Drawing a crowd: Carolina Artists guild to host 34th annual Art Expo Show and Sale

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 14, 2024

Once again, it is time for the Carolina Artists’ Art Expo. Members of the guild will display works at the Salisbury Civic Center, 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S. in Salisbury, on Sept. 17-19. Three days of art for everyone in the community to enjoy, and works will also be for sale. Exhibits are open from 1-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, and from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 19.
This year will be the 34th year of The Carolina Artists offering an annual art exhibit since it was created in 1990.
A meet the artist reception will be Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., and the public is welcome. During this time, refreshments will be served, winners will be announced, sponsors recognized and awards will be presented to the artists. At least 200 pieces of artwork on will be on display.
The categories for art will be oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, drawing, mixed media and photography. New this year is the sculpture category.
This year, The Artist Showcase Gift Shop is a new addition, and will feature artists’ prints, small artwork, notecards, handcrafted jewelry and more for sale.
The Carolina Artists guild was created by local artists to have the specific purpose of taking art directly to the public. The guild has achieved that through art shows, art education and workshops, community service and being a visible part of community events throughout the year.
The members represent a very diverse group of artists ranging from 3D and junk art, watercolors, pottery, acrylics, oils and pastels, digital art, pen and pencil, photography, sculpture, abstract and window art. There is something for everyone, beginner to advanced.
Many talented and award-winning local artists will be exhibiting at the show: Clyde, abstract and impressionistic artist; Connie Penninger, inspirational and impressionistic, Janet Isenhour, watercolor and mixed media; Mary Ellen Bennett, 3D and creative junk artist; Carolyn Blackman, watercolor, oil, pen and ink artist; Marshall Stokes and Andy Mooney; hyperrealism artists; Deb Fredette, portrait and oil artist; Doris Trexler, watercolor; Andrea Brown, animal art; and Cherrathee Hager, window and mural artist, plus many others.
Members are dedicated to providing art education. Several members are currently teaching adult and children’s classes that are available to the public at the Darling Arts Gallery in Landis —  Joyce Darling, Dr. Mary Louise Hooper, Donna VanValkenberg and Rhonjlyn Hampton Cardwell.
A two-day Plein Air oil painting workshop, featuring American Impressionist Artist Craig Richards, is being offered Oct. 18-19 in Salisbury, and is open to members and non members. Pre registration is required.
If you are an artist, you may choose to become a member. If you are an art fan, you may want to consider becoming a sponsor to help support the community outreach and projects.
The Carolina Artists meet the third Thursday of each month at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury (Faith Center, 100 N. Jackson St. entrance). Meet and greet and refreshments are from 6:30-7 p.m. and brief meeting and mini workshop starts at 7 p.m. Guests are always welcome.
For additional information on the Expo, exhibiting your artwork, becoming a member or sponsor and classes, contact Cherrathee Hager at 704-490-2001, Deb Fredette at Debfredette@gmail.com or go to thecarolinaartists.org.