Amazing Art Sales in this Economy

Columbia, SC. Recently, two artists have proven economy doesn't matter when you have art that has mass appeal and a personality combined with talent, determination and faith. Barbie Mathis of Lexington, SC has single handedly sold 14 originals, had numerous consignments and sold several prints all in the past 4 weeks. These sales were all made at the Sand Hills Village Gallery in the former Bombay Company Store, in Columbia, SC. This has made Barbie the highest selling artist at Sandhills. Barbie's paintings are highly detailed flowers ranging from photo realistic roses to irises with a minimalist background. They are stunning and I think what captures people's attention is the crisp spring feel and everyone loves flowers. Barbie's work can be seen at SandHills Village Gallery.

Then there is Paintings by Roger; featuring the artwork of Roger Hutchison. He is currently having a show at Frame of Mind on Main St in Columbia SC. On his opening night ten pieces sold and I have heard several more have sold since then. Rogers work is bright, eye catching and takes you to a place of playful freedom. I can understand the appeal as I am also attracted to Roger's artwork. He does all his acrylics without brushes. He actually uses his hands to hand paint the canvases in bright colors with some geometric qualities. You can still see Rogers work at Frame of Mind until January 8, 2009.

What is so amazing about Barbie and Roger's sales is that prior to this month as a professional artist in Columbia SC for well over a decade; I had never heard of any artist in Columbia having this kind of sales and to hear of two in one month in a bad economy really makes me stand up take notice. My hat goes off to both of them. Congratulations Barbie and Congratulations Roger!!! Great job! Watch ARTSAILS1 Blog for interviews with Barbie Mathis and an interview with Roger Hutchison and more visuals of their work.

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NOTE: Photo of Barbie Mathis Artist at Sandhills Village in the NE section of Columbia, SC. *

New Photographic Print by Jean Bourque

FIVE POINTS AT NIGHT

by Jean Bourque c 2008

Prints now available * Assorted Sizes*

Framed and unframed Print can be seen at Hart Gallery Opening Thursday Dec. 11, 2008 from 5-8 pm. The gallery address is at 6729 Two Notch Rd. Columbia, SC. Email for driving directions. For purchasing information: contact the artist by email or by comment on the site here. Thanks.

Columbia Museum of Art Holiday Sale Nov 14

It is a busy season for artists without a doubt. We can all take a break; well except for those working this market; and go to the Art Museum Friday Nov. 14 for the Museum Shop Artisans’ Fair and Sale from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Add excitement and art to the holiday season with unusual one of a kind gifts that inspire creativity and make our homes and lives more interesting. The Art Museum will provide Free gift wrapping.

Artists showing and selling their creations are John Benton, Clay Burnette, Anne Cimballa, Melissa Crook, Karen Dickey, Mary Anne Ehasz, Steve Harrell, Patty Hatch, Jennifer Hill, Toni Kelly, Alicia Leeke, Erin-Margaret Moize, Paul Moore, Bohumila Owensby, David Russell, Cindy Saad, Sabine Snykers.

There is no admission fee for the Holiday Market; however refreshments will be available and regular admission applies for entry in Museum galleries. For details phone 803.343.2159

Open Studios May 3 & 4 in Free Times & The State

I have been posting this one for a while. This weekend is finally the BIG event you all have been waiting for:

OPEN STUDIOS TOUR ALL OVER COLUMBIA SC AND IRMO, TOO.

SAT. MAY 3RD
SUN. MAY 4TH

SEE ARTISTS AT WORK AND IN THEIR OWN ENVIRONMENTS, WATCH PAINTERS PAINT AND SCULPTORS SCULPT... AND POTTERS THROUGH SOME CLAY ON THE WHEEL..

It is a fun filled weekend for all. See the State newspaper or the Free Times (free) newspaper for the details and locations. Be sure not to miss the Back Porch Studios , just one block down from Columbia Place mall (formerly Columbia Mall) and in the same plaza as "Very's Philly Restaurant; right on Two Notch Rd. There will be numerous artists showing at this location and if you love Impressionistic or Realistic Landscapes there are many here to choose from. Rounding out the mix of art and artists are also abstracts, collage, palms and palmettos, photography, giclees, clay pots, clay abstract art plates, (Note to self: got to get one of those!) face jogs, iconic work, decorative, functional and just off the wall art!!!! DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!!

SC State Fair Video Ad Competition!

"The SC State Fair means so many different things to so many different people. With the food, the rides, the music, the livestock, the exhibits, etc., it's hard to bring everything together and represent the Fair's various facets. However, we know that we have some very original and creative patrons out there who can accomplish such a feat, so we are calling on YOU to show us what you have and create your own SC State Fair commercial for a chance to win an incredible "Fair Prize Package".
GUIDELINES:
Applicant must be current resident of SC or attending a school in SC.
Applicants under age 18 must be registered by parent or legal guardian.
If a group of individuals is submitting a video together, one person must be designated as a contact person.
Commercial must be titled.
Commercial length must be a minimum of 15 seconds and maximum of 30 seconds.
Registration form must be complete.

JUDGING:
Judges will select 10 finalists who will then be voted on by the public to pick the Grand Prize Winner.*

9 Finalists: Each finalist wins 10 Single Admission Passes, 10 “POP” Ride Coupons, & 4 PEPSI® Grandstand concert tickets to show of your choice.
1 Grand Prize: Grand Prize winner wins 50 Single Admission Passes, 10 “POP” Ride Coupons, 2 Fair Preview Party Invitations, 4 PEPSI® Grandstand Concert Tickets to show of your choice with Backstage/“Meet & Greet” Passes**, and $250 Cash.

What Do You Need To Enter?
A video camera, a YouTube account (membership is FREE!), and creativity like never before!

Video Judging Criteria
All eligible entries received during the Video Submission Period will be judged based on the following judging criteria, each given equal weight.

Creativity and originality including use of required elements
“Well-Rounded”—meaning that your commercial has effectively displayed the different aspects of the Fair that makes it like no other event
Quality of video
Overall impression

Based on the Judge’s scores the top ten entries will be posted on the SC State Fair’s website during the Public Voting Period to determine a Grand Prize winner.

TIMELINE
EVENTS
START
END
VIDEO SUBMISSION PERIOD
May 1
July 11
JUDGING TO SELECT 10 FINALISTS
July 12
August 1
PUBLIC VOTING PERIOD
August 2
September 2
WINNER ANNOUNCED
September 9th

So go ahead, follow the rules, get those creative juices flowing and have some fun! Hey, and be sure to stay tuned to www.scstatefair.org all summer for updates for the 2008 SC State Fair.
*If, after 10 days the judges cannot make contact with a selected finalist, they reserve the right to disqualify the applicant's video entry and select another video, thereby releasing the original finalist from all prize winning opportunities.
**Pending artist's approval.
HOW TO ENTER :
If you do not already have a YouTube account (membership is FREE!), click here to set one up.
Once you have made your video, upload it to your account.
Next, send your video in a YouTube message to “SC State Fair” and include the following information in the message body:
Name
Age
# of Participants
Address
Phone Number
Hometown
Video Name
Your Initials (By initialing this form you are verifying that all of the above information is correct and shall serve as an authorized signature)
Make sure your video is selected to be attached to the message by selecting it from the “Attach a Video” box of the message.
You will receive a reply message when we have received your video.

South Carolina State Fair1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia SC 29201 USA PO Box 393, Columbia SC 29202 USA Phone: 803-799-3387 or Toll Free: 888-444-3247 Fax: 803-799-1760Web site questions/comments/e-mail: geninfo@scstatefair.org "
copied from an email received from the SC State Fair

Trenholm Artists Guild Feb. 08 Meeting Photos

Stacy Morgan, Model ............... Ric Standridge, Speaker....

Photos courtesy of Jerry Bridgers, Trenholm Artists Guild

Vista Bank Seeks Artists Columbia SC

The new Vista Bank with offices in Columbia and Aiken is seeking to commission an artist to create 9-10 original works appropriate for placement in the Columbia office and that represent Columbia vistas. Vista Bank offices are at 1219 Assembly Street in Columbia. Interested artists may wish to stop by to see which wall spaces are open for placement.

The Cultural Council will charge a 20% commission to the artist. In addition if the artist wishes the Cultural Council to remit the sales tax, the Council will remit that therefore the artist will pay a 27% commission. Please submit sample images to the Cultural Council no later than February 14th for consideration. The bank jury will meet during the week of February 18 with selection of the finalists by the 22nd and final selection by February 29th. Please note, the bank does not expect the artist to have all works currently in inventory, and indeed, will anticipate the artist will continue to create work through the following weeks.

For application and more details bring your images on a cd to the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, 930 Richland Street, Columbia SC 29201 Or Call Andy Witt at 803-231-3131 (direct line)

Photo of Artists: Jean Bourque of Columbia, SC and Ilona Royce Smithken of NYC, NY and Cape Cod, MA. Photo courtesy of Jean Ehler, of St. Mathews, SC artist and photographer. All three are members of the Back Porch Painters.

MCAS Annual Show Nov 30 & Dec 1 at 80808

Midland's Clay Arts Society

Annual Christmas Show and Sale

at Gallery 80808 on Lady St. in the Vista

Columbia SC Nov. 30 & Dec. 1

Everyone is invited!