The Rewards of being an artist in Beaufort County

The Beaufort Art Association's 51st Annual Spring Show was in March, and they filled the gym on Green Street in downtown Beaufort.

Artists in the show included Kim Bogan, Laura Bricker, Floyd Day, Scott Gordon, Carol Kamm, Mary Jane Martin, Tony Otero, Penny Russell, Marilee Sartori, Susie Stockholm, Kari Swanson, Joan Templer, and Dennis Wilkins.

This year's show was judged by J. Christian Snedeker of Charleston: "The work of an artist is a journey, always seeking to explore deeper meaning, and to reach for a greater awareness and understanding. I don't think any artist ever arrives at a destination; it is the journey that matters."

Snedeker began his career in furniture making. Though creatively satisfying, it was painting rather than furniture making that was Snedeker's passion, and in the 1990's Snedeker turned to a more intensive study of painting. In 2000 joined the Charleston Artist's Guild, and became an associate member of Oil Painters of America. He was welcomed into the art community with multiple awards. Snedeker paints full-time, developing works that hopefully evoke the deeper qualities of the beauty of our world that we so often take for granted.

Pictured here is "Picnic" by Mary Ann Berger, which won an Award of Merit

"One Shy Eye" by Von Stroppel, which was awarded the Geneva Litchfield Best in Show Award for High School Students

"On Axis" by Robert Steinmetz, which won the EBA Giclee Gift Certificate Award.

This March, USCB also recognized high school art students at their 2nd annual "Emerging Artist Competition"

Out of the 100+ submissions that the USCB Emerging Artist Competition received, 40 entries from 27 students were accepted and will continue to be on display in the USCB Center for the Arts through May 18.

In determining the winners, USCB Studio Art professor Jon Goebel explained, "We look for students who possess strong technical skills in addition to developing original ideas - with the hopes that the student might choose USCB as the school to pursue an art degree. But, even if a selected student chooses to go elsewhere for their college education, the inclusion into this show is important and can be used as a testament for the quality and presentation of their work."

First place was awarded to Karimen Ambrocio from Hilton Head High School for "Marbles Still Life." (pictured here.) Kelsey Borden from Bluffton High School was awarded second place for "Cinderella Day Dream." Cameron Holsclaw from Bluffton High School took third place with "Vigilance." These top three works chosen by the jurors will receive annual art scholarship awards of $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Other entries accepted into the exhibition will receive honorable mention awards consisting of $500 annual art scholarships.

The keynote address was delivered by West Fraser, who has captured the character, aesthetics and history of the Lowcountry in his paintings for over 30 years. Fraser encouraged the students who are truly willing to make a commitment in the arts. "There are many avenues that can lead to prosperous lives as a creative person. There is a future in the emerging creative economy, and anyone willing to make the commitment to hard work, serious endeavor, passion for learning, and an open mind to all possibilities can succeed…There are more opportunities to graduates of art programs today than ever before and for creative individuals, the 21st century is now, your time."

Chancellor Jane Upshaw is pictured here congratulating Cameron Holsclaw from Bluffton High School who took third place with "Vigilance."