show: Susan Allen, whose watercolor, “Sunflower in Sunshine” won second place, Joseph Valcourt, whose photograph, “Drifting on Altair” won Honorable Mention, and Jamie Caplinger, whose oil, “Laela” won Honorable Mention. Long time Sumter artist (and “new” guild member), Dennis Snell, who recently rejoined the Sumter Artists’ Guild, won first place with his acrylic “Saw Palmettos”. Rounding out this impressive group are Marjorie Hooks, second place winner for her sculpture “A Curious Notion” and Rose Metz, Honorable Mention for her piece “Contemplation”.
Thanks to the following sponsors who made this exhibition possible: The Sumter Artists’ Guild, a historically important and strong partner of the Gallery whose members are catering the opening reception, NBSC, Sumter Pathology Associates, and Susan & Jim Allen in memory of Karen Starke.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT Collaboration of Fragments
Frank McCauley, Asst. Director/Chief Curator, 803-775-0543 mccauleyf1@yahoo.com
Karen Watson, Executive Director, SCGA, 803-775-0543 scgadirector@gmail.com